Aldermen Put The Smack Down On Bedbugs
By Samantha Abernethy in News on Jan 29, 2013 10:10PM
The city council health and housing committees held a hearing today to discuss an ordinance to crack down on bedbugs as a public nuisance. Three Chicago aldermen introduced the ordinance to make landlords responsible for hiring licensed terminators or face fines of up to $1,000 per day.
"We don't want this problem to get any worse," said Ald. Debra Silverstein (50th). "So, I think it's important that we are proactive and try to get something on the books. There are lots of other cities that do have ordinances and I think it's important that Chicago does as well."
Silverstein, Ald. Ray Suarez (31st) and Harry Osterman (48th) proposed the measure, which would also prohibit landlords from renting units with infestations, while the Health Department maintains information on infestations and eradications, making it public online.
Tenants would also be required to notify their landlords if they suspect bedbugs. Condominium and co-op boards would be required to prepare bedbug management plans, but they would not be subject to the fines like landlords.
"The city has a significant problem that needs to be addressed at a comprehensive level," said Osterman.