Pest control can be a frustrating and complicated process. Ultimately, a pest infestation can be damaging to the health of the property’s occupants and can even cause damage to the structure of the building. For this reason, it is important to resolve pest infestations quickly and thoroughly, regardless of whoever is responsible for the pest control in the rental property. Additionally, the landlord/tenant laws for pest control will fluctuate between states, though there are some general rules that will apply in most situations.
Who is Responsible?
In general, landlords are responsible for pest control in their rental property. They have the responsibility to provide a safe, habitable environment for their tenants. However, if the landlord can prove that a tenant’s actions have caused the infestation, then the tenant will be responsible for eliminating the pest infestation. This can happen through poor sanitary habits, failing to cover food properly, or through a variety of other ways.
How to Protect Yourself
The rental agreement should specifically state responsibility for pest control in the rental property. It should indicate that the property has been turned over in a pest-free condition and state who is responsible for what aspect of pest control. It is also important for the landlord to document the history of pest issues on the property. This can be incredibly useful in an array of circumstances. For example, if a bedbug infestation has never occurred on the property and suddenly arises, it is likely the tenant’s fault and, therefore, their responsibility. Additionally, the landlord needs to ensure that they stay up-to-date with the relevant pest laws in their specific area. They should also provide regular inspections to prevent infestations from occurring in the first place.
Remedying pest infestations quickly is vital to maintain the integrity of the building. Disputes over who is responsible for the expenses can be dealt with after the initial problem has been resolved. The landlord/tenant laws will be different depending on where the rental property is located. To learn more about resolving pest control disputes with your tenants, contact our experts at Keyrenter in Premier today!