Bill > S882

This bill establishes regulations related to the management of bed bug infestations in residential dwellings. The key provisions are: 1. Defines key terms such as "bed bug," "control," and "infestation," and establishes that the law applies to multi-unit dwellings but not single-family homes. 2. Requires tenants to notify landlords of bed bug infestations, allow access for inspections and treatments, and comply with extermination protocols, or be liable for any damages. Tenants who interfere can be subject to injunctive relief. 3. Requires landlords to inspect and start extermination within 5 business days of receiving notice of an infestation, and notify surrounding tenants. Landlords are deemed to have constructive knowledge if an infestation is present in a surrounding unit. 4. Requires landlords to hire a certified pest control applicator to inspect and treat infestations until deemed resolved, with a final inspection 30 days after treatment. 5. Requires landlords to inspect and treat units before leasing to new tenants, and provides protections for tenants if this is not done. 6. Limits landlord liability if they comply with the law's requirements. 7. Requires the Department of Public Health to create an educational information sheet on bed bugs for landlords to provide to tenants.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S882