In the past few years, New York City has seen a dramatic increase in the number of reported cases of bedbug infestations. The City Council even established a bedbug advisory board.

Although the little critters are said to pose no dangerous health risk, they can be costly and cause pyschological harm (not to mention—they can be really annoying).

Be sure to inquire about the condition of your home before you purchase, and be sure to have a lawyer protect your legal rights. Never buy or sell real estate without the help of an attorney. 

As a general priniciple of real estate law, sellers are obligated to disclose major problems with a residence when asked by a potential buyer.

The thinking is this: if the buyer knows of a problem before hand, he or she can potentially eliminate the problem before moving in.

Just as the mold or noise issues have long been included on the standard form contracts, some attorneys in NYC are now including bedbug issues in standard contracts too. That way buyers are forewarned in writing.

It is illegal for a home-sellers to knowingly provide false information to a home-buyer. If you bought a home under false pretenses, call The Crosby Law Firm at 815-397-2006 to find out your options.