NYC Bedbug Reporting (Local Law 69): Annual Disclosure, Remediation, and Tenant Notice Rules
6 min read · Updated 2025-01-15
NYC Local Law 69 requires annual bedbug infestation history disclosure and tenant notification. Learn the reporting deadline, what must be disclosed, and how to handle tenant bedbug complaints.
NYC Bedbug Reporting Requirements
What does NYC Local Law 69 require?
Local Law 69 of 2017 requires owners of multiple dwellings (class A and B) to annually report bedbug infestation history to HPD and to provide a written bedbug infestation history disclosure to new tenants at lease signing. The disclosure covers the prior year's infestation and remediation history for the specific apartment and the building floor on which it is located.
When is the annual bedbug report due?
The annual bedbug infestation history report must be filed with HPD by December 31 each year, covering the period from November 1 of the prior year through October 31 of the current year. The report is filed through HPD Online and indicates for each unit and floor whether there was an infestation and, if so, whether remediation occurred.
What must the tenant disclosure include?
The tenant bedbug disclosure (the "Bedbug Disclosure Form") must inform the incoming tenant whether the specific apartment and the floor it's on had a bedbug infestation in the prior year, and whether remediation was attempted or completed. The form must be signed and dated by both parties at lease signing. HPD provides a standard form for this purpose. Failure to provide the disclosure is a violation.
What is the landlord's obligation when a tenant reports bedbugs?
When a tenant reports a bedbug infestation, the landlord must arrange for professional pest control inspection and treatment. Bedbugs spread easily between units, so affected adjacent units (horizontally and vertically) should also be inspected. NYC law requires landlords to address pest infestations promptly — ignoring a bedbug complaint can result in HPD violations. Professional heat treatment or chemical treatment by a licensed pest control operator is typically required for effective remediation.
Who is responsible for bedbug remediation — landlord or tenant?
In most cases, the landlord bears primary responsibility for bedbug remediation in residential units, as bedbugs are considered a pest infestation that the landlord must address under the Housing Maintenance Code. However, if it can be demonstrated that the tenant brought in the infestation (e.g., through used furniture or travel), there may be a shared responsibility argument. In practice, landlords in NYC handle remediation and then may pursue cost recovery from tenants in egregious cases.
What are the penalties for failing to file the annual bedbug report?
Failure to file the annual bedbug report with HPD results in an HPD violation. HPD enforces bedbug reporting as part of its housing maintenance code compliance program. Civil penalties can be assessed for non-compliance. Additionally, failure to provide the required disclosure to new tenants is separately actionable — tenants can raise it as a defense or claim in housing court proceedings.
How do I prevent bedbug infestations in a multifamily building?
Prevention strategies include: tenant education about bedbug signs and reporting (early detection prevents spread); prompt response to all infestation reports; regular common area inspections; mattress encasements for vacant units; careful management of move-ins (inspect for bedbugs before allowing new tenant furniture into the building); and educating tenants about the risks of bringing in used mattresses or furniture. Some buildings implement a "no used mattress" policy for common areas.