Do They Need to Be Gone Before You Can Sell?

No. But many homebuyers require a pest inspection along with the traditional home inspection, and bed bugs can typically deter a potential buyer. From a legal perspective, sellers are only required to fix structural defects, and anything that violates a building code or safety standards. In regards to bed bug infestations, the buyer can negotiate the added costs of removal.

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Related FAQs

What Happens if I Don’t Disclose But Knew They Were There?

In some states, bed bugs are not a disclosure that is required by law. However, if you live in a state where it is, there can be some serious consequences in not disclosing a bed bug infestation. The most common is canceling the purchase. Some buyers put a contract in place that includes contingencies to give them a way out of a purchase agreement without losing any money by requiring a return... read more?

Who Typically Buys Houses With Bed Bugs and Why?

Typical buyers would include:
  • Real estate investors
  • Land buyers
  • Wholesalers
  • Companies looking to acquire a block of land or a building to make a rental
  • House flippers
These types of buyers do not intend on living there, but buy these homes to fully gut and rehab or rebuild. In turn, they can sell the property for more money than their purchase price. Basically, a buyer would... read more?