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Pest Control in Rental Property: Who’s Responsible?

pest control in rental propertyThe best time for pest control is before you see roaches, spiders, ants, termites, etc. Being proactive in this area is a good idea, but can often be forgotten about, especially if this is your first rental home and haven’t experienced this problem.

A question that often doesn’t come up until it’s too late –Who’s responsible to provide pest control in a rental property, the tenant or the landlord?

  1. Tenant
  2. Homeowner
  3. Property Manager

Answer:

Another trick question…It depends.

To ensure pest control gets taken care of, some property owners will take responsibility and include the pest control cost in the lease. Others leave the responsibility to the tenants. Whatever your choice, make sure you have outlined the responsibility in your lease and have the tenant “sign off” on it.pest control in rental property

In some states, pest control is mandatory and required by local health code laws, especially if your rental property is multi-family since infestations are harder to control in property that houses more than one family.

If you aren’t sure of your local laws regarding pest control, we are here to help. Real Property Management is the leader in professional property management which means, we are here to provide you with the best service, knowledge, and expertise in the industry.

What are your thoughts?

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

  1. We ask that owners cover the cost of exterior pest control and tenants pay for interior pest control. This way the home owner/landlord is in charge of maintaining the investment property and the tenant has a feeling of responsibility for the home/apartment. It’s a WIN-WIN.

    If your a Nation wide investor and would like information about the Southern Utah rental market and investment opportunities feel free to call me and we can talk… 435-586-1777 ask for Matt or email info@rpmcedarcity.com

    1. Great idea, thanks Matt!

  2. Gordon says:

    I am a mid range unit in a very high demand rental market, and in this rental environment the liability of pest control cost should be on the tenant. This will ensure more of reason for the tenant to maintain a clean and pest free environment and not abuse the property, as resentment of high rental rates are a monthly reminder.

    Pest control should be either or responsibility, the splitting of outside and inside pest responsibility, opens up debate of where the pest is coming from, this is the last thing one needs in addressing pest control is debating the pest domicile status. Imagine, the mouse lives outside and only comes into the house to eat and defecate, it lives outside and travels to his vacation home in the house but actually is a permanent resident in the backyard.

    If compromise is what you are trying to achieve, then just splitting the pest control cost 50/50 will accomplish this. And it is dependent on market rental conditions, but as a landlord mitigating liability is first priority, and that applies to pest, mold, credit ect.

    1. Thank you for your insight Gordon!