Most people don’t think of pest problems when they hear the word “landlord” or ”rental agreement.” After all, a property owner is only responsible for property management and tenants living in their building, not things like bed bugs, right? In most cases, this is true. But it’s also not quite as cut and dry as it seems and begs the question, is pest control the landlords responsibility
It is landlords responsibility to keep common areas of their building free from pest invasion that could pose a threat or a pest control problem to tenants who live there as well as rented property.
Many people who are prospective tenants are always eager to sign a rental contract without doing pest inspections to see if rats, cockroaches, rodents, and bedbugs have caused property damage to the investment property they are acquiring.
It may seem like more hassle to check for bed bug infestation or rat infestation, but checking if there are any pest problems can prevent headaches between you and your property manager. Read on to learn about pest control responsibility when it comes to both a landlord and a tenant, and how they can use integrated pest management methods to clear any pest issue in rental property.
What are Landlords Responsibility For Pest Control?
Though this is not a universal law, majority of landlords have the responsibility to keep the rental unit free of pests. That includes their tenant’s units as well as any other visitors and employees who may be on their property on a regular basis.
If a landlord fails to take care of these areas, it could lead to pest control issues which may bring life-threatening conditions for both their tenants and guests. So, what can landlords do when they notice pest activity? They should contact pest control service companies immediately and work to stop the infestation from spreading.
If there are issues with pests in your building or common areas that you need help with, contact professionals for advice on how to handle them properly.
What is The Tenant’s Responsibility When it Comes to Pest Control?
The tenant’s responsibility is to keep their rental unit free of pests. They shouldn’t only keep their rental unit from pest invasion but also keep common areas within their building free of pests as well.
You can ensure that your tenants are following this responsibility by adding in their residential tenancies act what responsibilities and rights each party has in your building. If you have a standard lease agreement, it should include a section on both parties’ obligations for pest control.
A tenant’s responsibility should include maintenance, privacy, and security of their personal items in common areas and taking care of any pests that enter the building. They can practice simple seasonal pest control methods and use natural products like essential oils and peppermint to keep their home free from pests and vermin.
Also, as a tenant, if your landlord decides to leave all the pest control problems to you, you can decide to file a complaint for property damage against the property owner at the Landlord and Tenant Board for them to help.
How to Find a Reliable Pest Control Company
If you’re a landlord, keep the following considerations in mind when choosing the company you’ll work with to keep your property free of pests:
Prioritize Expertise in Pest Control
The best way to find a company specializing in the extermination of pests is to ensure they have experience working with residential properties. If they don’t, it can be difficult to trust their ability to provide pest control services for your building. It may also be wise to consider companies that reputable professionals recommend.
Make Sure The Company Has a Good Reputation.
When choosing a company, prioritize finding one with an established reputation. This will help you spot any red flags that the company may not be as reliable or trustworthy as they claim they are.
Find Out How Much The Company Charges for Their Services.
Comparing prices from different companies can pay off before deciding on one for your property. Some companies might charge more than others for similar services, which could cost you more overall money if you decide on them later on down the line.
Find Out What Kind of Guarantees The Company Offers
An important consideration when choosing a pest control service is whether or not they offer guarantees on their service quality and results. For example, some companies might offer guarantees that certain pests won’t return after treatment, while others might guarantee no infestation after treatment is complete.
By making sure that this information is available from the company, you’ll have a fair idea of what you get at the end of everything.
Best Pest Control Companies
If you need a good pest control company to inspect your rental property, here are our top best picks.
- Orkin
- Ehrlich
- Arrow Exterminators
- Terminix
- Viking Pest Control
Finding Reliable Tenants Inspection Services
Pests are a natural part of the environment, so some will inevitably find their way into your property. Knowing when and where these pests are coming from is important before they can cause damage or spread disease.
One way to prevent this is by hiring professional inspection services. These services provide thorough pest inspections of your property in a short amount of time, which helps you know what areas need attention immediately. They also assist if any pests have made their way into your property.
It’s not always easy to identify places where pest infestation is likely to occur. If you don’t know for sure where the most likely breeding grounds are, consider hiring a professional pest control company with experience inspecting buildings for pest infestation.
How to Keep Pests Out of Common Areas
It is important to know that there are things you can do to keep pests out of your home. There are several ways a landlord or tenant can keep pests out of common areas. Here are some of the most important ones:
– A landlord must use strong and durable entry points to your property, such as doors and windows that are resistant to chewing and scratching
– Anytime there are cracks, a landlord must ensure the cracks and crevices where pests could use to enter the building are sealed off.
– As a tenant, the best thing you can do for yourself to ensure your home is free from pests is to keep your home CLEAN. Dirt attracts all sorts of insects and pests. Now we dont want these annoying pests in our homes, or do we?
Conclusion: Is Pest Control The Landlords Responsibility?
Regarding pest control, some responsibilities fall on the landlord, and some fall on the tenant. It’s important that you are aware of your responsibilities and that you can find professionals to help you when needed.
