Maryland

Maryland is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the eastern U.S.

This state’s population has grown rapidly since the mid 20^th century, nearing close to 6 million residents.

Being the 9^th smallest state in terms of geographic area…

Maryland is among the most densely populated in the country.

Tourism is popular in Maryland with travelers visiting Baltimore, The Eastern Shore Beaches, or passing through to get to Washington D.C.

Its highly diversified and growing economy contributes to its rank as the state with the highest median household income.

With a booming economy and tourism sector, this state continues to thrive.

Although its high volume of foot traffic and dense communities come with some major problems.

Bed Bugs in Maryland

Maryland is one of the worst states when it comes to bed bug infestations, with these two big cities…

(Baltimore & Washington D.C.)

Being #1 and #2 respectively on Orkin’s list of most bed bug infested cities.

If you or a loved one has fallen victim to bed bugs in Maryland, you do have options.

You may be able to sue…

(whether it be a hotel or apartment)

For the losses you experienced as a result of bed bugs. Don’t wait to get in touch with us as we can help begin the process of seeking justice for your injuries.

You will get connected with a local lawyer who can walk you through next steps and discuss your situation.

Get your free consultation now! There are no fees unless you win your case.

Maryland Bed Bug Laws

There are several states or local governments that have enforced responsibility of “rodents and vermin onto landlords.”

This means that not only do landlords need to deliver an apartment that’s FREE of bed bugs, but they are responsible for maintaining that status as well.

In some cases however…

The landlord is only responsible if an infestation has reached the neighbors, and infested multiple units within an apartment complex or multifamily building.

The responsibilities in Maryland differ from county to county, and unfortunately the laws that do exist…

Can be ambiguous or confusing.

For example, according to 26-9 of the Montgomery County code:

(9) Each occupant of a dwelling containing a single dwelling unit must exterminate any insects, rodents, or other vermin in or on the premises. Each occupant of a dwelling unit or individual living unit in a dwelling containing more than one unit must exterminate if that unit is the only infested unit. The owner must exterminate if the infestation:

(B) was caused by the owner’s failure to maintain the dwelling in a rat-proof or reasonably insect-proof condition. 

So to summarize:

Apartment Complexes with Multiple Units Infested = The Landlord is likely Responsible.

Apartment Complexes with One Unit Infested = The Tenant is likely Responsible

Single Unit Complex infested = The Tenant is likely responsible

Unless… (This is where clause B comes in).

The landlord failed to maintain the property in a “reasonably insect-proof condition.”

The below video is an example of a woman suing her apartment complex over bed bugs.

For further questions, you can contact your local health department or an attorney to get help and discuss your unique situation.

Bed Bugs in Maryland Hotels

Bed bugs have made unwelcome appearances in many of Maryland’s most popular hotels.

While hotels do their best to keep this information quiet, there are ways you can either prevent exposure to bed bugs or seek justice after an exposure.

To prevent exposure:

• Inspect the hotel room thoroughly before spending the night.
• Don’t leave your suitcase on the floor.
• Consider researching the hotel on TripAdvisor or another review site.

When you check for bed bugs be sure to look for the telltale signs of an infestation.

You can look for evidence of an infestation in:

• The mattress or box spring
• Around the bedding, sheets, or pillowcases
• Under furniture
• Around baseboards or wall hangings

Or you can look for live bed bugs.

But to ensure you don’t confuse bed bugs with similar-looking insects…

Be mindful of what bed bugs look like.

Ocean City Maryland Bed Bugs

The beaches at Ocean City have been a staple tourist destination in Maryland for decades.

Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of bed bugs when staying at an Ocean City Hotel or Airbnb.

The most frightening part about exposure to bed bugs on a vacation is that the problem does not end when the vacation ends.

Actually, the problem is just beginning.

It’s likely you will bring the infestation home with you and infest your loved ones and belongings.

Here is an example of a bed bug complaint at a hotel in Ocean City Maryland (Source: TripAdvisor)

Hilton Suites Ocean City Oceanfront 6/27

Hotel has become less than desirable for the price over the years. Long, black hairs stuck in jacuzzi tub jets upon arrival, peeling paint on ceiling of bathroom, and housekeeping did not tend to room until 5:00 PM. WORST of all…… on the last day we woke up with numerous bites on our bodies. Went to hospital… BED BUGS! Hotel denies infestation. No compensation. Bites don’t lie!

Does Maryland Have Bed Bugs?

The unfortunate reality is that, when it comes to bed bugs….

NO state is immune.

In fact, there have been reported bed bug infestations in every state in America.

Many don’t realize that these creatures were largely eradicated in the 1950s due to the introduction of DDT and other potent insecticides…

The problem is bed bugs have made an impressive comeback since the early 2000s. Leading to a major epidemic that is turning people’s lives upside down.

With the increase in travel and global interdependence, bed bugs spread much more than they used to.

Though these insects don’t jump or fly, they are excellent hitchhikers.

Bed bugs will attach themselves to your:

• Clothes
• Handbag
• Luggage
• Or in rare cases, somewhere on your body.

They will then travel home with you and continue to spread before you even notice.

Maryland Bed Bug Lawsuit

Depending on your situation, you may be able to sue for a bed bug infestation in Maryland.

The key here is proving negligence, either from hotel management or your landlord.

You will need to show that property ownership failed to properly address a known infestation that was considered their responsibility.

You will also need to provide evidence of the losses and injuries you sustained as a result of bed bugs.

The average value of your bed bug lawsuit will go up based on the level of losses experienced.

These could include:

• The number of bites
• Pain & suffering
• Medical expenses
• Lost belongings
• Damaged furniture
• Lost wages
• Ruined vacation
• Psychological damage

Maryland Bed Bug Lawsuit Attorney

The first step is to get connected with a lawyer for your free consultation. Initial consultations are quick and painless and will help determine whether you should file a lawsuit.

There are absolutely NO fees unless you win your case. Get connected with a Maryland lawyer today!