Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-890
Enforcement (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
(a) Inspectors from the departments of buildings and health shall have authority to inspect the interior and exterior of buildings, other structures, or parcels on which a building is located for bed bug infestation and when any evidence is found indicating the presence of bed bugs at that site and to report such evidence to the appropriate commissioner. (b) This article may be enforced by the departments of public health or buildings. In addition, the department of business affairs and consumer protection shall have the authority to enforce Section 7-28-860 . (Added Coun. J. 6-5-13, p. 55787, § 5) Editor's note - Per Coun. J. 6-5-13, p. 55787, § 6, §§ 7-28-810 - 7-28-900 become effective on 12-23-13.
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-890, the City of Chicago grants inspectors from the Departments of Buildings and Health the authority to examine both the interior and exterior of properties for bed bug infestations and to report findings to the relevant commissioner. The article as a whole may be enforced by either the Department of Public Health or the Department of Buildings. Additionally, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection holds specific authority to enforce Section 7-28-860, which addresses bed bug disclosure and remediation responsibilities.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Chicago should be aware that under § 7-28-890, city inspectors from multiple departments—Buildings, Health, and Business Affairs and Consumer Protection—are authorized to inspect properties and enforce bed bug-related requirements. Compliant operators generally maintain records of pest control efforts, respond promptly to reported infestations, and cooperate with inspectors who arrive to examine the property. Familiarity with the full scope of Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-890 and the related provisions it references helps operators understand which agency may be involved in any given enforcement action.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-890 establishes that tenants living in properties with suspected bed bug infestations have recourse through multiple city agencies, including the Department of Public Health, the Department of Buildings, and—for matters related to Section 7-28-860—the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Tenants who observe signs of bed bug activity may report concerns to any of these agencies, which have authority to inspect and act on evidence found. Consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Chicago's bed bug ordinance can help tenants understand which enforcement path may be relevant to their circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.