CT HB05438

Tenants must promptly notify landlords of suspected bed bug infestations; landlords have five business days to inspect and five business days after inspection to treat infestations using qualified inspectors or pest control agents.

Landlords bear all inspection and treatment costs unless a tenant knowingly fails to comply with reasonable inspection and treatment measures, in which case the tenant becomes liable for those costs.

Tenants must provide reasonable access to dwelling units for inspections and treatments and comply with preparation measures; landlords must offer assistance to physically unable tenants at a reasonable cost with a repayment schedule not exceeding six months.

Landlords must disclose to prospective tenants whether a unit or contiguous units are currently infested with bed bugs and, upon request, disclose the last date the unit was inspected and found free of infestations.

Landlords failing to comply face liability for actual damages or $250 (whichever is greater) plus reasonable attorney's fees; tenants may pursue remedies under existing landlord-tenant laws or request court injunctive relief against non-compliant tenants.