Massachusetts Apartment Bedbug Disclosure: Rules & Forms

Moving into a new rental home comes with important protections for renters in Massachusetts, especially concerning bedbug disclosures. Understanding your rights helps ensure a safe and healthy living environment from day one.

What Massachusetts Law Says About Bedbug Disclosures

Massachusetts requires landlords to keep rental units free from infestations, including bedbugs. State law puts important duties on landlords, including certain disclosure rules regarding bedbug history and treatment. While landlords must not knowingly rent out infested apartments, they are also required to respond quickly if bedbugs are reported by tenants.

• Landlords must inspect and, if necessary, treat the apartment for bedbugs at their own expense upon notification.
• Tenants are responsible for notifying landlords of suspected bedbug infestations in writing as soon as possible.
• No state-mandated form requires landlords to proactively disclose bedbug histories, but local ordinances or property rules may add requirements.

If you suspect an infestation after moving in, Massachusetts’ residential tenancy law (M.G.L. c. 186, §19) protects your right to request an inspection and remediation.

Your Rights When Moving In

Before you sign a lease, you have the right to ask landlords about any bedbug problems the apartment may have had previously. While they are not required by state law to provide a written disclosure before move-in, transparency is strongly encouraged.

• If you discover bedbugs after moving in, promptly notify your landlord in writing.
• The landlord must respond with an inspection and, if needed, hire a licensed pest control company to treat the unit.
• You cannot be evicted or retaliated against for reporting bedbugs.
• The cost of bedbug removal is generally the landlord’s responsibility, unless your own actions caused the problem (which the landlord must prove).

Relevant Official Forms

Although no state-wide bedbug disclosure form exists, the following official documents may be crucial for renters dealing with bedbug issues:

• Massachusetts Tenant’s Statement of Conditions Form – Provided by your landlord within 10 days of move-in. This allows you to document the condition of your apartment and note any problems (such as suspected pest activity) when you move in.
  See the Statement of Condition form.
  Example: Complete this form after getting your keys and before you unpack. If you see signs of bedbugs, note them clearly on the form and return a copy to your landlord within 15 days for their records.
• Board of Health Housing Complaint Form – Used if your landlord does not respond to bedbug concerns. File this with your local Board of Health to request an official inspection.
  Request a Board of Health inspection.
  Example: You reported bedbugs, but your landlord did not take action. Submit this form to get a city inspector to verify the issue.

What to Do If You Find Bedbugs

Dealing with bedbugs can be stressful, but Massachusetts law gives you several tools to address the issue fairly and quickly.

1. Document any evidence of bedbugs (photos, samples, or written observations).
2. Notify your landlord immediately in writing—email, certified letter, or your lease’s preferred method.
3. If the landlord does not act within a reasonable time, contact your local Board of Health to request an inspection.
4. Do not try to treat the unit yourself; professional pest control is required for safe elimination.
5. Keep copies of all communication and reports.

Which Agency Handles Bedbug Disputes in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Housing Court is the official tribunal for landlord-tenant matters, including disputes about hazardous conditions like bedbugs. For health and safety inspections, your local Board of Health is your first stop.

Relevant Legislation

• Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 186, Section 19 – Tenant protections and repair issues
• Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 111, Section 127A – State Sanitary Code and health standards for housing

FAQ: Massachusetts Bedbug Disclosure Laws

1. Are Massachusetts landlords legally required to tell renters about past bedbug problems?
   State law does not require landlords to give written disclosure about previous bedbug issues, but they must provide a safe, pest-free apartment and respond to new infestations.
2. What should I do if I find bedbugs after moving in?
   Notify your landlord immediately in writing and request professional treatment. If the landlord does not act quickly, contact your local Board of Health for help.
3. Who pays for bedbug extermination in Massachusetts rentals?
   Landlords are generally responsible for covering the cost of removal, unless they can prove the tenant caused the infestation.
4. Can my landlord evict me for reporting bedbugs?
   No. Massachusetts law prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who report health or safety issues.
5. Is there an official bedbug disclosure form for Massachusetts?
   No state-level form exists, but use the Statement of Condition to note pest concerns at move-in.

Key Takeaways

• Massachusetts law protects renters from unsafe conditions, including bedbugs.
• Document your unit’s condition at move-in using the Statement of Condition form.
• Landlords must respond promptly to reports of bedbugs and cover treatment costs unless the tenant is at fault.

If you contact your landlord and Board of Health promptly, you’re protected under state statutes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Massachusetts Housing Court – Tribunal for resolving landlord-tenant disputes
• Local Board of Health Directory – File health and safety complaints, request inspections
• MassLegalHelp – Tenant advocacy and plain language guides
• Massachusetts Statement of Condition Form

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1. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 186, Section 19
2. Massachusetts Board of Health: Request Inspection
3. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 111, Section 127A
4. Massachusetts Statement of Condition Sample
5. Massachusetts Housing Court

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