This is a rant really: I discovered my mom's apartment at AL was infested with bedbugs. I dealt with all the hot washing and drying of everything I could fit in a dryer. AL has had bedbug inspection and treatment as needed for months, but the bug sniffing dogs missed her room (I suspect this may be because she is allowed a cat, and no one bothered to help her crate the cat to let the dog in). Mom had to go into hospital and rehab (unrelated) and the apartment was treated once with chemicals --I took cat in--and 2 weeks later, apartment got heat treatment. That happened last week and today I was told I was responsible for disposing of the bed that had been heavily infested (though actually mattress & box spring had supposed bed bug proof encasements)! I said unequivocally that I expected the facility to dispose of the bed. My mom did not bring the bugs in. I am just flabbergasted that the facility would try and put the responsibility on me.
In most states, assisted living facilities are legally responsible for maintaining a safe, sanitary, and pest-free environment under their state’s licensing rules.
This usually includes professional pest control AND disposal of infested items, especially if the infestation is not clearly caused by a single resident’s actions.
Licensing standards:
State regulations often require facilities to promptly address infestations and prevent residents from being exposed to hazardous conditions — which can include contaminated mattresses.
Local ordinances:
Many cities and counties have rules for proper disposal of bed bug–infested furniture — sometimes requiring items to be wrapped, labeled, or picked up by licensed haulers. The burden for compliance in a licensed care setting typically falls on the facility, not the resident’s family.
Contracts & resident agreements:
Some assisted living contracts contain clauses making residents responsible for personal belongings, but that doesn’t override state health and safety laws if the facility is licensed to provide housing and care."
Source: ChatGPT
Read her contract to see if they mention anything about pest control in it.