Would you buy a house that previously had bed bugs?

Question

Thoughts on buying a house that was tented and treated for bedbugs about 4.5 years ago? My closing date is in two days and my realtor just provided me the sellers disclosure that notates this previous issue. Everything about the house is great except that detail.

I’m not sure if bedbugs ever really disappear, and I have no additional information regarding whether they’ve come back or not. Would you still proceed with closing?

Patricia Steiner · Answer

@Rob Miller

If the sellers failed to provide the disclosure on or before the end of the inspection period, you can cancel the contract with the full return of your escrow.  I would make this your realtor's problem since by not providing it, upon receipt, he/she may have limited the options available to you.  If it's not the cruise you signed up for, don't go for the ride...

Jill F. · Answer

Bedbugs do not hibernate for 4.5 years; they can hibernate (according to Ohio State) up to a year but only in very cold conditions.I bought a building that had a recent bedbug infestation (it was not disclosed). The former landlord actually treated the first time but did not evict hoarder/scavenger tenants that brought in bedbugs-- so they continued with their habits and got a re infestation. The second time he evicted them and the treatment was successful. I purchased it about three months after the infestation was successfully treated. I later had a tenant allow a homeless guy to stay and put some stuff in his place and he brought in bedbugs. The tenant reported it quickly and we were able to treat his apartment before the infestation spread. Pest guy said it's often difficult to treat due to uncooperative tenants that don't properly prep and due to the bugs spreading when tenants abandon the unit instead of reporting the infestation-- because when the "meal" leaves the bedbugs spread out looking for a place to eat. Bedbugs are most active at night and are attracted to carbon dioxide in exhaled breath of sleeping people.Bedbugs do seem to be treatable with tenant cooperation but it's a real chore. I covered the cost up front and bought the plastic boxes for prep. The tenant did a good job on prep and I checked it before treatment. Tenant felt bad and did work for me to cover half the cost with labor. The infestation happened because he had a soft heart and tried to help out a homeless teen so we suffered that expensive learning experience together. Tenant is not letting any more homeless stay.So if it has been 4.5 years and there aren't bedbugs now-- you should be fine.

Patricia Steiner · Answer

My recommendation would be to have the sellers pay for a bed bug inspection of the premises BEFORE closing.  Giving notice two days before closing is completely unacceptable and it makes me think that if it hasn't been a problem in 4.5 years, why are they disclosing this at the 11th hour.

Ask your realtor to get the sellers to hire a reputable, established company to do an inspection - and don't close until you have it.  If the bugs are still there, get a seller's paid contingency to have them exterminated after closing.  If all gone, all good.

Yes, I would acquire the property if all else was in line - but I wouldn't close until I knew what I was getting after the sale.  Get an inspection.

Remington Lyman · Answer

@Rob Miller I had bed bugs in one of my quads. It just so happened that it was a unit that needed a full rehab. We treated as we did the rehab and did not have any issues. Bed bugs are fairly common in Columbus, Ohio. Especially with multifamily properties.

Doug McVinua · Answer

@Rob Miller We have dealt with Bed Bugs multiple times in the Valley of the Sun with good results if properly treated. No reoccurring problems when treated properly

Being that it was 4 1/2 years ago I would hire a good pest person to inspect and not be afraid to close.

Sue Reynolds · Answer

Not sure what state you're in. I've worked in Real Estate in New Jersey, California and now Florida but I've got to believe that if you're working with a realtor, then the contract has in it a contingency period for disclosures and inspections. That's where I'd start. (because while you may buy a home, make sure you're fully informed when you do). You can cancel up to the point that the home is signed and recorded but the question is whether your deposit is at risk for liquidated damages. If your realtor failed to give you disclosures with enough time for you to ask the seller for further clarification on the bed bug issue, or other issues such that you were in your contingency period then it's on them. In fact, a good realtor would have let you know when that clock was running out. DO NOT feel compelled to buy a house without being fully informed even if it means risking your deposit. But if it's your realtor's fault you missed your contingency period that's a conversation with them.  As for the bed bugs, I'd find out the real story but adjust the price if there was still an issue, I'd not cancel over bed bugs.

Latha Iyer · Answer

All - I am in a similar situation. Seller answered to one of my attorneys questions during inspection period as they had bugs in May 2020 it was treated and exterminated. They are willing to provide receipts. Is this okay to proceed. I am thinking I will still do a pest inspection.or should I walk away from the deal?

Jonathan Curcio · Answer

You should have been provided the seller's disclosure prior to making an offer.  Regardless, don't sweat the bed bugs.

Steven McCutcheon · Answer

@Rob Miller

If everything has been properly treated and no sign of bed bugs for 4.5 years you should be in the clear. Does seem a little shady that you were just provided the information so late. Have the sellers do an inspection if possible!

Rob Miller · Answer

@Hai Loc I wish, I’m in Phoenix, Arizona

Would you buy a house that previously had bed bugs?

Most Popular Reply