Just one bed bug incident can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars to remedy, depending on the severity of the infestation. Sadly, many tenants don't realize that their renters insurance policies most likely don't cover bed bug infestations or damage caused by them. Without backup coverage or savings in place, if your home suffers an infestation, you could be out a lot of money.
An independent insurance agent can help you review your renters insurance and explore other coverage options. They'll ensure you understand exactly what's necessary to cover bed bug incidents from every angle. But until then, here's a detailed breakdown of whether renters insurance covers bed bugs.
Table of Contents
Does Renters Insurance Cover Bed Bugs?
Expenses That Come with Bed Bugs
Do Any Renters Insurance Policies Cover Bed Bugs?
Are Landlords Responsible for Bed Bug Extermination?
Your Rights As a Tenant
What Are the Exceptions to Landlord Bed Bug Responsibility?
Does Renters Insurance Cover Any Kind of Pests?
How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help
Does Renters Insurance Cover Bed Bugs?
Unfortunately, renters insurance generally doesn't cover bed bugs. However, there are a few state-specific exceptions to be aware of.
The reason bed bugs aren't covered is that pest extermination is considered routine maintenance, whereas renters insurance is designed to cover sudden and accidental incidents, such as fire, wind, theft, vandalism, etc. The same rule applies to mice and other pests.
Because tenants are responsible for routine maintenance costs, you usually can't file a renters insurance claim for bed bugs or any damage they cause to your personal property. It also means that renters insurance typically won't cover additional living expenses if you need to stay at a hotel temporarily while the infestation is being cleared.
Expenses That Come with Bed Bugs
Unfortunately, because standard renters insurance usually doesn't cover bed bugs, this means that you're almost always responsible for addressing an infestation and the related costs. Expenses stemming from bed bugs can include some or all of the following.
- Medical co-pays if you went to the doctor to diagnose bed bug bites or bought medication to treat them
- Bagging personal belongings to contain the bed bugs and prevent their spread
- Buying and replacing damaged property affected by bed bugs, such as a mattress
- Staying at a hotel or other location while your home is exterminated
Understanding that renters insurance doesn't typically cover bed bugs may help inspire tenants to be more diligent about maintaining their homes and watching for signs of infestation to prevent any issues.
Do Any Renters Insurance Policies Cover Bed Bugs?
There are a few types of renters insurance policies that can actually help pay for costs associated with bed bugs. You might be able to get an eRenterPlan or ePremium policy that includes bed bug remediation coverage.
However, these plans are only available at specific locations and offered at complexes that participate with the carriers. The renters insurance carrier Assurant also offers bed bug extermination coverage and related protection for tenants in select states. Ask your independent insurance agent about options that might be available in your area.
Are Landlords Responsible for Bed Bug Extermination?
When tenants find out bed bugs aren't covered under renters insurance, they usually think it's their landlord's problem and not theirs. However, landlords may not be responsible for bed bugs when they're discovered in just one unit. This is because it's often the tenant's responsibility to handle routine maintenance, such as pest control.
That said, there are limited situations where landlords may be responsible for bed bugs. One simple example is if bed bugs aren't found in just one unit but in a common area.
Tenants who live in multifamily rental units and receive assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development can also be an exception because landlords are almost always named as responsible for extermination by these leases unless the cause was due to the tenant's negligence.
There might also be an exception if you live in a typical multi-unit building, but this depends on your specific location and the infestation's unique circumstances. You'll need to check your lease to see how it dictates that bed bugs must be handled.
In the case of a bed bug problem in a common area, if the landlord didn't address the problem and the pests spread to other units, they would likely be on the hook for extermination and related costs. But even in this scenario, you wouldn't file a renters insurance claim. You'd probably still have to pay for an exterminator and handle the problem, and then go after your landlord for reimbursement. If they didn't reimburse you, you'd have the choice to file a lawsuit.
Your Rights as a Tenant
As stated in your lease, tenants often have rights regarding an "implied warranty of habitability" or similar phrasing. This dictates that a landlord is contractually obligated to provide livable housing for all tenants. Parameters of this living standard include providing structurally sound units, safe drinking water, heat, and air conditioning, as well as no pests.
Unfortunately, this typically doesn't refer to bed bugs. In most cases, unless exceptions are made by your specific area or living situation, the landlord isn't on the hook to cover the removal of bed bugs in your unit. This is especially true if you were the cause of the infestation.
What Are the Exceptions to Landlord Bed Bug Responsibility?
There are a few state-specific exceptions to landlord bed bug responsibility. For example, Florida and Colorado legally require that landlords exterminate bed bugs if they're notified of the problem within a dictated time frame. If they're notified and still fail to fix it, tenants have legal options to withhold rent, break their leases, or file a lawsuit for damages.
Some cities also have bed bug rules of their own. For example, New York City requires that landlords fix any bed bug infestations within 30 days of being told about the problem. You may live in a city that requires something similar, even if your state hasn't taken official action.
Does Renters Insurance Cover Any Kind of Pests?
Unfortunately, no. All pests, whether rodents, roaches, or bed bugs, are treated the same under renters insurance policies. Remember that while pests aren't covered by renters insurance, it's still critical to have a good policy in place for other covered losses. If you aren't sure how much coverage you need or what policy is right for you, ask your independent insurance agent for assistance.
How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help
When you need coverage for bed bugs or any other incidents related to your rental home, no one's better equipped to help than an independent insurance agent. These agents shop and compare policies for you from multiple carriers and present you with options that offer only the best blend of coverage and cost. They can also help you find specific policies that include the exact kind of coverage you're looking for or present alternatives where necessary.
Sources
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/does-renters-insurance-cover-bedbugs
https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/bedbugs-information-for-landlords-and-building-managers.page
