t of a spray from my rent, but that having a service come in was out of the question.

I didn't know what to do, because I can't afford a service and I know that self-treatment is ineffective. I researched my rights as a tenant and found that I can't force her to pay, but that I should report the problem to her in writing. On 8/29 (my birthday) I was writing the letter, emphasizing that it is a serious problem, when I saw my cats following a bug. I got it and killed it (with much effort). I suggested a company (Envirotech) I found online through the National Pest Control Association.

She called them, had me call them, and then changed her mind when she found out it would cost 1000 dollars (I think this includes the other three units in the building). She chose American Pest Control.
1. would only inspect my unit (though all my research stated that they all must be)
2. had no prep sheet--only instructed to clear all bedding, have nothing on the floor, and be able to be away from the apartment for 2 hours while they inspect/treat (with chemicals only)
3. would come back only if there were signs within 2 weeks.
4. They can't treat boxes or papers--must be disposed of.
He just kept answering my questions by saying, "Just use common sense."

I had read Best Practices online; American's guidelines were horribly lacking! He said nothing about washing all clothes and linens in hot water and drying on hot for at least 40 minutes but preferably up to 2 hours. Nothing about sealing bags before and after washing. Nothing about sealing vacuum bags or anything else in plastic bags before disposal.

I just received a letter stating that she will not be renewing my lease as of 11/1. I called her. She said she thinks I brought them in--I do not travel and spend time only at my mother's and a neighbor. I do have a cluttered apartment, but everything I've read says clutter does not bring bed bugs in, but does provide more places for them to hide/nest. I am rapidly removing as much clutter as I can, and deep cleaning. Anyway, she doesn't need a reason to refuse renewal of my lease.

She also said she called Envirotech and American, and that they told her the only way to be sure to kill all the bed bugs is to have an empty apartment! While that is true, those companies would lose a lot of business if they inspected only empty dwellings and, apparently, all the tenants would have to move out! She did not inform the other tenants, but I did, and I gave them bedbugging.com for research.

Just so you know, I get housing assistance from Section 8 (HUD), and will most likely not be approved for a 2-bedroom due to budget cuts. I have cats, too, and will be lucky to find a place, even if I get a statement/form from my mental health provider that I need my pets as therapy animals.