![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.jackjaffa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Law-69-Bed-bugs.jpg?resize=620%2C383&ssl=1\")
No one likes to think about creepy-crawlies\u2014especially ones that might land up in your bed! But if you\u2019re a NYC landlord, it\u2019s time to think bugs. December 31st is the final day for filing your annual bedbug report.<\/p>\nNo one likes to think about creepy-crawlies\u2014especially ones that might land up in your bed! But if you\u2019re a NYC landlord, it\u2019s time to think bugs. December 31st is the final day for filing your annual bedbug report.<\/p>\n
Before you start bugging out from all this bedbug talk, let\u2019s take a look at what NYC\u2019s compliance code has to say about bedbugs and your responsibilities as a property owner.<\/p>\n
What is Local Law 69?<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>According to Local Law 69 of 2017, building owners must keep their properties free of all pests, including bedbugs. They are responsible to learn how to best treat a bedbug infestation, frequently check for the presence of pests, and to eliminate any conditions that can trigger an infestation.<\/p>\n Property owners of multiple-dwelling buildings must also file an annual bedbug report with the HPD.<\/p>\n What do I need to include in my bedbug filing report?<\/strong><\/p>\n Before you get started on filing your report, you\u2019ll need to try to obtain the bedbug infestation history of your unit from the current tenant or unit owner. This history must include all incidences of infestation as well as reports on whether steps were taken to get rid of those nasty bedbugs. Once you have this information in hand, you\u2019ll have to complete your annual bedbug filing. You must complete this annual filing between December 1st and December 31st of each year. You can complete your bedbug filing here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Please note that your report will be posted in a public forum on the HPD website. Also, only validly registered property owners and managing agents of multiple dwellings can share bedbug infestation history. If your building is not registered, you can take care of that step\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Property owners must include the following information in their bedbug filing report:<\/p>\n Aside from that information, you\u2019ll also need to certify that you will fulfill ONE of the following requirements:<\/p>\n Post a copy of the form in a highly prominent location in your building within 60 days of the filing while retaining a copy of the form for your own records.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve chosen your means for sharing the form with your tenants, you will also need to distribute or post this\u00a0brochure<\/a>\u00a0which is full of information on how to prevent, detect, and eradicate bedbugs. In addition, when meeting with prospective new tenants, you\u2019ll have to share the bedbug infestation history of your building with them through the official Bedbug Disclosure Form which you can download\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n What if I find bedbugs in one of my buildings?<\/strong><\/p>\n No one wants to share their apartment with any kind of pest, but a bedbug is an especially unpleasant house-guest. When left untreated, a small number of bedbugs can multiply rapidly until there is a full-blown infestation. As a landlord, you need to be extra vigilant to make sure no bedbugs take up residence in any of your properties. Learn all you can about bedbug prevention and what to do in case of a sighting so you don\u2019t wind up with a huge and expensive problem on your hands.<\/p>\n Your tenants have the right to file a bedbug complaint with the HPD by calling 311. The 311 operator will ask the tenant if they\u2019d like to have an inspection performed by an HPD inspector or the HPD\u2019s Canine Unit, which is comprised of beagles that have been trained to sit when they detect live bedbugs or viable eggs. If a visual inspection confirms the presence of bedbugs or eggs, a violation will be issued.<\/p>\n If you receive a Notice of Violation (NOV), you\u2019ll have to address the issue as quickly as possible. Along with the NOV, you\u2019ll receive a Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Order of the Commissioner.<\/p>\n The Order will provide you with clear instructions for how to proceed:<\/p>\n Be sure to keep a record of all the actions you\u2019ve taken in order to comply with the Order.<\/p>\n To remove the violation and put your property back in the clear, you\u2019ll have to present the City with an HPD NOV Certificate of Corrections. You can get your Certificate by making a sworn statement testifying that you\u2019ve followed the corrective actions issued in the Order.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n