Hiring Contractors
Bed Bugs and Pest Control: What Colorado Landlords Must Do
By Denver Rental Managers · Updated October 27, 2026 · 7 min read
Summary
Under Colorado law, once a tenant reports suspected bed bugs, the landlord must have a qualified inspector inspect within 96 hours, notify the tenant of results within 2 business days, and start treatment within 5 business days if bed bugs are found, at the landlord's cost. The pest control company must hold a Colorado Department of Agriculture license. In Denver, bed bug treatment typically costs $1,000–$4,000.
Key takeaways
- Inspect within 96 hours of a tenant's notice, using a qualified inspector.
- Tell the tenant the results in writing within 2 business days.
- If bed bugs are found, start treatment within 5 business days and inspect adjoining units you own.
- The landlord pays for inspection and treatment; tenants pay to prepare their unit.
- You can't rent a unit you know or suspect has bed bugs, and must disclose infestations from the past 8 months on request.
General information for Denver-area rental owners, not legal advice. Rules and prices checked October 27, 2026. Cost ranges are published estimates, not quotes.
The bed bug timeline
Colorado's bed bug law (C.R.S. 38-12-1001 to 1007) sets firm deadlines once a tenant gives written or electronic notice:
| Step | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Inspection by a qualified inspector | Within 96 hours of notice (after giving the required access notice) |
| Inspector reports a positive finding to you | Within 24 hours |
| Written results to the tenant | Within 2 business days of inspection |
| Start treatment if bed bugs are found | Within 5 business days of inspection |
| Inspect adjoining units you own | As promptly as reasonably practical |
Who is a qualified inspector? A licensed pest control agent, a local health department official, or a canine detection team with current third-party certification.
Who pays
The landlord pays for inspection and treatment. Tenants pay to prepare their unit (laundering, bagging belongings) and must cooperate. A tenant who knowingly and unreasonably refuses can be liable for treatment costs the refusal causes, including in adjoining units.
You aren't required to provide other housing or replace the tenant's belongings.
Access
Give at least 48 hours' written or electronic notice before you, the inspector or the pest control company enter, unless the lease sets a different minimum or the tenant waives it. Tenants can't unreasonably deny access. If they do, you can ask a court for an order.
Disclosure
- You can't offer a unit for rent if you know or reasonably suspect it has bed bugs.
- If a prospective tenant asks, you must disclose whether the unit had bed bugs in the past 8 months, and the last date it was inspected and found clear.
Hiring licensed pest control
Anyone applying pesticides for hire in Colorado needs a commercial applicator business license from the Colorado Department of Agriculture, which requires at least $400,000 in liability insurance and a licensed qualified supervisor. Verify on the CDA pesticide applicator search.
What pest control costs in Denver
| Service | Typical Denver cost |
|---|---|
| Quarterly general pest service | $100–$300 per visit |
| Initial visit | $150–$300 |
| Bed bug treatment | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Rodent control | $180–$600 |
| Rodent exclusion (sealing entry points) | $140–$420 |
Source: Angi's 2026 Denver cost guides.
Other pests
Pests are a habitability issue under Colorado law. Mice are common in older Denver homes as weather cools. Seal gaps around pipes and foundations during turnover, keep a quarterly service on multifamily buildings, and respond quickly to tenant reports.
How to get help
Good property managers know the bed bug deadlines, have licensed pest control on call, and document every step. We'll match you with up to three vetted, licensed managers. Free, no obligation. Get matched free.
Sources
- C.R.S. 38-12-1001: Bed bug definitions
- C.R.S. 38-12-1002: Notice and inspection
- C.R.S. 38-12-1003: Results, treatment and costs
- C.R.S. 38-12-1004: Access and tenant duties
- C.R.S. 38-12-1005: Disclosure
- C.R.S. 35-10-106: Pesticide applicator license requirements
- Colorado Department of Agriculture: Pesticide applicator search
- Angi: Pest control (Denver cost guide)
- Angi: Rat exterminator (Denver cost guide)
This guide is general information for Colorado landlords, not legal advice. Laws change; confirm current requirements with the Colorado Division of Real Estate or a licensed attorney before acting.
