Bed bug infestation costs landlord $3185

A pilot whose apartment was found to be infested with bed bugs has been awarded $3185 by the Tenancy Tribunal.

Jake Blatchford was ‘‘immediately’’ affected by bed bug bites after moving into a furnished apartment in downtown Auckland, and was quarantined to the apartment, as his doctor believed he could have chicken pox, according to a Tenancy Tribunal ruling. During this time the pilot missed a training course in Australia, as the chance of him having chicken pox meant he could not board a plane.

It was later determined the apartment, furnished by the landlord, was infested with bed bugs.

Ms Ho, an agent from James Law Realty Ltd who represented landlords Matthew Ka Wah Lo and Nyuk Fung Kiw, said a pest control contractor was called in twice to treat the infestation but the bed bugs remained by the time both parties agreed to end the tenancy. The contractor admitted they did not treat the apartment’s curtains for bed bugs on the first attempt.

Ho questioned whether Blatchford had brought the bed bugs to the apartment from hotels he stayed at while he was away at work, as the next tenants had no issue with them.

Blatchford argued he was still in training and had not flown to destinations requiring hotel stays.

The tribunal ruled the apartment was likely infested with bed bugs before the tenancy started, and determined the landlords were in breach of section 45 of the Residential Tenancies Act, which stated landlords must provide premises in a reasonable state of cleanliness.

Blatchford was awarded $1185.20 for the cost of clothing, luggage and other personal property he had to throw out and was refunded $2000 in rent.

Bed bugs are wingless parasitic insects that feed on blood.

Bites are usually found on the shoulders and neck.