[quote=outtamojo][quote=TenaciousSD][quote=EconProf]But, as another poster pointed out, there is no proof as to how the bed bugs got here in the first place. That is my ultimate defense if this gets in front of a judge.[/quote]

I’d recommend getting a 3rd party company (like San Diego Pest) for treating bedbugs. I’d also recommend asking the prospective tenant (before they move in) to sign a bedbug addendum saying that they’ve checked the apartment for bedbugs.

If down the road there is a bed bug issue, have the bedbug issue taken care of and bill the resident. If they argue that its your fault/responsibility, you can point to the fact that they themselves signed a document saying there were no bedbugs present when they moved in. The hope is – this is the end of the story.

What happens if you get pulled into court? Lets say the resident sues you for damages to their property. The burden of proof is on them to show that you the introduced the bedbugs – which is very difficult. They could have been on their moving truck, on the used furniture they bought on craigslist, or on something they bought at the flea market. Its very difficult to pin down the source.[/quote]

A piece of paper saying there are no bedbugs would carry more weight imo if it was signed by someone who actually knows how to look for bedbugs. I would get the place certified bedbug free by a pest company rather than Joe tenant.[/quote]

A resident signed bedbug addendum is useful when making the case to the resident that they should pay for the bedbug treatment.

If it goes to court, even if a place is certified bedbug free – the problem remains – how are you going to prove that the resident/landlord is at fault for the introduction of the ‘new’ bedbug infestation? Its nearly impossible.