Is it Legal To Sell a House or Condo with Bed Bugs?

Yes, it is legal to sell a house or condo with bed bugs. Real estate disclosure laws in most states require the seller to inform the buyer of an infestation; however, there are loopholes. There are states where sellers are not required to complete a disclosure statement but instead pay a penalty to the buyer. Some disclosure statements are also so vague that a bed bug infestation is not a specific question.

These disclosures differ from state to state; you can find your requirements at your local health department. You can also contact the building manager if selling a condo, as condo disclosures may differ from selling a home.

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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?