What to do if you bought an apartment with bedbugs? - briefly
Contact the seller promptly to demand remediation or a price adjustment, and engage a certified pest‑control professional to eliminate the infestation. Document the problem with photographs and retain all communications for possible legal recourse.
What to do if you bought an apartment with bedbugs? - in detail
If a recently acquired flat is found to be infested with bed‑bugs, immediate action is required to protect health, preserve property value, and enforce contractual rights.
First, document the infestation. Take clear photographs of visible insects, fecal spots, and any bites on occupants. Preserve a written record of dates, locations, and observations. This evidence will support subsequent claims.
Second, review the purchase agreement and local housing regulations. Identify clauses concerning habitability, warranties, and defect disclosure. Many jurisdictions obligate sellers to deliver premises free of pest infestations; failure to do so may constitute a breach of contract.
Third, notify the seller in writing. Include the photographic evidence, reference the relevant contractual provisions, and request remediation within a reasonable timeframe (typically 7–14 days). State the intention to pursue legal remedies if the issue remains unresolved.
Fourth, engage a licensed extermination professional. Obtain at least two written estimates, then select a provider with experience in bed‑bug eradication. Ensure the treatment plan includes:
- Inspection of all rooms, furniture, and structural crevices.
- Application of approved insecticides or heat treatment.
- Follow‑up monitoring to confirm eradication.
- Written guarantee of service effectiveness.
Fifth, consider involving a consumer protection agency or a real‑estate arbitration board. These bodies can mediate disputes, enforce seller responsibilities, and, in some cases, mandate compensation for remediation costs.
Sixth, assess the possibility of rescinding the purchase. If the infestation is severe and the seller refuses remediation, legal counsel may advise filing a claim for contract rescission or seeking a price reduction proportional to the remediation expenses.
Seventh, protect personal belongings. Isolate or discard heavily infested items, launder all washable fabrics at temperatures above 60 °C, and place non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for extended periods to starve the insects.
Eighth, prevent re‑infestation. After treatment, implement routine inspections, maintain clutter‑free environments, and use mattress encasements designed to block bed‑bugs.
Finally, keep all correspondence, invoices, and reports. These documents will be essential for any legal proceeding, insurance claim, or future resale disclosure.