Colorado HB19-1328
Tenants and landlords – bed bugs in residential premises. The act requires a tenant to promptly notify the tenant’s landlord via written or electronic notice when the tenant knows or reasonably suspects that the tenant’s dwelling unit contains bed bugs. A tenant who gives the notice electronically shall send it only to the e-mail address, telephone number, or electronic portal specified by the landlord in the rental agreement for communications. In the absence of such a provision in the rental agreement, the tenant shall communicate with the landlord in a manner that the landlord has previously used to communicate with the tenant. The tenant shall retain sufficient proof of the delivery of the electronic notice.
Not more than 96 hours after receiving notice of the presence or possible presence of bed bugs, a landlord:
- Shall inspect or obtain an inspection by a qualified inspector of the dwelling unit; and
- May enter the dwelling unit or any contiguous unit for the purpose of conducting the inspection.
If the inspection of a dwelling unit confirms the presence of bed bugs, the landlord shall also cause to be performed an inspection of all contiguous dwelling units as promptly as is reasonably practical.
With certain exceptions, a landlord is responsible for all costs associated with inspection for, and treatment of, the presence of bed bugs.
If a landlord, qualified inspector, or pest control agent must enter a dwelling unit for the purpose of conducting an inspection for, or treating the presence of, bed bugs, the landlord shall provide the tenant reasonable written or electronic notice before the landlord, qualified inspector, or pest control agent attempts to enter the dwelling unit. A tenant who receives the notice shall not unreasonably deny access to the dwelling unit.
NBCSL Member Sponsors
- Rep. Shirley Herod (CO)