Even though only four states require landlords to use a Bed Bug Addendum to Lease, many landlords do so willingly in the interest of fairness, though it is up to an individual tenant to choose to sign the addendum. But since the addendum is to be incorporated into the lease agreement, signing the lease itself would indicate one’s acceptance of the addendum. A tenant may try to have the addendum removed, if not required by law, or they can diminish this risk by ordering an inspection of the property prior to signing the lease.
The first responsibility of the landlord is to be truthful regarding the status of bed bug infestation in the property. Depending on the addendum, a landlord may be responsible for treating any bed bug infestation or, at the very least, assist the tenant in the extermination.
Bed bugs are notoriously difficult and expensive to remove. The addendum should outline who is responsible for the cost of any potential bed bug pest control.
If a landlord discloses inaccurate bed bug data, he or she may have broken the terms of the addendum. The tenant has the right to terminate the lease early or demand that the landlord pays for bed bug treatment. In the presence of physical harm, the tenant may even have the right to sue the landlord for personal injury.
The landlord may decide that they need legal assistance to come up with a bulletproof Bed Bug Addendum to Lease. Conversely, if the tenant is not comfortable with the addendum for any reason, it may be in his or her best interest to seek legal counsel.