Finding a bed bug infestation in your home is stressful, especially if you rent. If you’re a renter in Arizona, you may wonder who is responsible for getting rid of the bugs—you or your landlord?
The good news is that Arizona law has rules about bed bug control in rental properties, and knowing your tenant rights can help you handle the situation.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona law says landlords must provide rentals free of bed bugs, and tenants must report infestations in writing.
- Landlords must give bed bug education, arrange inspections, and hire licensed pest control if a tenant reports an infestation.
- Tenants in apartments have legal protections, but renters in single-family homes must check their lease for pest control rules.
- Renters can report landlords who ignore bed bug problems, request repairs, or get legal help if needed.
Arizona Bed Bug Laws: Who Is Responsible?
In Arizona, landlords and renters both have responsibilities when it comes to bed bug control. The state’s bedbug laws (A.R.S. § 33-1319) outline what each side must do:
Landlord’s Responsibilities
- Provide Bedbug Education – Landlords must give tenants information about bedbugs, including:
- How to prevent and control bedbugs.
- What bedbugs look like.
- What behaviors can attract bedbugs (e.g., using second-hand furniture or traveling without taking precautions).
- Information from health agencies, housing organizations, or the landlord’s own materials.
- No Leasing Infested Units – Landlords cannot rent out an apartment they know has a current bedbug problem.
Tenant’s Responsibilities
- Don’t Bring Infested Items – Tenants must not knowingly move bedbug-infested furniture, clothing, or other materials into their rental unit.
- Report Bedbugs – If a tenant discovers bedbugs in their unit, they must notify the landlord in writing or electronically.
Additional Notes
- Single-family homes are exempt – This law only applies to apartment buildings and other multi-unit rentals, not single-family rental homes.
- No automatic lawsuits – The law does not create a basis for landlords to sue tenants (or vice versa) over bedbug-related damages.
If you rent a single-family residence, your lease agreement may have specific terms about pest control services and landlord responsibility.
What Should You Do If You Find Bed Bugs?
If you think you have a bed bug infestation, follow these steps:
1. Check for Signs of Bed Bugs
If you think you have bed bugs, check your mattress, bed frame, and box spring, especially in the seams and crevices where bed bugs like to hide.
Baseboards and cracks in the walls are also common hiding spots, along with furniture, carpets, and curtains near sleeping areas.
Other signs of a bed bug problem include small blood stains, black droppings, and itchy welts on your skin.
If you see any of these signs, take photos and notify your landlord immediately.
2. Tell Your Landlord Right Away
Under Arizona’s landlord-tenant laws, you must notify your landlord in writing. This creates a record in case legal action is needed.
3. Request a Bed Bug Inspection
Your Arizona residential landlord must hire a licensed pest control company for a bed bug inspection. If an infestation is confirmed, they must arrange for a bed bug treatment.
4. Follow the Bed Bug Treatment Plan
To help get rid of the bugs, you may need to:
- Wash your clothes and bedding in hot water and dry them on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets, furniture, and mattresses regularly.
- Avoid using store-bought bug killers, as they may make the problem worse.
If bed bugs return after treatment, report it to your landlord and request another visit from pest control services.
Can You Withhold Rent If You Have Bed Bugs?
Arizona’s state law does not clearly say if tenants can withhold rent because of a bed bug infestation. However, under the Landlord and Tenant Act, renters can send their landlord a written request for repairs.
If the landlord does nothing within 10 days, the tenant may have legal options, such as moving out.
If you’re unsure about your rights, you can:
- Report the issue to local health agencies in Phoenix, Tucson, or your city.
- Get legal advice from tenant advocacy groups or check azleg.gov for information on state law.
- Break your lease agreement if the unit is unlivable—but always check the rules first.
What If Your Landlord Won’t Do Anything?
If your landlord ignores the bed bug problem, you can:
- Contact local health agencies or housing agencies for help.
- Seek legal assistance from a real estate or landlord-tenant lawyer.
- File a complaint if your home is not in a habitable condition.
How to Prevent Bed Bug Infestations in Rentals
Before you move in, take steps to avoid future bed bug problems:
- Inspect mattresses, furniture, and baseboards for signs of bugs.
- Ask the landlord about past pest control services.
- Use mattress covers to prevent infestations.
By knowing your tenant rights and following Arizona law, you can protect yourself and make sure a bed bug infestation is handled the right way.
At Green Home Pest Control, we know how frustrating a bed bug infestation can be. That’s why we offer licensed pest control solutions to help renters and landlords eliminate bed bug problems quickly and effectively.
Our bed bug treatment plans are designed to target every stage of the infestation, from bed bug inspection to complete removal.
If you’re dealing with bed bugs in your rental unit, don’t wait—contact us today!
21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
