Bedbug Lawsuit Prompts Potential Changes to Omaha Housing Authority

Advocates are rallying behind Omaha Housing Authority residents who are grappling with bedbug infestations in hopes that recent legal actions will bring relief to those affected. A class-action lawsuit filed on Monday and a proposed change in state law aim to address the pressing issue of bedbugs in public housing.

The lawsuit, filed in Douglas County District Court, seeks to eliminate bedbugs from OHA buildings and secure rent refunds for up to 1,700 low-income residents. This legal action comes on the heels of a new legislative proposal by Sen. Terrell McKinney, which would require disclosure of bedbugs to prospective tenants and notify current residents of any infestations. The bill is a proactive measure aimed at bolstering tenant protections concerning bedbugs in public housing.

Sen. McKinney emphasized the importance of combating bedbugs from all angles and ensuring that residents are informed and protected. The proposed legislation builds on existing laws designed to safeguard public housing tenants. The bill’s key provisions include disclosure requirements and notification protocols to address the bedbug problem effectively.

The legal team representing OHA residents includes prominent figures like outgoing State Sen. Justin Wayne and Iowa attorneys Steve Wandro and Jeffrey Lipman, who have extensive experience with bedbug-related cases. Their lawsuit alleges a years-long bedbug infestation at OHA properties, resulting in physical and emotional harm to residents. The suit highlights the need for comprehensive eradication efforts and adequate compensation for affected tenants.

Bedbugs present a unique challenge due to their resilience and ability to spread rapidly through buildings. The legal team stressed the importance of implementing proven treatment methods and maintaining vigilant pest control measures. OHA CEO Joanie Balk affirmed the housing authority’s commitment to addressing bedbug infestations promptly and effectively through a combination of in-house and external pest control services.

In response to the lawsuit, OHA has ramped up its pest control efforts and introduced heat treatment rooms to combat bedbugs. These measures, combined with rigorous cleaning and chemical treatments, aim to contain and eliminate bedbug infestations effectively. Public housing officials underscored the complex nature of dealing with bedbug problems and emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to pest management.

The OHA plaintiffs seek both financial compensation and comprehensive remediation of bedbug infestations. The legal team is advocating for a jury trial to hold the housing authority accountable for the harm caused to residents. Past cases have seen public housing plaintiffs receive full rent refunds, even for federally subsidized housing, in similar bedbug-related lawsuits.

Residents like Jane Bailey, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, recounted their experiences of living with bedbugs and emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue. The emotional and physical toll of bedbug infestations has been distressing for many residents, underscoring the need for swift and effective action to eliminate these pests from public housing properties.