Cal. Civ. Code § 38-12-1002
Bed bugs - notification to landlord - landlord duties.
Operative Text
(1) A tenant shall promptly notify the tenant's landlord via written or electronic notice when the tenant knows or reasonably suspects that the tenant's dwelling unit contains bed bugs. A tenant who gives a landlord electronic notice of a condition shall send such notice only to the email address, telephone number, or electronic portal specified by the landlord in the rental agreement for communications. In the absence of such a provision in the rental agreement, the tenant shall communicate with the landlord in a manner that the landlord has previously used to communicate with the tenant. The tenant shall retain sufficient proof of the delivery of the electronic notice. (2) Not more than ninety-six hours after receiving notice of the presence of bed bugs or the possible presence of bed bugs, a landlord, after providing notice to the tenant as described in section 38-12-1004 (1): (a) Shall obtain an inspection of the dwelling unit by a qualified inspector; and (b) May enter the dwelling unit or any contiguous dwelling unit for the purpose of allowing the inspection as provided in section 38-12-1003. (3) If the inspection of a dwelling unit confirms the presence of bed bugs, the landlord shall also cause to be performed an inspection of all contiguous dwelling units as promptly as is reasonably practical.
Colorado Revised Statute § 38-12-1002 establishes a two-way notification and inspection framework for bed bug situations in rental housing. When a tenant knows or reasonably suspects bed bugs are present, written or electronic notice must be sent to the landlord promptly, using the contact method specified in the rental agreement or previously used by the landlord. Once the landlord receives that notice, they have no more than 96 hours to arrange an inspection by a qualified inspector, and if bed bugs are confirmed, inspections of all adjoining units must follow as soon as reasonably practical.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 38-12-1002, compliant property operators typically designate a clear email address, phone number, or electronic portal in their rental agreements so tenants have an unambiguous channel for reporting bed bug concerns. Upon receiving any such report, operators generally document the receipt time and arrange a qualified inspector within the 96-hour window, after first providing the tenant with the notice required by § 38-12-1004(1). When an inspection confirms bed bugs, operators also arrange inspections of all contiguous units as promptly as reasonably practical, keeping records of each step in the process.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 38-12-1002 gives Colorado tenants a clear right to report bed bug concerns and triggers a landlord's legal duty to act within 96 hours of receiving that report. Tenants are generally well-served by sending notice through the contact method listed in their rental agreement and retaining proof of delivery, such as a read receipt or screenshot, since the statute specifically requires that documentation. If a landlord fails to arrange an inspection within the required timeframe, tenants may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or explore complaint options available through local housing authorities to understand what remedies may 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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