Bed Bug Answers

Washington, D.C. · District law on top of the housing code

Bed bug law in Washington, D.C. Who’s responsible, and how to report it.

The District puts the burden squarely on the housing provider: a landlord may not rent a unit with bed bugs, must treat with a licensed operator, and must disclose recent infestations before you sign. The Bedbug Control Act of 2022 tightened it further. Here is what is specific to D.C., each point sourced. For the underlying habitability rules, see the District of Columbia page.

What D.C. requires of a landlord

14 DCMR § 800

Keep the unit bed-bug-free — and treat it

A housing provider must keep units and common areas free of vermin and may not offer for rent a unit that contains bed bugs. Treatment must be done by a licensed operator, and the landlord pays unless the tenant clearly caused the infestation. D.C. housing regs

Before you sign

A 120-day disclosure

Before a lease, the landlord must disclose any bed bug infestation in the building within the previous 120 days. Ask for it in writing. D.C. housing regs

Bedbug Control Act of 2022

Reporting, and no retaliation

Landlords and pest operators must report outbreaks to the District, and D.C. law prohibits retaliation against a tenant who reports bed bugs. D.C. Law 24-238 · D.C. Code § 42-3505.02

How to report bed bugs in D.C.

  1. Tell your housing provider within 5 days

    Once you find or reasonably suspect bed bugs, notify the landlord within five days, in writing, and cooperate with scheduled treatment. Start with our what-to-do-tonight guide and keep a dated log. D.C. housing regs

  2. If it isn’t fixed, file with 311

    File a housing complaint by calling 311 or online; the District’s housing inspectors notify the provider of a complaint within ten business days and can cite habitability violations. DC.gov / 311

  3. Know who pays

    In D.C. the landlord generally bears the cost unless you caused it. The District of Columbia page covers the habitability backdrop, deadlines and your other remedies before you act.

Where this comes from

  • D.C. Council — Bedbug Control Act of 2022 (D.C. Law 24-238). code.dccouncil.gov
  • D.C. Housing Regulations — 14 DCMR (vermin/pest control, disclosure); anti-retaliation at D.C. Code § 42-3505.02.
  • DC.gov / 311 — filing a housing-conditions complaint. 311.dc.gov
  • District habitability law — see the District of Columbia analysis.

Reviewed against District guidance on . D.C. reorganized its housing agencies recently and rules change — confirm the current process before relying on it. This is sourced guidance, not legal advice.