DC landlords must disclose any bed bug infestation in the prior 120 days under DC Code 42-3502.22, treat infestations at the landlord's expense, and provide tenants with educational materials.
Under the Rental Housing Act and 14 DCMR Section 805, landlords must disclose to prospective tenants any bed bug infestation in the unit or building during the previous 120 days, and may not rent a known infested unit until professional treatment is documented. Landlords bear treatment costs unless the tenant is the documented source. Tenants must report suspected infestations within 30 days and provide reasonable access for inspection. DOH and DCRA share enforcement; tenants may also file housing code complaints to compel treatment.
Renting an infested unit without disclosure, refusing to treat at landlord expense, or retaliating against a reporting tenant can trigger DCRA fines up to $2,000 and rent abatement orders.
Washington, DC
DC Code 8-2103 requires property owners to keep premises free of rats, with the Rodent Control Division authorized to enter and abate at owner expense, espec...
Washington, DC
All rental properties in DC must be registered with the Department of Buildings (formerly DCRA) and comply with the Housing Code (14 DCMR). Landlords must ob...
See how Washington's bed-bug rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.