Paterson signs bedbug legislation into law

Governor Paterson

Governor David Paterson signed legislation into effect today requiring landlords to disclose any history of bedbug activity in a building to possible tenants. The move comes on the heels of an increasing number of bedbug complaint calls to 311 in New York City — 11,000 such calls were made last year, compared to just 537 in 2004. The “Bedbug Disclosure Act” was sponsored by New York State Assembly member Linda Rosenthal, whose district includes the Upper West Side and portions of Hell’s Kitchen. Rosenthal said that the legislation is key to helping city residents avoid an increasingly prevalent problem. “New York City tenants have been living in fear of bedbugs,” Rosenthal said. “Nothing is more horrifying than signing a lease after a lengthy apartment search, only to discover that your new apartment is bedbug-infested.” New York City has seen several high-profile locations succumb to infestation in recent weeks, including the Empire State Building and the AMC movie theater in Times Square. TRD

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