REAC Inspections in Bed Bug Infested Units

Bed bugs are a common topic of discussion in today’s housing industry. In 2010, as infestations became more prevalent, HUD issued guidance to REAC inspectors that required all inspectors to report the presence of bed bugs at a property, but instructed inspectors to not enter the affected unit during the inspection.

This protocol drastically changed on January 21, 2016 when HUD published Inspector Notice 2016-01. Effective February 1, 2016, HUD now requires REAC Inspectors to inspect all sample units, even those with known bed bug infestations.

While some might disagree, according to researchers with HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Home, the likelihood or risk of bed bug transference to the Inspectors is remote. Thus, the protocol was changed.

HUD did reiterate, in Notice 2016-01, that the presence and the treatment of bed bugs on a property will not be scored in the REAC Inspection.