Bed Bugs & Pests

Chicago landlords are responsible for maintaining pest-free rental units. The RLTO and Chicago Municipal Code require landlords to address infestations promptly. Tenants have specific rights regarding pest disclosure, treatment, and the costs of extermination.

Landlord's Responsibility

Under the Chicago Municipal Code and the RLTO, landlords must maintain rental units free of pests, including bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents, and other vermin. Extermination is the landlord's financial responsibility — they cannot charge tenants for pest control services. For bed bugs specifically, the landlord must hire a licensed pest management professional and follow integrated pest management protocols.

Bed Bug Disclosure Requirements

Chicago's Bed Bug Ordinance requires landlords to disclose to prospective tenants any known bed bug infestations in the unit within the past 120 days. Landlords must also notify all tenants in a building when a bed bug infestation is being treated. Failure to disclose is a violation that may entitle tenants to remedies including lease termination and damages.

Tenant Obligations During Treatment

While pest treatment is the landlord's financial responsibility, tenants must cooperate with preparation requirements such as washing linens, bagging clothing, and clearing areas for treatment. The landlord should provide specific written instructions. If the preparation is particularly burdensome, tenants may request assistance. Tenants should not apply their own pesticides, as this can interfere with professional treatment.

Filing Complaints and Remedies

If your landlord refuses to address a pest infestation, file a complaint with 311 or through the CHI 311 portal. The Chicago Department of Public Health handles pest-related complaints and can inspect the unit and cite the landlord. Under the RLTO, persistent pest problems that render the unit uninhabitable may entitle the tenant to rent reduction, repair-and-deduct, or lease termination.

Do's & Don'ts

Do

Report infestations to your landlord in writing immediately
File a 311 complaint if your landlord does not respond
Cooperate with pest treatment preparation instructions
Ask about the pest history before signing a new lease
Document the infestation with photos and keep written records of all communications

Don't

Pay for extermination yourself — it is the landlord's responsibility
Apply over-the-counter pesticides — they can spread the infestation and interfere with professional treatment
Throw away furniture without checking if treatment can save it
Move furniture from an infested unit to another area of the building
Ignore a small problem hoping it goes away — infestations worsen quickly

Helpful Resources

CHI 311 – File a ComplaintVisit →CDPH – Healthy HomesVisit →Metropolitan Tenants OrganizationVisit →

Need Help? Call 311 (Chicago Services)

311

Frequently Asked Questions

2 questions answered

Yes. Under the RLTO and Chicago Municipal Code, landlords must exterminate pests at their own expense. They cannot charge tenants for bed bug treatment.

Notify your landlord in writing immediately. If they don't respond within 14 days, file a complaint with 311. Under the RLTO, you may be able to terminate your lease or withhold rent for uninhabitable conditions.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact a qualified attorney or one of the free legal services listed above.