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Bed Bugs Continue Crawling at Chattanooga Housin

343 views · Published 27 May 2015 · 2:32 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2015 · News & Politics

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Residents of Whiteside's Faith Manor are becoming increasingly fed up with what they are calling a bed bug infestation. 

"The bedbugs have been going on for three years," said Jeanne. "They've been in apartments here and there. They don't want to admit we have an infestation. The inspector came by, and we have bugs." 

They are banning together, after having signed a petition three weeks ago to get a professional exterminator to come treat the property. That still has not happened. 

"You are supposed to be comfortable in your home. This is where we pay rent. You can't even visit your neighbors because you're scared they'll bring bed bugs. I don't have anybody come in my apartment," said another resident. 

Hyram Thomas' home was infested until he personally had a professional exterminator come and treat his home. 

"Right now, I'm bed bug free thanks to friends of mine," Hyram said.  

That same exterminator inspected 7 other units for free, 6 of them, infested. 

"We are clean people, I'm not used to living like this," said a resident named Mary.  

Hyram has now enlisted the legal services of Emily O'Donnell.
  
She works to enforce fair housing laws, to help Chattanooga residents. In this case, she can look to the landlord tenant act, and the Chattanooga city code.  

"Landlords must make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition," she said. 

In this case, she said that not treating the bed bugs, is not in compliance with keeping a fit and habitable home. 

Legal action could include reimbursement for expenses residents have incurred treating the bugs on their own, or asking a court to order the property to be in compliance of the law. 

Residents who have been affected by the bed bugs can get free legal aid Tuesday, June 2. It will be at the Hamilton County Courthouse from 9:00am-4:00pm.

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