What are bed bugs disclosure rules in NYC apartments?

Question

Accepted Answer

Bed bugs are a significant concern in New York City's dense housing market. NYC law provides specific disclosure requirements and tenant protections.

What landlords must disclose about bed bugs in NYC:

Landlords are legally required to provide all new tenants with a written disclosure of bed bug infestation history for the apartment and the building for the past year
This disclosure must be given before the lease is signed
The disclosure covers both the specific unit and the entire building

Your rights if you discover bed bugs after moving in:

Your landlord is legally responsible for exterminating bed bugs — this is classified as a habitability issue under NYC law
You must notify your landlord in writing as soon as you discover or suspect a bed bug problem
Your landlord must respond and arrange professional extermination — bed bug treatment cannot be passed on to the tenant as a cost
If your landlord fails to act, you can file a complaint with NYC's Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)

Tips for protecting yourself:

Before signing, ask specifically: "Has this apartment or building had bed bugs in the past year?"
Inspect the apartment carefully — check mattress seams, behind headboards, along baseboards and in furniture joints
Keep all communication with your landlord about pest issues in writing
Document any evidence of bed bugs with photos immediately upon discovery