Philadelphia, PA Public Health Rules: Bed-Bug Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Notice + control plan
- required before any lease signs
- History disclosure window
- 120 days of infestations
- Complaint acknowledgment
- 5 business days
- Pest pro deployed
- within 10 business days
- Punitive damages cap
- $2,000 per violation
Summary
Philadelphia landlords must give tenants a bed bug notice, keep a bed bug control plan, and disclose 120 days of infestation history before signing any lease.
No person shall lease out any dwelling unit: (.1) unless such person has furnished to the tenant an informational notice regarding bed bugs; (.2) unless such person has developed, maintained and is following a bed bug control plan; and (.3) unless such person has furnished to the tenant a written disclosure of the history of bed bug infestation and remediation history for the dwelling unit for the previous 120 days.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Philadelphia Code § 9-4802, no landlord may lease a dwelling unit without first giving the tenant an informational notice on bed bugs, maintaining a written bed bug control plan, and disclosing the unit's bed bug and remediation history for the prior 120 days. Once notified of a suspected infestation, the landlord must acknowledge it within 5 business days, get a licensed pest management professional investigating within 10 business days, give 24 hours' notice before entering to treat, and monitor the unit for 12 months after clearance. Tenants must report suspected infestations within 5 business days and cooperate with prep for treatment.
Violations & Fines
Skipping the pre-lease disclosures lets the tenant void the lease penalty-free; ignoring a bed bug complaint blocks the landlord from filing eviction and opens the door to a lawsuit for remediation costs, damages, attorney's fees, and up to $2,000 in punitive damages per violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my Philadelphia landlord ignores a bed bug complaint?
Who pays for bed bug treatment in a Philadelphia rental?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Philadelphia
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