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MA H5027

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/2/2026

Primary Sponsor

Joint Committee on Housing

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Origin

House of Representatives

194th General Court

AI Summary

  • Establishes bed bug control responsibilities for multi-unit dwellings in Massachusetts, requiring tenants to immediately notify owners in writing of infestations and comply with certified applicator instructions for treatment preparation

  • Owners must visually inspect units within 5 business days of receiving tenant notice and hire a certified pesticide applicator within 10 business days to confirm and treat infestations

  • Tenants who fail to provide access or comply with extermination protocols are liable for actual and consequential damages; owners may seek injunctive relief to temporarily remove non-compliant tenants during treatment

  • Owners are shielded from liability for bed bug damages if they comply with the act's requirements; owners and tenants may negotiate alternative cost-sharing arrangements by agreement

  • Department of Public Health must create and maintain a bed bug information sheet in English and Spanish, which owners must provide to tenants at lease signing

Legislative Description

Relative to Cimex Lectularius

Last Action

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means

2/2/2026

Committee Referrals

Ways and Means2/2/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available