Calgary renter covered in bedbug bites says building manager not helping

A low-income renter in Calgary says her landlord is not responding to complaints about an infestation of bedbugs.

The landlord, however, says he is not aware of the problem butAlberta Health Services (AHS)plans toinvestigate.

Natasha Smashnuk lives in a small one-bedroom apartment in the Beltline area.

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Her arms are covered with small, red bug bites, a testament of the infestation she says plagues her suite and her neighbours' as well.

She says the landlord isn't taking action on tenants' complaints.

"He sent a rather ignorant email back stating that he didn't know, he wasn't a bug expert and didn't know what they were despite treating the building in 2014," Smashnuk told CBC News.

She called AHS to complain and CBC News has confirmed a public health inspector will be going out to the building.

Smashnuksays she wouldjust like the problem fixed.

"Most of all, I'd just like to get the place treated, like the entire building and multiple times until it's done."

The building manager told CBC News in an emailed statement that he isnot aware of the bedbug problem and he has not had time to address the allegations but he stands by his reputation.

"I have been in the rental business for approximately 10 years and not only have a good reputation with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service but also Alberta Environmental Public Health," said the building manager.

"I also have accolades from former tenants of mine."

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Smashnuk says she doesn't accept that the building manageris unaware of the problem.

"I think they're well aware," she said.

"And just the fact that all my stuff is ruined and the way it causes you to have to live, with an infestation like that, you would hope that the landlord would get on top of it rather than letting the situation get worse."

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