INVESTIGATING AND ENFORCING BED BUG

COMPLAINTS IN RENTAL HOUSING

IN GREATER COLUMBUS

PAUL WENNING, R.S.

FRANKLIN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH

In Greater Columbus, three agencies are responsible for investigating bed bug complaints in rental housing:

- Within Columbus - Columbus Code Enforcement

- Within Worthington - Worthington Code Enforcement

- Other cities, and townships - Franklin County Public Health

What Each Agency Can Do

Columbus Code Enforcement (CCE)

CCE investigates bed bug complaints in multi-family rental housing only.

- CCE does not investigate bed bugs in single- family rental homes.

- CCE may order the landlord to treat the infested unit(s).

- If the landlord is non-compliant, he/she may be referred to the City of Columbus Prosecutor, who may initiate legal action against him/her.

Worthington Code Enforcement (WCE)

Worthington Code Enforcement investigates bed bug complaints in

multi-family housing.

- WCE may order landlord to treat infested unit(s)- IF the landlord is non-compliant, he/she may be referred to Mayor's Court

Franklin County Public Health (FCPH)

FCPH investigates bed bug complaints in multi-family and single family rental

housing.- If bed bugs are found in more than 20% of

units, landlord is ordered to inspect and treat all affected areas of the building.

- Landlord is responsible for treatment.- In single family rentals and buildings with

<20% infested units, tenants and landlords are ordered to eradicate pests.

- If pests are not eradicated, responsible parties may be referred to Environmental Court

What the Enforcement Agencies Cannot Do

- They CANNOT intervene in disputes between the landlord and tenant about payment.

- They CANNOT recommend a pest management professional.

- They CANNOT help a tenant break their lease.