Landlords need to work proactively with tenants if and when bed bug cases emerge, an industry figure claims.

Jonathan Rolande of The National Association of Property states: The law over who is responsible for dealing with pest, vermin etc, is a grey area, and there is evidence that this problem is getting worse. Landlords and tenants need to work proactively to deal with this. Issues with pests can sometimes be something of a grey area when it comes to putting things right such as what is the landlord’s responsibility and what is the tenant’s is often a cause of argument.

Rolande goes on to say: In respect of bed bugs a tenant could be held responsible if they do things that encourages them, landlords are unlikely to be liable for bed bugs unless it can be proved the infestation was there prior to taking up residence. Any issue should be reported to the landlord or their agent, whereby works can then be carried out to eliminate the problem. Landlords should seek professional advice as to how best to treat the issues, and it’s also worthwhile checking insurance policies as they may unknowingly be covered for the costs.

Signs of Bed bugs:

• Tiny pale-yellow eggs or eggshells
• Spots of blood on your bedding
• Small brown spots on clothing, bedding, curtains or furniture (bedbug poo)

What you need to know:

• Bed bugs enter properties on clothing or in bags or luggage
• Bites, often on skin exposed while sleeping, like the face, neck and arms
• And although their bites are not considered dangerous, however, they can be itchy and leave their victim covered in red spots.
• Bed bugs multiply quickly, a single bedbug can produce hundreds of offspring in a few months.

In the event of  infestation either party (landlord or tenant) can contact their local Environmental Health Department, who will assess the issue and instruct the responsible party to rectify the problem.

 The UK Right 2 Rent Register

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