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Stockton, CA Public Health Rules: Bed-Bug Rules (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State law
Civil Code 1954.600-605
Disclosure
Required to new tenants
Inspection notice
Within 2 business days
Treatment
Licensed PCO required

Summary

California Civil Code Section 1954.603 requires Stockton landlords to provide bed bug information to new tenants and respond promptly to infestation reports. Landlords cannot show units known to be infested and must notify tenants of inspection results.

1954.603. On and after July 1, 2017, prior to creating a new tenancy for a dwelling unit, a landlord shall provide a written notice to the prospective tenant as provided in this section. This notice shall be provided to all other tenants by January 1, 2018. The notice shall be in at least 10-point type and shall include, but is not limited to, the following: (a) General information about bed bug identification, behavior and biology, the importance of cooperation for prevention and treatment, and the importance of and for prompt written reporting of suspected infestations to the landlord. The information shall be in substantially the following form: Information about Bed Bugs. Bed bug Appearance: Bed bugs have six legs. Adult bed bugs have flat bodies about 1/4 of an inch in length. Their color can vary from red and brown to copper colored. Young bed bugs are very small. Their bodies are about 1/16 of an inch in length. They have almost no color. When a bed bug feeds, its body swells, may lengthen, and becomes bright red, sometimes making it appear to be a different insect. Bed bugs do not fly. They can either crawl or be carried from place to place on objects, people, or animals. Life Cycle and Reproduction: An average bed bug lives for about 10 months. Female bed bugs lay one to five eggs per day. Bed bugs grow to full adulthood in about 21 days. Bed bugs can survive for months without feeding. Common signs and symptoms of a possible bed bug infestation: Small red to reddish brown fecal spots on mattresses, box springs, bed frames, mattresses, linens, upholstery, or walls. Molted bed bug skins, white, sticky eggs, or empty eggshells. Very heavily infested areas may have a characteristically sweet odor. Red, itchy bite marks, especially on the legs, arms, and other body parts exposed while sleeping. (b) The procedure to report suspected infestations to the landlord.

Source: California Civil Code 1954.603View official code

Full Breakdown

Under AB 551 (Civil Code Sections 1954.600-1954.605), all California rental property owners including those in Stockton must give new tenants written information about bed bug identification, prevention, and reporting. Landlords cannot refuse to investigate a tenant's report and must notify a tenant within two business days of any inspection result. Confirmed infestations must be treated by a licensed pest control operator. The city does not maintain a bed bug registry, but Code Enforcement can cite landlords who fail to abate infestations creating substandard housing conditions under California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3.

Violations & Fines

Failure to disclose, refusing tenant inspection requests, or ignoring confirmed infestations can lead to habitability complaints, code citations, and tenant rent withholding remedies under state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord blame the tenant for bed bugs?
California law focuses on remediation regardless of source. Landlords must treat confirmed infestations and cannot retaliate against tenants who report bed bugs in good faith under Civil Code Section 1942.5.
Does Stockton have its own bed bug ordinance?
No. Stockton relies on California state law (AB 551) and general housing habitability standards. Code Enforcement responds to substandard conditions but does not run a dedicated bed bug program.

Sources & Official References

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