Raleigh, NC Public Health Rules: Bed-Bug Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Landlord duty
- NCGS 42-42 fit premises
- Tenant duty
- NCGS 42-43 cleanliness
- City role
- Housing code habitability
- Treatment
- Licensed pest control required
Summary
Raleigh treats bed bug infestations under the Raleigh Housing Code minimum standards, holding landlords responsible for habitable units while NC General Statute Chapter 42 frames tenant duties for cleanliness and reporting.
§ 42-42. Landlord to provide fit premises.
(a) The landlord shall:
(1) Comply with the current applicable building and housing codes, whether enacted before or after October 1, 1977, to the extent required by the operation of such codes; no new requirement is imposed by this subdivision (a)(1) if a structure is exempt from a current building code. [...]
(2) Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition.
(3) Keep all common areas of the premises in safe condition.
(4) Maintain in good and safe working order and promptly repair all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord provided that notification of needed repairs is made to the landlord in writing by the tenant, except in emergency situations. [...]
(8) Within a reasonable period of time based upon the severity of the condition, repair or remedy any imminently dangerous condition on the premises after acquiring actual knowledge or receiving notice of the condition. [...] For purposes of this subdivision, the term "imminently dangerous condition" means any of the following: [...] k. Rat infestation as a result of defects in the structure that make the premises not impervious to rodents.
Full Breakdown
Raleigh has no bed-bug-specific ordinance, but the city Housing Code requires rental units be kept free from infestation as part of habitability. NC General Statute 42-42 obligates landlords to maintain fit premises, while 42-43 requires tenants to keep units clean and report problems promptly. Wake County Environmental Health does not directly treat bed bugs in private apartments but provides guidance. Landlords typically must hire licensed pest control. Disputes about who pays for treatment often hinge on lease terms and which party caused the infestation.
Violations & Fines
Landlord failure to abate after written notice may trigger Raleigh housing code violations, potential rent withholding under NC tenant remedies, and civil penalties through Code Enforcement abatement orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my landlord have to pay for treatment?
Can I withhold rent for bed bugs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Raleigh
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