Bed Bug Reporting Requirements for New York City Landlords

New York City requires landlords of multiple dwellings (3+ residential units) to file an Annual Bed Bug Report that discloses any bed bug infestations on the property in the previous year. In addition, property owners and building managers must attempt to obtain bed bug infestation histories from tenants, including any eradication measures taken.

Bed Bug Reporting Requirements

During December, building owners must report their findings for the previous 12 months, from November 1 through October 31.

The Annual Bed Bug Report should be submitted electronically to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). The online application only allows registered property owners and managing agents to submit the report. (See this article on Property Registration.) Include the following information:

1. Number of dwelling units
2. Number of dwelling units, as reported or otherwise known to the owner, with a bedbug infestation during the previous year
3. Number of dwelling units, as reported or otherwise known, in which bedbug eradication measures were taken during the previous year
4. Number of dwelling units in Item 3 that had a bedbug infestation after taking eradication measures

In addition, owners need to certify that they will do one of the following:

• Distribute a copy of this information to each tenant at renewal time or upon the start of a new lease
• Post this information in a prominent location within the building within 60 days of filing (while maintaining a record of such posting)

Pursuant to law, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will make the submitted information publicly available through HPD Online.

Bedbug Posting Requirements

Upon filing the annual report by December 31, owners must provide to each tenant—either at the start or renewal of a lease—or post in a prominent location both of the following documents:

• A copy of the most recent electronic form submitted to HPD
• Guide: Preventing and Getting Rid of Bed Bugs Safely, provided by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, with information about the prevention, detection and removal of bedbugs

Failure to file and/or post in a timely manner may result in a Housing Maintenance Code (HMC) violation.

For more information about New York City bed bug requirements, visit the HPD website.

If you have questions about your landlord insurance policy, please call our office at 877-576-5200.