Every Jew is required to remove all Chametz from his home, property, and any premises under his jurisdiction, prior to the onset of Pesach. Even if one will not be on the premises during the Pesach period, provided one is there within 30 days of Pesach, one is obligated to remove all Chametz prior to Pesach. To facilitate removing all Chametz, each Jew is obligated to carry out a thorough search in all places where Chametz may have been kept or consumed during the preceding year. 

On the night of the 14th of Nissan is when Bedikas Chametz takes place. (This year Bedikas Chametz will take place on the night of Sunday, April 21st 2024)

Once nightfall arrives, one may not engage in any work until the Bedika (search for Chametz) is carried out. It is traditional to use a feather and the light of a single candle during this search, as well as a wooden spoon. Should a candle be impractical or unsafe, a flashlight may be used. Some have the custom to take 10 pieces of bread tightly wrapped and place them around the house, however a careful note should be kept where these pieces are placed in order that they should be found during this search for Chametz.