Maryland Bedbug Disclosure Requirements for Renters

Renters across Maryland deserve safe, healthy homes. If you’re moving into or already renting an apartment, it's important to know your rights and your landlord’s duties when it comes to bedbug disclosures. Maryland has specific laws that address disclosures and responsibility for bedbug infestations in rental housing, helping protect both landlords and renters during the move-in process.

Maryland Bedbug Disclosure Laws: What Renters Should Know

Maryland law requires landlords to provide information to tenants about bedbug infestations and their responsibilities if an infestation occurs. This helps ensure renters move into clean, safe environments. Local laws may go even further, especially in certain counties and Baltimore City, offering additional protections.

Statewide Bedbug Disclosure Rules

Under Maryland Code, Real Property §8–211, landlords are responsible for providing rental units that are free from insect infestations, including bedbugs, at the start of a lease. If bedbugs are discovered during a tenancy, prompt disclosure and action are required:

• Landlords must investigate and, if necessary, treat bedbug infestations following notification by the renter.
• Some local regulations (such as those in Baltimore City) require landlords to provide written notices or fact sheets about bedbugs at move-in and upon request.

In practice, Maryland does not currently require a specific statewide "Bedbug Disclosure Form"; however, landlords must respond quickly if you report an infestation. Cities like Baltimore require landlords to distribute bedbug education materials at lease signing.

Baltimore City Requirements

If you're renting in Baltimore City, the Baltimore City Code §9-7 outlines clear duties for landlords:

• Distribute the official Bed Bug Education Notification to every tenant at lease signing and upon renewal.
• Provide tenants with information on how to report suspected bedbug activity.
• Cover inspection and treatment costs for infestations identified within the first 90 days of occupancy.

Bedbug Education Notification Form

In Baltimore City, the required form is:

• Form Name: Bed Bug Education Notification
• Used when: Landlords must provide it to every tenant at lease signing or renewal, and upon request.
• Where to find: Download the Bed Bug Education Notification (PDF – Baltimore City DHCD)

What If You Discover Bedbugs?

If you suspect or find bedbugs after moving in, here’s what to do:

• Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible.
• Allow the landlord or pest control professional to inspect your unit.
• Cooperate with bedbug eradication procedures, which may require temporary relocation or preparing your unit.

Landlords in Maryland are generally responsible for ensuring units are bedbug-free at move-in and responding promptly if you report an issue. If you’re in Baltimore, the costs of bedbug treatment within the first 90 days usually fall to the landlord per city code.

Who Handles Bedbug Disputes?

If your landlord fails to address a bedbug problem or refuses to make necessary disclosures, you may file a complaint with the local code enforcement office or seek help from the courts. The agency overseeing residential landlord-tenant cases in Maryland is the Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Division.

Your Rights Under Maryland Housing Law

Maryland’s Real Property Article §8–211 requires landlords to maintain residential properties free from insect infestations. This law forms the basis for addressing bedbug disclosure and removal responsibilities throughout the state.

FAQ: Maryland Bedbug Disclosures for Renters

1. Do Maryland landlords have to tell new tenants if there was a past bedbug infestation?
   State law does not currently require landlords to disclose a past bedbug infestation, but some local ordinances (like Baltimore City) require landlords to provide educational notices about bedbugs at move-in and renewal.
2. What can I do if I move into an apartment and discover bedbugs?
   Notify your landlord in writing immediately. The landlord is usually responsible for arranging and paying for treatment, especially within the first 90 days in Baltimore City.
3. Is there an official Maryland bedbug disclosure form?
   Maryland does not have a statewide disclosure form, but Baltimore City requires use of the "Bed Bug Education Notification" form at lease signing and renewal.
4. Who pays for bedbug treatment in Maryland?
   In general, landlords are responsible for ensuring units are pest-free at move-in. In Baltimore City, landlords must cover bedbug eradication costs found within the first 90 days unless the tenant caused the issue.
5. How do I file a complaint if my landlord refuses to treat a bedbug problem?
   Contact your city or county code enforcement office. If unresolved, you can file a complaint with the Maryland District Court using the rent escrow process.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Maryland Renters

• Landlords must provide bedbug-free units at move-in and respond quickly to infestations.
• Specific written disclosures are required in Baltimore City—make sure to request the Bed Bug Education Notification.
• If you have a dispute, Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Division offers options for complaint and resolution.

Know your rights, communicate promptly in writing, and consult official resources if you need help addressing bedbug or disclosure concerns.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Division — Information and forms for landlord-tenant cases
• Maryland Code, Real Property §8–211 — Statewide tenant protections
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development: Renters’ Rights
• Baltimore City DHCD Bed Bug Information — Local bedbug requirements and education materials
• If you need free legal advice, contact Maryland Legal Aid.

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1. Maryland Code, Real Property §8–211: Landlord and Tenant—Maintenance of Premises
2. Baltimore City Code §9-7: Duties of Property Owner
3. Bed Bug Education Notification (PDF – Baltimore City DHCD)
4. Tenant’s Complaint of Rent Escrow, Form DC-CV-083
5. Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Division

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