NYC Real Estate Agents Struggle with Bedbug Infestation

August 20, 2009

According to city officials, a number of bedbug infestations have sprung up across New York City in recent years. The tiny mites inhabit beds and other furniture, where they lay in wait of their human or pet prey. Though it has been proven that the bugs do not pose any serious health risk, they can cause families a great deal of stress and psychological distress.

According to state and city laws, a real estate agent and the owners of the infested home must make sure that any potential buyer is aware of the infestation. Not knowing can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage in furniture that must be thrown out or burned. If a buyer knows beforehand, then he or she can take steps to hire an exterminator and ensure that the bugs and all of their eggs are eliminated before move-in day. Real estate agents worry bed bug infestations throughout the city can dramatically affect the already volatile market.