Bed Bug Battle in Calgary: Tenant Faces Illegal Demands Amid Infestation Scare
Bed Bug Battle Tests Tenant Rights in Calgary
A Calgary tenant's recent bed bug discovery has ignited community concern, revealing a contentious dispute over responsibility and costs. After finding a single bed bug, the tenant alleges their landlord attempted to shift blame and demand payment for a full-house treatment by raising rent.
Alberta Law Clarifies Pest Control Responsibilities
Under Alberta law, property owners are primarily responsible for both dealing with and paying for bed bug infestations in rental properties. Landlords cannot typically ask tenants for reimbursement of these pest control costs, as they are legally obligated to ensure premises remain habitable and free from pests. Furthermore, landlords cannot raise rent during a fixed-term lease, and for periodic tenancies, increases are only permitted annually with proper notice. Attempts to increase rent specifically for treatment or as an "economic eviction" could be voided by courts.
While a landlord cannot evict a tenant solely for reporting an infestation, tenants are required to cooperate with pest control efforts, including allowing access for treatment. Refusal to cooperate could, however, lead to grounds for eviction through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).
