Cal. Civ. Code § 38-12-1001
Definitions.
Operative Text
As used in this part 10, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Bed bug" means the common bed bug, or cimex lectularius. (2) "Bed bug detection team" means a scent detection canine team that holds a current, independent, third-party certification in accordance with the guidelines for minimum standards for canine bed bug detection team certification established by the National Pest Management Association or its successor organization. (3) "Certified operator" has the meaning set forth in section 35-10-103 (1). (4) "Commercial applicator" has the meaning set forth in section 35-10-103 (2). (5) "Contiguous dwelling unit" means a dwelling unit that is contiguous with another dwelling unit, both of which units are owned, managed, leased, or subleased by the same landlord. (6) "Dwelling unit" means a structure or the part of a structure that is used as a home, residence, or sleeping place by a tenant. (7) "Electronic notice" means notice by email or an electronic portal or management communications system that is available to both a landlord and a tenant. (8) "Landlord" means the owner, manager, lessor, or sublessor of a residential premises. (9) "Pest control agent" means a certified operator, commercial applicator, qualified supervisor, or technician. (10) "Qualified inspector" means a bed bug detection team, local health department official, certified operator, commercial applicator, qualified supervisor, or technician who is retained by a landlord to conduct an inspection for bed bugs. (11) "Qualified supervisor" has the meaning set forth in section 35-10-103 (13). (12) "Technician" has the meaning set forth in section 35-10-103 (15). (13) "Tenant" means a person entitled under a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others.
Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-1001 establishes the definitions that govern the bed bug provisions in Part 10 of the residential tenancies law. Key terms include 'bed bug,' 'dwelling unit,' 'landlord,' 'tenant,' 'qualified inspector,' and 'pest control agent,' each carrying a specific legal meaning that applies throughout the entire Part 10 framework. For example, a 'bed bug detection team' must hold current, independent, third-party certification meeting National Pest Management Association standards, and a 'qualified inspector' is limited to a defined set of credentialed individuals or teams. These definitions set the boundaries for who and what is covered by Colorado's bed bug rules.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-1001, property owners and managers should be aware that the term 'landlord' in Part 10 encompasses owners, managers, lessors, and sublessors of residential premises. When engaging professionals for bed bug inspections or treatment, compliant operators generally retain individuals or teams that meet the specific credentialing requirements defined here — such as using a 'qualified inspector' or 'pest control agent' as those terms are precisely defined. Using personnel who do not meet these definitions could affect whether a landlord's actions satisfy the obligations set out elsewhere in Part 10.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-1001 defines who qualifies as a 'tenant' under Part 10 as a person entitled under a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others, which determines whether the bed bug protections in the rest of Part 10 apply to a given living situation. Tenants can reference these definitions to understand whether the professionals a landlord brings in for inspections or treatment meet the statutory standards for a 'qualified inspector' or 'pest control agent.' Those who believe their situation may fall under Part 10 can consult a tenant-rights organization or local housing authority for general information about how these definitions apply.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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