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25 Del. C. § 5317

Citation
25 Del. C. § 5317
Jurisdiction
Delaware (state)
Source
Official source

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5317. Landlord and tenant obligations relating to bed bug infestation.

(a) Prior to renting a dwelling unit, the owner or property manager shall visually inspect the unit for any evidence of the presence of bed bugs, which may be indicated by observation of a living bed bug, bed bug carapace, eggs or egg casings, or brownish or blood spotting on linens, mattresses, or furniture. A landlord shall not show, rent, or lease to a prospective tenant any vacant dwelling unit that the landlord knows or reasonably suspects has a current bed bug infestation.

(b) This section does not impose a duty on a landlord to inspect a dwelling unit or the common areas of the premises for bed bugs if the landlord has no notice of a suspected or actual bed bug infestation. If a bed bug infestation is evident on visual inspection, the landlord shall be considered to have notice pursuant to this section.

(c) Prior to renting a dwelling unit, a landlord shall disclose to a prospective tenant if an adjacent unit or units are currently infested with or are being treated for bed bugs.

(d) Upon notification by a person who finds or reasonably suspects a bed bug infestation in a dwelling unit or common area of the premises, the landlord shall:

(1) Acknowledge the complaint within 120 hours of notification of the suspected infestation.

(2) Inspect or obtain investigatory services from a pest management professional within 120 hours of notification.

(3) Upon a determination of an infestation and within 14 days of notification, obtain and provide remedial services from a pest management professional.