When a pest problem arises in rented property, it can be unclear whether it is the landlord or the tenant who is responsible for dealing with the problem.
Whilst it is a landlord’s responsibility to ensure that rented property remains safe and habitable, it is also a tenant’s responsibility to clean and look after the property adequately.
When is pest control the landlord’s responsibility?
It is usually the landlord’s responsibility to deal with pest problems in the following instances:
- The tenancy agreement states that it is their responsibility or that they will keep the property in a “safe and habitable state”, or wording of a similar effect.
- The infestation was caused by the landlord failing to keep up with repairs or maintenance.
- The property has become unsafe to live in due to the infestation.
- The property is furnished, and the infestation was present prior to the tenant moving in.
When is pest control the tenant’s responsibility?
- The infestation was caused by something the tenant has or hasn’t done.
- The tenancy agreement states that it is the tenant’s responsibility to deal with any pest problems.
What should I do first?
If you have received a complaint about pests from a tenant, or identified a pest problem yourself, then the first thing to do is investigate the following:
Identify the Pest Species Present:
Begin by identifying the specific type of pests infesting the property. Common pests may include rodents (such as mice or rats), insects (such as cockroaches, ants, or bedbugs), or wildlife (such as birds or squirrels). Identifying the pest species accurately is crucial for determining the most effective methods of eradication.
Assess the Extent of Infestation and Damage:
Evaluate the severity of the infestation and the extent of damage caused to the property. This assessment may involve inspecting various areas, including living spaces, storage areas, and building structures. Look for signs of pest activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, nests, or structural damage. Assessing the scale of the infestation helps in devising an appropriate treatment plan and estimating repair costs.
Determine the Root Cause of the Pest Problem:
Investigate the underlying factors contributing to the pest infestation. Common causes may include poor sanitation practices, gaps or openings in the building structure, improper waste disposal, standing water, or overgrown vegetation attracting pests. Identifying the root cause allows for targeted interventions to prevent future infestations effectively.
Establish the Duration of the Problem:
Determine how long the pest problem has been present in the property. Understanding the duration of the infestation provides insights into its progression and helps in determining the urgency of intervention. Additionally, knowing the duration can aid in establishing liability and determining whether the issue predates the current tenancy.
No matter whose responsibility it is, the problem should be dealt with swiftly and professionally to prevent it from escalating.
Here at Clearway we provide an extreme cleaning service that covers pest control and returns your property to a safe and habitable environment once again. For more information, give our team a call.
