Wilmington, DE Public Health Rules: Bed-Bug Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Wilmington City Code § 34-271(b)
- Owner inspection
- Required before renting any unit
- Tenant notice deadline
- 5 business days to report
- Multi-unit response
- Pest pro within 5 business days
- Enforcement
- Department of Licenses and Inspections
Summary
Wilmington landlords must inspect units for bed bugs before renting, disclose known infestations in adjacent units, and tenants must report suspected infestations within five business days under City Code § 34-271.
Prior to renting a dwelling unit the owner or property manager shall visually inspect the unit for any evidence of the presence of bed bugs, which may be indicated by observation of a living bed bug, bed bug carapace, eggs or egg casings, or brownish or blood spotting on linens, mattresses, or furniture. An owner or property manager may not offer for rent a dwelling unit that he or she knows or suspects is infested with bed bugs.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Wilmington City Code § 34-271(b) sets citywide bed bug duties. Before renting any unit, the owner or property manager must visually inspect for live bugs, carapaces, eggs, or blood spotting, and cannot knowingly rent an infested unit. Owners must disclose known infestations in adjacent units in a signed written record. Landlords must give tenants an EPA bed bug informational brochure with every new or renewed lease and keep a signed receipt. In buildings with infestations in two or more units, the owner must hire a licensed pest management professional within five business days. Tenants must report suspected infestations to the owner within five business days or bear resulting costs.
Violations & Fines
Violations go to the Department of Licenses and Inspections; failing to obtain required extermination services or disclose a known infestation is a code violation under § 34-271(b)(7).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wilmington
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