A former resident of Heritage Apartments in Arvada says months of bedbug bites finally drove her out of her home, and she is now suing the property’s owner and manager in Jefferson County District Court.
The complaint, filed on May 15, alleges that a lingering infestation spread from unit to unit inside the 55+ complex and left the tenant with painful welts, medical bills, and the costs of moving out.
According to Westword, the plaintiff, Dorcas Wilson, had lived at Heritage Apartments at 10400 W. 62nd Place for three years before the reported problems began in mid-2024. The lawsuit states that Wilson sought medical care at the end of June 2024 and moved out in October 2024. She is seeking unspecified compensation for medical expenses, replacement and moving costs, lost wages, pet care and hotel bills. Westword also notes online reviews in which tenants blamed management for not stopping the infestation, including one resident who wrote, “This place should be condemned.”
Management's response
Skyline Property Management, which operates the complex, told reporters that the first reported bedbug activity at Heritage Apartments was recorded on November 30, 2023. A Skyline spokesperson said steps were immediately taken to remediate the problem and stated that there are currently no known bedbug issues at the property, according to Westword.
What Colorado law requires
Colorado has a statutory framework that specifically addresses bedbugs in rental housing, set out in Part 10 of Title 38, C.R.S. §38-12-1001 et seq. The law defines landlord and tenant duties for detection, notice and treatment. Among other requirements, landlords must arrange for a qualified inspection within 96 hours of receiving notice and generally must begin professional treatment within five days if bedbugs are confirmed. The statutes also spell out notice and entry rules that can affect potential liability. Full details appear in the Colorado Revised Statutes.
Residents' complaints and the building
Heritage Apartments is marketed as a 55+ community at 10400 W. 62nd Place and appears on Skyline’s property site. The lawsuit describes repeated reports to management that, according to the complaint, were not met with adequate eradication efforts or staff training. For the property details and landlord contact information, see the Heritage Apartments listing.
Legal options for tenants
Tenants who suspect infestations are advised to document complaints in writing, retain receipts for any treatments or replacements and keep medical records. If landlords do not respond appropriately, renters may have remedies under Colorado’s warranty of habitability and the bedbug statutes noted above. Low-income tenants and seniors can look for free or reduced-cost legal assistance through Colorado Legal Services, which offers housing help in Jefferson County and nearby areas.
