Is it common for landlords to require a bed bug addendum in a MA apartment complex? (rental market, insuring)

[Bruins3445]

I've lived all over the country and never have I had to sign a bed bug addendum. I'm about to sign a lease (electronically) and I come to this portion and am confused.

1) is this addendum unique to MA?
2) would this addendum have you concerned that there is a bed bug problem that management is trying to cover up?
3) the addendum says even if my neighbor has a bed bug problem that I am responsible for the cost of fumigation my apartment. Wtf.
4) if I bother questioning this, do you think the landlord will decide to cancel our application/holding deposit?

If it wasn't such a competitive rental market I would walk away at this point but I am taking what I can get. Right now the office is close so I have to wait until next week to discuss this, but wanted thoughts on this.

[CaseyB]

I never heard of it and it would make me suspicious that they've had problems in the past. I'd walk away if I had other options, that's up to you. Certain areas are notorious for bed bugs - just where is this apartment?

[Bruins3445]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

I never heard of it and it would make me suspicious that they've had problems in the past. I'd walk away if I had other options, that's up to you. Certain areas are notorious for bed bugs - just where is this apartment?

I'll send you a PM

[kingeorge]

Originally Posted by Bruins3445

I've lived all over the country and never have I had to sign a bed bug addendum. I'm about to sign a lease (electronically) and I come to this portion and am confused.

1) is this addendum unique to MA?
2) would this addendum have you concerned that there is a bed bug problem that management is trying to cover up?
3) the addendum says even if my neighbor has a bed bug problem that I am responsible for the cost of fumigation my apartment. Wtf.
4) if I bother questioning this, do you think the landlord will decide to cancel our application/holding deposit?

If it wasn't such a competitive rental market I would walk away at this point but I am taking what I can get. Right now the office is close so I have to wait until next week to discuss this, but wanted thoughts on this.

This is not something found in standard MA lease.

In MA LL would be responsible for bug infestation, unless LL has proof that rental was treated and/or determined to be free of bugs, and before tenant moved in. Or in case of SF rental, if LL has proof that home was bug free, current tenant might be solely responsible for bug removal.

They must have problem, now or in the past, and trying to pass costs onto tenants. To be fair bugs can easily be brought in by moving (furniture, clothes, even pets) and LL has little control over that fact unless they require all tenants possessions to be inspected and treated if necessary.

[Ralph_Kirk]

Those addenda showing up in Texas. Bedbugs travel by air very well, and places that never had bedbugs before are suddenly getting them, particularly in international areas.

[CaseyB]

Originally Posted by kingeorge

They must have problem, now or in the past, and trying to pass costs onto tenants. To be fair bugs can easily be brought in by moving (furniture, clothes, even pets) and LL has little control over that fact unless they require all tenants possessions to be inspected and treated if necessary.

This is why it's primarily a problem in the student areas like Allston and Brighton.

[Dm84]

Landlords are responsible for pest control. I would not sign an addendum like that.

[Ralph_Kirk]

Originally Posted by Dm84

Landlords are responsible for pest control. I would not sign an addendum like that.

Do you think landlords take maintenance expenses out of their daughter's college fund? No, those are passed along to other tenants.

Bedbugs represent a hugely expensive, unusual, extra maintenance problem. The bedbug addenda that I've seen are essentially like the addenda regarding pets, and like pets, they are a known extra maintenance issue that should not be born by all the other tenants in the form of higher rent.

Basically, if you bring bedbugs into this apartment, you're financially responsible for the extensive extra effort to clean them out.

[Dm84]

Originally Posted by Ralph_Kirk

Do you think landlords take maintenance expenses out of their daughter's college fund? No, those are passed along to other tenants.

Bedbugs represent a hugely expensive, unusual, extra maintenance problem. The bedbug addenda that I've seen are essentially like the addenda regarding pets, and like pets, they are a known extra maintenance issue that should not be born by all the other tenants in the form of higher rent.

Basically, if you bring bedbugs into this apartment, you're financially responsible for the extensive extra effort to clean them out.

Seeing as people can barely see bedbugs that's completely unreasonable. If you don't want the expense and hassle of maintaining an apartment don't become a landlord.

[fluffythewondercat]

Originally Posted by Dm84

Seeing as people can barely see bedbugs that's completely unreasonable. If you don't want the expense and hassle of maintaining an apartment don't become a landlord.

If you don't want the expense and hassle of insuring you haven't picked up an infestation, don't rent apartments.

Gee, this is fun.