So far, Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council have appointed a bed bug task force, created a "bed bug czar," and started a “Bed Bug Academy” for building & property managers cursed with an infestation. But despite all these measures, the bed bugs continue to blithely feed on the nectar of our world class blood. Residential bed bug complaints have increased dramatically citywide, even infiltrating the offices of the Manhattan and Brooklyn district attorneys! But today city officials are turning things up a notch, with a hot new website and tough new rules for landlords with bed bug tenants.
Formerly the Department of Housing Preservation and Development was solely responsible for issuing issue violations to landlords over bed bugs, but now the Health Department can send bed bug scofflaw landlords to the city’s Environmental Control Board, which can fine landlords who ignore bed bug complaints. In addition, the city can now issue liens on properties whose owners ignore the fines. And property owners who don't take care of bed bugs could be required to get an exterminator to sign a sworn affidavit confirming the problem is under control.
The new website, unveiled today, is fortifying New Yorkers with the facts they need to make informed decisions about whether they have bed bugs, and their lives are ruined. The site features an audio bed bug primer to help you identify and understand bed bugs, and an informative report pdf about bed bug biology and behavior. “We’re sending the message that we’re taking this seriously,” Council Speaker Christine Quinn tells the Post. “People are very nervous about bedbugs.” Some, of course, are more nervous than others.
