Common Conditions FAQ: What Can I Do if I Have Bed Bugs in Chicago?
Under the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance, both tenants and landlords in Chicago have rights and responsibilities.
What can a tenant do if they suspect there are bed bugs in the apartment?
Under Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance, tenants must notify their landlord within 5 days of suspecting a bed bug infestation. Tenants should consider calling immediately and then sending a written follow-up.
Tenants SHOULD NOT try to get rid of the bed bugs by applying chemicals, “bug bombs,” or pesticides as these do not work and could make the tenant, family, or neighbors sick. Once a tenant has notified the landlord, wait for additional instructions from the landlord and pest management professional. Prompt notification and treatment will help prevent the further spread of bed bugs.
A tenant must cooperate with the landlord.
- A tenant can’t interfere with an inspection or with a treatment.
- A tenant should grant access to the apartment for an inspection or a treatment.
- A tenant should dispose of any items that a pest management professional has determined cannot be treated or cleaned.
What are the landlord's responsibilities?
- Educate tenants about bed bugs by providing this brochure when tenants sign a new or renew an existing lease or other rental agreement.
- Notify tenants prior to inspecting or treating their apartment for bed bugs and provide instructions for preparing the apartment.
- Get rid of the bed bug infestation by providing pest control services by a pest management professional.
The landlord does not need to buy the tenant new furniture.
What happens if the landlord is not responsive?
- A tenant can send a demand letter editing the template attached here.
- The landlord must provide extermination services by a pest management professional within 10 days of receiving this letter as many times as necessary to totally eliminate the infestation.
- The extermination services should be for the affected unit, the two units directly above and below, and the two units on either side.
- A tenant can also call the Chicago Department of Buildings at 311 to file a complaint. The City of Chicago can issue fines of up to $2,000 for each offense for not complying with the Bed Bug Ordinance.
The above article provides information about legal issues but is not the same as legal advice. Legal advice is when a lawyer applies the law to your specific situation. The information in this article does not replace the advice or representation of a licensed attorney. Law Center for Better Housing cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information in this article and is not responsible for any consequences that may result from using it. You should consult with a licensed attorney to ensure the information in this article is appropriate for your specific situation. Using the information in this article does not create a relationship between Law Center for Better Housing and you as your attorney.