Can You Sue an Airbnb for Bed Bugs?

Staying in an Airbnb usually makes travel easier and more affordable, but sometimes it comes with ugly surprises—like bed bugs. If you’ve ever found yourself covered in itchy bites or dealing with property damage after an Airbnb stay, you might wonder if you can actually take legal action. The short answer is yes—under certain circumstances, you can sue the host (and sometimes Airbnb itself) for bed bug problems.

When hosts neglect cleanliness and guests get hurt as a result, legal action isn’t just possible—it’s sometimes necessary. Plenty of people have already sued about bed bug bites or infestations in Airbnb rentals. At RTRLAW, we help clients get justice and compensation after bed bug incidents, targeting hosts, property owners, and even the big platforms themselves. The costs of a bed bug infestation—extermination, cleaning, replacing belongings, and lost rental income—can quickly add up for both guests and hosts.

What Are Bed Bugs, and Why Is This a Big Deal?

Bed bugs are tiny pests that can infest almost any property—big city apartments, suburban homes, and yes, short-term rentals like Airbnb. They spread fast, hitchhiking in luggage, furniture, or even on travelers themselves. Property owners face big expenses for extermination and cleaning, plus the trouble of lost rental income during the process. Most insurance policies don’t cover bed bug or flea infestations, leaving hosts to foot the bill themselves. That said, some companies, like Proper Insurance, offer coverage that’s perfect for short-term rental hosts.

For guests, bed bug bites can bring doctor bills and other expenses, and in many states, you do have the right to sue for damages if the landlord or host didn’t provide a safe, pest-free place to stay. With bed bugs, the stakes are high: nobody wants to deal with medical issues, emotional distress, or ruined property.

When Is an Airbnb Host Legally Responsible for Bed Bugs?

Airbnb hosts are required to maintain their rentals so guests have a safe, clean environment—one free from pests. That means regular inspection, fast responses to complaints, and treating problem infestations right away. Hosts can get into trouble if they:

  • Skip regular pest inspections

  • Ignore guest complaints about bed bugs

  • Use secondhand furniture without proper cleaning

  • Allow things to get dirty or unsanitary

  • Drag their feet when it comes to cleaning up infestations

Almost every state has some version of a “warranty of habitability” law that says rental properties must be livable, which includes pest control. If a host just shrugs off a guest’s complaint, that’s negligence.

Most lawsuits focus on the host rather than Airbnb, because Airbnb limits its own liability in the fine print. Still, it’s critical for guests to document everything—photos, reports, even text messages with the host—since proof makes or breaks a legal case.

Airbnb hosts must maintain their properties just like hotels or landlords. When they fail to do so and guests are injured, legal accountability becomes not only possible, but necessary.

Can You Sue Airbnb for Bed Bug Injuries Directly?

Airbnb tries hard to avoid responsibility by calling itself “just a platform,” but sometimes you can bring Airbnb into the lawsuit, especially if the company was grossly negligent, advertised a property falsely, or ignored serious safety problems.

Airbnb does offer limited insurance (AirCover), but it doesn’t really cover pest infestations. You can:

  • Submit a claim via Airbnb’s Resolution Center

  • Use AirCover for some medical or property damage compensation

  • Name Airbnb in your suit if their actions contributed to your injury

Dealing with Airbnb customer service is part of the process, but don’t expect everything to go smoothly. If you win your claim, you could get refunded for your stay and expenses. RTRLAW can help you explore all your options and fight for fair compensation.

How are Bed Bugs Impacting Airbnb Rentals Across the Country?

Bed bugs in short-term rentals like Airbnbs are more common than many travelers realize. In fact, some states are hotspots for infestations, posing serious risks to unsuspecting guests. Reviewing pest control data highlights just how widespread and severe this issue can be.

  • Florida consistently ranks among the top 10 U.S. states for bed bug activity. High tourism cities like Orlando, Miami, and Tampa all appear within the top 40 cities for worst infestations, increasing the risk for vacation rental guests.
  • Texas is another high-risk state, with Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth both ranked among the top 10 most bed bug-infested cities in the country. The volume of short-term rentals in these urban areas adds to the likelihood of encountering a problem.
  • Michigan and Massachusetts also face considerable bed bug issues. Detroit and Boston, the most populous cities in each respective state, both rank in the top 20 for worst infestations nationally.
  • These statistics reflect general pest prevalence, not just Airbnb-specific cases. However, because Airbnbs often share the same residential inventory as other properties, renters face similar risks.

