Bed Bugs in CO & Flooring Question

[Brian Kraft]

I'm wondering if I can get some help on navigating a bed bug issue in Colorado. Bed bugs are something completely new to me. I also have a question about vinyl flooring going over hardwoods (what!?!?).

I purchased a duplex a few months ago and inherited tenants on each side. There was no mention at any point of any issue before or shortly after purchasing, but about 1.5 months ago, one of the sides said they were seeing bed bugs and said they would work on treating it (with Home Depot products). They were not asking how I was going to fix the problem for them--which I appreciate. Having no knowledge of bed bugs, I did some quick research and read a mix of reports about different treatments being effective or non effective--depending on each unique situation. I had read that the home kits have the possibility of being effective if they are used repeatedly. I shared that info with the tenant and suggested they do multiple treatments--to which they agreed.

I checked back a couple weeks later and asked if they were having luck. They said it seemed like it was working and they were planning on doing another treatment still. 

A few weeks after that (a few days ago), the tenant (month-to-month) said she has a family matter and needs to move out at the end of March. I asked if they had the bed bugs all taken care of and she said there are still some. I told them I'd get back to them on that.

Now, the lease I inherited did not have a bed bug addendum nor any specific mention in the lease. Interestingly, the other side, whose lease started about a year later (almost a year ago)--did sign a bed bug addendum. I don't know if that was done by the previous owner just to cover themselves better in general or it was due to some specific bed bug activity. I've not heard about any activity on that side, although I've also never asked. And I'm not sure if this info is pertinent, but I thought I'd share it anyway.

The side in question has... yes, the tenant's used furniture...and somewhat thick carpeting on the main level, as well as the living areas in the basement. I'm not really sure how to proceed. Who's responsible for **effectively** exterminating? How do any CO laws enter into this current situation, as well as moving forward with future tenants?

I would imagine removing the carpeting (and their furniture) would be helpful, but I'm sure it's not THE solution. But, that does bring me to my next question about the flooring...

At some point I thought I may want to replace the carpet (yet, didn't plan on it at this point, but will if it helps the bug situation) with some Ultra Allure, which I've put in other properties and like a lot. It's a pretty simple replacement for the basement with carpeting, but here's where I'm really flummoxed-- under the main level carpet are hardwood floors. But get this... they are pained WHITE! Apparently interesting things were happening back in the 70s and 80s...and apparently they have made somewhat of a come back, but I don't think it's for the best in this case. So, instead of stripping the paint and refinishing them--considering it's a C+ type rental, I'm thinking I may just be better off with Ultra Allure going right over the top of the white wood floors. I figure there will be less maintenance required over the years with this approach, but I'd love others' thoughts.   

Any help on either/both matters would be great--thanks!