Bedbug infestation in rental housing: tenant rights and landlord duties

A bedbug infestation in a rental property has prompted questions about who bears the cost and responsibility for removal. The issue has gained attention as renters seek guidance on rights when pests appear in a home, and health authorities have weighed in on potential health implications. The NHS notes that bedbug bites can be itchy but typically do not lead to other health problems, while industry reports have highlighted the spread of a so‑called new generation of bedbugs that are harder to kill in the UK. A recent Freedom of Information request reported by insurers found a 35% rise in bedbug infestations between 2022 and 2024, underscoring how common the problem has become. These developments have put the spotlight on who should pay for pest control and how quickly action should be taken to restore a habitable living space.

Under UK housing guidance, landlords are obligated to ensure properties are safe and habitable. Shelter says landlords must address pest infestations if they stem from repairs that the landlord must carry out and must keep the home fit to live in for the duration of the tenancy. If bedbugs were present when the tenant moved in, the landlord should handle the removal. If bedbugs appear during the tenancy and it can be shown that the infestation was introduced by the tenant (for example, through luggage, second-hand furniture, or guests), responsibility often falls to the tenant to arrange and pay for treatment. Proving exactly how an infestation started can be challenging, and many landlords choose to act in any case to prevent spread within buildings or blocks. What constitutes a tenant‑introduced problem can vary by case and jurisdiction, so tenants should document findings and seek guidance when needed.

Tenants should notify the lettings agency and the landlord as soon as possible, ideally in writing, and keep a record of all communications to support any future action. If there is no timely response, they can escalate the matter by contacting the local council or environmental health department, which can inspect the property and pressure the landlord to act. If the infestation is linked to a repair the landlord was required to perform, the landlord may be responsible for paying for pest-control services. In cases where it is unclear how the infestation started, costs may be shared or negotiated. Most tenancy agreements include pest-control clauses, and landlords have a general duty to keep properties safe.

When it comes to practical remediation, professionals are typically required. DIY sprays and home remedies rarely eradicate bedbugs, and delaying treatment increases the risk of spread. Heat treatment is often the most effective approach, potentially resolving the issue in one or two visits. It uses far fewer chemicals than conventional methods, which is better for occupant health and the environment, while the targeted insecticide ensures that nothing survives, not even the eggs. The sooner the issue is addressed, the easier and cheaper it tends to be to restore normal living conditions. In the interim, tenants can take steps to manage the situation, such as washing affected bedding and fabrics at high temperatures and tumble-drying on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes, sealing affected items in plastic bags and, where appropriate, placing non-washable items in the freezer for three to four days. Regular cleaning and vacuuming can help with early detection, though bedbugs can be found in both clean and dirty places.

The liability question remains nuanced. Experts note that if bedbugs are present at the start of a tenancy, it is usually the landlord’s responsibility to address the infestation and restore livability. If bedbugs develop during the tenancy and can be linked to tenant actions, the financial burden may fall on the tenant. In uncertain cases, many landlords provide a remediation plan and may share costs to prevent wider disruption, especially in multi-unit buildings where pests can spread between units. Local councils can intervene when an infestation makes a home unfit to live in, though tenants may still bear costs if they are found responsible for causing the problem. Given the variability in each case, tenants should seek guidance early and maintain thorough records to navigate any disputes that may arise.

Health and housing advocates emphasize that bedbugs themselves do not generally pose serious health risks beyond itchy bites, but the nuisance and potential secondary infections from scratching can affect wellbeing. For households already struggling with affordable housing, the stakes are higher when infestations threaten daily life. Quick action, clear communication with landlords or letting agencies, and access to local environmental health resources can help minimize disruption and expense. If you are unsure of your rights, contact the lettings agency, your landlord, or your local council’s environmental health team for inspections or orders to compel timely action. With professional treatment and careful documentation, many bedbug problems can be resolved while preserving housing stability for tenants.