The first thing to do is let your caretaker know as soon as possible. We’ll get our pest management partners to do an inspection, which may involve setting traps to get an idea of the level of infestation.
If necessary, the exterminator will also inspect adjacent suites. Once the level of infestation is determined, residents will be required to prepare their suites for treatment. A checklist will be provided with as much advanced notice as possible, and then exterminators will treat the suite using a combination of vaccuuming, steam treatment, and pesticides. They will then do a follow-up inspection to see if further treatments are needed.
Treating a suite for bedbugs is legally the landlords responsibility, and it is one that we take very seriously to avoid the spread of pests through a building. But the treatment also relies heavily on cooperation from tenants. If tenants refuses to cooperate, the risk of infesting other units increases. If a landlord incurs greater costs due to uncooperative tenants, they do have the right to terminate the tenancy and file a claim against the tenant for the costs. The matter would be referred to the Residential Tenancies Branch.
Nobody wants bedbugs in their home, and it’s in everybody’s best interest to remain vigilant and cooperative to stem the spread and impact of bedbugs.
