A Calgary woman is speaking out after she says a bed bug infestation forced her out of her city-owned apartment, alleging that Calgary Housing failed to address the problem adequately.
According to the tenant, she reported the bed bugs multiple times, but the response from housing officials was insufficient, allowing the infestation to worsen. She claims the situation became so severe that she had no choice but to leave her home.
Complaints Ignored
The woman stated that she first noticed bed bugs in her unit months ago and immediately contacted Calgary Housing. Despite repeated requests for treatment, she says the agency delayed action or provided only temporary solutions. The bugs spread, causing physical discomfort and emotional distress.
“I felt like I was being ignored,” she said in an interview with Global News. “I was scratching all the time, and I couldn’t sleep. It was a nightmare.”
Impact on Health and Well-being
Bed bug infestations can lead to skin rashes, allergic reactions, and mental health issues such as anxiety and insomnia. The woman says she experienced all of these, and her children were also affected. She eventually moved out, incurring costs for relocation and replacement of infested belongings.
Calgary Housing, which manages over 10,000 units in the city, has a pest control policy that includes inspection and treatment. However, the tenant argues that the process was not followed properly in her case.
Calgary Housing Response
When contacted by Global News, Calgary Housing acknowledged the complaint but did not provide specific details, citing privacy concerns. A spokesperson stated that the agency takes pest issues seriously and works with tenants to resolve them promptly. They encouraged any tenant with concerns to contact their property manager directly.
The woman hopes her story will prompt Calgary Housing to improve its response to pest infestations, ensuring that other tenants do not face similar hardships.
