Bed Bug Management Plan - NWGHA & Resident Roles and Responsibilities

It has been determined, based on the inspection of your residence that bed bugs are present and professional treatment is required. Bed bugs are a problem that can only be solved when both parties
(NWGHA and resident) work simultaneously toward a common goal, extermination and elimination. HUD regulations require the resident's cooperation in order to successfully eliminate the presence of bed bugs. Without proper treatment, bed bugs are difficult to contain and have the potential to infest neighboring housing units. In addition, if a resident relocates and the proper treatment has not taken place, the bed bugs will move with the resident as bed bugs can be carried in furniture, bedding, clothing, etc. NWGHA will not be responsible for the reimbursement and/or replacement of any resident furniture, clothing, household items, and medical expenses.

The following plan outlines the roles and responsibilities of NWGHA (landlord) and the resident in the treatment of bed bugs:

NWGHA

• Inspect residence for infestation within one work day of receipt of emergency work order.
• Schedule treatment date as soon as possible, but no later than three days after the initial inspection (subject to resident readiness).
  • Scheduled treatment date.
• Provide at initial inspection special bed bug mattresses and box spring encasements for use on all mattresses and box springs, in accordance with the Maintenance Charge list. The resident may provide their own mattress and box spring encasements, however, the time frames still apply.
• Provide a dozen (12) large trash bags at no charge to the resident for the storage of clothing, towels, toys, other linens, etc. prior to and during treatment.
• Treat residence including furniture.
  
  • If infested furniture does not respond to treatment, NWGHA will dispose of furniture at the resident's request OR the resident can have furniture professionally re-treated at their expense. Proof of re-treatment MUST be provided to NWGHA within 48 hours of the determination that the initial treatment was unsuccessful. If the retreatment of furniture is deemed unsuccessful, the resident may be required to dispose of the furniture.
• Perform follow-up with resident within 10 days of treatment to ensure treatment was effective.
• Perform additional treatments as necessary.

Resident

• Resident must be onsite at the scheduled time when the initial inspection is conducted.
• For treatment to be effective, the resident must perform the tasks listed below prior to the scheduled treatment date. NWGHA encourages residents to complete the items listed as soon as possible in order to minimize the severity of bed bug presence and resolve the problem quickly.
  
  • Remove all sheets, blankets, mattress covers, pillowcases, etc. from beds and wash in hot water (120+ degrees recommended) and dry in clothes dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Fold them and place them in plastic garbage bags and seal the plastic bags tightly. Do not put them back on the bed until the evening after treatment.
  • Remove everything from bedrooms and hall closets. Closets, dresser drawers, and nightstand drawers must be empty. Remove all clothing, toys, boxes, etc. from bedroom floors.
  • Wash all clothing, towels, and other linens in hot water (120+ degrees recommended) and dry in the dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Place clean items inside airtight plastic storage bins or plastic garbage bags that are sealed tightly and store them until after treatment.
  • Vacuum (using disposable vacuum cleaner bags) all furniture, dresser drawers, nightstand drawers, mattresses, and box springs. Place disposable vacuum cleaner bag inside plastic garbage bag that is sealed tightly and discard in outdoor trash receptacle immediately.
  • Move all furniture to the center of the room(s) being treated.
  • Discard all cardboard hangers, boxes, etc.
  • Remove all pictures from walls.
  • Place all bed bug mattress encasements (provided at initial inspection) on all beds. The bed bug mattress encasement is an effective bed bug killer when combined with treatment and must remain on the mattress for at least one year. If the mattress or box spring encasement becomes torn or damaged it is the resident's responsibility to replace it.
  • Discarded mattresses, box springs, furniture, etc. must not be placed in dumpsters; they must be removed from the premises.
  • Remain out of the residence for four hours after treatment (includes all household members and pets).
• Furniture that does not respond to treatment must be disposed of or professionally treated. If resident chooses to dispose of furniture, NWGHA will remove furniture from the unit at resident's request. If resident chooses to dispose of furniture on their own it MUST be removed from the premises. If resident chooses not to dispose of infested furniture they MUST have it retreated (at their expense and within 48 hours of determination that initial treatment was unsuccessful) by a licensed exterminator. Resident must provide proof of re-treatment to NWGHA within 72 hours of determination that initial treatment was unsuccessful.

FAILURE TO COMPLY: If treatment is scheduled and the exterminator determines that resident has not performed the above stated responsibilities, the following will occur:

1. Treatment will be canceled by the exterminator.
2. Resident will be held financially responsible for all costs incurred in accordance with the Maintenance Charge list.
3. Resident lease may be terminated at NWGHA 's discretion.