Bed bug infestations in Airbnb rentals are not isolated incidents but part of a growing nationwide concern, particularly in states with heavy tourism and dense urban areas. If you’ve suffered from an Airbnb bed bug infestation, RTRLAW can help you pursue legal and financial recovery from negligent property owners or operators.

Can You Get a Refund from Airbnb for Bed Bugs?

If you find bed bugs in your Airbnb, you could get a refund—but there are hoops to jump through. Airbnb’s AirCover can help you with medical bills, but you’ll need to act fast:

  • Take lots of photos and videos as evidence

  • Contact Airbnb’s Resolution Center within 72 hours

  • Stop using the space as soon as you notice a problem

  • Save all contaminated belongings

Airbnb reviews cases individually and offers refunds based on how bad the infestation was, your evidence, and the host’s track record. There’s no guaranteed refund, but documenting everything and reaching out quickly ups your odds. If you’re denied, RTRLAW can help fight for your rights.

Can You Book a New Airbnb Right After Reporting Bed Bugs?

Here’s a frustrating wrinkle: after you report bed bugs, Airbnb may freeze your ability to book a new place for up to 72 hours while they review things. That could leave you stranded, especially if the problem pops up at night or in a strange city. Airbnb support sometimes offers travel credits or tries to rebook you, but many guests get stuck during the three-day waiting period.

If you’re left without somewhere to stay, or Airbnb won’t help, you may have additional legal claims. RTRLAW can fight to get you proper compensation and hold both Airbnb and the host accountable.

What Kinds of Damages Can You Recover?

Bed bug bites aren’t just a nuisance—they can mean major medical expenses and lots of stress. If you’re affected, you may be able to recover money for:

  • Medical expenses (doctor visits, meds, treatments)

  • Emotional distress (anxiety, sleep issues, PTSD)

  • Property damage (ruined luggage, clothing, personal items)

  • Lost wages (time off work for recovery or treatment)

  • Pain and suffering (physical discomfort and mental trauma)

Settlements in these cases can cover a wide range of expenses. RTRLAW works hard to make sure our clients get every dollar they’re owed.

What Evidence Do You Need for a Bed Bug Claim?

The most successful lawsuits have strong evidence, such as:

  • Photographs and videos (bites, bugs, stains, shed skins, etc.)

  • Medical records proving treatment for bites or related issues

  • Receipts for items you replaced, cleaning costs, or extra lodging

  • Messages with the host or Airbnb about the issue

  • Witness statements from fellow travelers

Inspection reports from pest control companies can really strengthen your case. The more proof you collect, the better your chances.

How Airbnb Hosts Can Prevent Bed Bugs

If you rent out a place on Airbnb, prevention is key! Regularly inspect the property, use mattress covers, and launder bedding on high heat. Airbnb hosts should clean thoroughly after every visit and respond quickly to any complaints. Hiring a professional exterminator immediately after a report is crucial.

Offering compensation to guests who are inconvenienced shows you care—and can help protect your reputation. Staying proactive keeps your property pest-free and helps avoid legal headaches. Some insurance policies, like Proper Insurance, even help cover extermination costs and lost rental income.

Ready for Help? Contact RTRLAW!

For nearly four decades, RTRLAW has helped victims across Florida, Michigan, Texas, and Massachusetts. We offer:

  • Free consultations to check your case

  • No attorney fees unless you win

  • A compassionate legal team with deep experience in premises liability and travel injuries

Bed bug cases are about more than discomfort—they’re about protecting your property, health, and rights. If you’re hurt by a negligent host or bad platform policies, reach out to RTRLAW.

Don’t face it alone. We’ll review your case, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve, whether from Airbnb, the host, or both. Call 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787), start a live chat, or fill out a contact form online for a free consultation. Let RTRLAW help you get the justice you deserve!