Massachusetts

Massachusetts Bed Bug Lawyer

Bed bugs are a problem in all 50 states of America, and Massachusetts is no exception. 

Common places bed bugs can be found are:

• Apartments
• Houses
• Hotels
• Motels
• Daycare centers
• Hospitals office buildings.

In very rare situations, you might come across bed bugs on an airplane.

When someone deals with bed bugs, they feel hurt and wronged. Between the itchy red bumps they deal with, and the paranoia surrounding being able to fall asleep again in a bed where you were “attacked”. 

It’s not a fun thing to deal with – and luckily you don’t have to deal with it alone.

Like every state in America, there are hundreds, if not thousands of lawyers who take cases involving bed bugs.

That’s what we’re here to help you with.

We are here to give you the rundown on what to do if you find yourself in one of these situations, and the steps you can take to protect yourself legally.

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are tiny, brown insects about the size of a grain of rice bite you while you sleep. 

They live on the blood of humans and are persistent little creatures.

While they are brown-ish, once they have been feeding off of your blood, they will turn a reddish color.

They get their name from the places they usually infest – beds, couches, and other places of rest or sleep. Most people are bit by bed bugs while they’re sleeping.

Common Bed Bug Symptoms

The first symptoms that you’re being bit are:

• Small red bumps on your skin
• Itching skin
• Swollen skin

Some of the secondary and more serious symptoms might include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swollen Tongue
• Blisters
• Fever
• Infection from scratching
• Anemia

We say this very seriously – bed bugs are nothing to take lightly. They will cause annoyance, but more significantly, they can cause you pain and inconvenience. 

Massachusetts Bed Bugs

The East coast is definitely the most connected part of the country. An immersive train system connects large metropolitan cities to each other – which makes it easy to work, vacation, and travel in-between states.

Many agencies and organizations believe travel can be the #1 reason that bed bug infestations occur.

Bed bugs are like hitchhikers. 

They can travel with you from bed to bed, even if those two beds are two states away.

In this case, you’ve picked up bed bugs and now they’re back home with you in Massachusetts.

Get Help From a Bed Bug Lawyer

Sometimes, the last course of action is to lawyer up. If you’re having issues with dealing with your landlord, building manager, or leasing agent – it’s probably time to find someone who can help you.

Massachusetts Bed Bug Law

Massachusetts bed bug law is hard to track down as there are a lot of gray areas. Luckily if you’re a tenant you are more protected from bed bugs in Massachusetts than in a lot of other states. 

There is no clear language regarding bugs or insects in the landlord/tenant laws in MA.

The main resource the government of Massachusetts provides for people regarding bed bugs is a brief overview of what bed bugs are, how to spot them, and what your next steps should be if you do find yourself in a situation like this. 

Here is a link to that article.

Are Landlords Responsible for Bed Bugs in Massachusetts?

The short answer is, yes, landlords are responsible for bed bugs if you have them in your unit or apartment (in most cases).

They are responsible for ensuring regular inspection, usually annually or bi-annually. 

Landlords are also responsible for promptly taking action if a bed bug infestation is reported or identified in one of their units or apartments they manage.

If your landlord is being difficult with responding to your inquiries regarding a possible bed bug infestation you should get in touch to get connected with an attorney. 

Can You Stop Paying Rent if There Are Bed Bugs?

This question comes up a lot, and it is important that a distinguished answer is given.

The only way you can withhold paying your rent if there is a bed bug infestation at your residence is if there is no evidence that you brought the infestation to the building.

If there is evidence that the bed bug infestation was already there, you may be able to withhold your rent payments until the problem is resolved by the landlord.

If you cannot find evidence that the infestation was already there, your next best step is to make sure there is absolutely no evidence that you brought the bed bugs there.

That is where the landlord is going to go – they will want to find evidence that you brought the bed bugs to the apartment, building, or condo. 

Make sure you have your “t’s” crossed and your “i’s” dotted when it comes to keeping organized records.

Reporting Bed Bugs to Health Department in MA

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has very clear and strict protocol when it comes to bed bug reports in state-owned and operated facilities. 

It is outlined in their laws that all facilities owned or operated by Massachusetts are monitored and inspected by Integrated Pest Control (IPM). 

First thing is first, if you have a problem in your home – you need to report it to the landlord, building manager, or leasing agent. 

These respective parties have to therefore report the bed bug incident to a pest management company who will in turn collect specimen samples. 

If your landlord, building manager, or leasing agent is unwilling to work further with you to identify and treat your bed bug infestation, it is imperative that you then report the negligence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

To do so, you will go to the Department of Health’s website here, and you can provide your information so they can further look into the case. 

Massachusetts Bed Bug Bite Lawyers

We mentioned asking family or friends if they have “a guy for that” when it comes to looking for legal help in Massachusetts. 

The Northeast of the United States deals with many bed bug infestations as there are some very large metro areas with a ton of international and national travelers. 

This traveling can spread bed bugs fast and effectively – which is most likely why you’re here.

While this is not a good thing, it means there are a lot of people in the state that are experts in dealing with bed bugs from a legal standpoint. 

Get a free consultation to discuss your bed bug case here.

We serve all cities, counties, and metro areas in the state of MA, so check out our website to get connected!