The question of who is responsible for pest control within a rental property is one that will always occur as the Residential Tenancies Act does not specify exactly which party is liable – tenant or landlord?
The tenants’ obligations are to keep the property clean during the tenancy and to not cause damage. The Act states that “the tenant must take reasonable care of the premises and keep the premises reasonably clean.”
So, in terms of pest control, it would be reasonable to expect the tenant to not do anything likely to cause or attract pests and vermin and to pay for pest control where their actions have caused the property to be exposed to pests.
Therefore, pest problems brought about by uncleanliness (e.g., the failure to properly dispose of rubbish) or that are caused by the tenant (fleas from pets) will be the tenant’s responsibility.
The lessors’ obligations are to provide a property that is clean and fit for the tenant to live in with appropriate regard for the health and safety of the tenants. In terms of pest control, it would be reasonable to expect the lessor is responsible for the treatment of an outbreak or infestation of pests or vermin that was not a direct result of the tenant.
A good example of this is a redback spider problem. They are a pest that can inhabit your property simply by being blown in during a storm and are a threat to the safety of your tenants. Dealing with this type of infestation is the responsibility of the lessor.
The term ‘pest control’ covers a variety of animal infestations and outbreaks. Some pests that you may encounter in a rental property include the following: Rats and mice, Cockroaches, Ants, Fleas, Wasps, Termites, Possums, Spiders (i.e. redbacks), Snakes, Silverfish.
Preventing a pest problem is preferable to having to deal with one that has already occurred. Of course, in some circumstances this is totally out of our control, however, there are some measures that can be taken to avoid an infestation or outbreak.
An annual service, such as a termite inspection and general pest control, carried out by a professional pest controller can be arranged and monitored by your Property Manager.
Regular routine inspections of your investment property, such as those conducted every 3 months by C1 Realty, will also alert you to the potential threat of infestation as a result of a tenant’s lack of care within the property. If a potential issue with pests is picked up early, it can be treated and eradicated quickly.
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