As a renter, dealing with pest problems can be frustrating and overwhelming. Whether it’s ants, termites, cockroaches or rodents that you are dealing with, pest control can be a challenging and costly affair, and one that may even require you to vacate your home for a period of time, which can be inconvenient and disruptive.
With this in mind, it is vital for renters to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to pest control, and to take proactive measures to prevent infestations from occurring in the first place.
Thankfully, we’re here to give you the 411 on everything you need to know about pest control as a renter.
Today, we explore matters regarding pest control for renters to clear up some common confusions — from tenant and landlord responsibilities to top tips for keeping your rental pest-free during your occupancy. Read on to find out more.
Table of Contents
Is Pest Control A Landlord or Tenant Responsibility?
When it comes to keeping pests at bay in your rental home, there is often a lot of confusion and dispute when it comes to who this responsibility falls on. Generally, landlords are responsible for ensuring that the property is in a reasonably clean and well-maintained condition, including pest control.
This means that if there is a pet infestation that is not directly caused by a tenant, such as a pre-existing infestation or one caused by structural issues, it is the landlord’s responsibility to address the issue and pay for any necessary pest control services.
If you recently moved into a rental with pre-existing infestation and don’t seem to be able to reach a mutual agreement with your landlord, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact your property manager if you believe the property may require a pest control service.
However, with that said, if the infestation is caused by the tenant’s behaviour, such as lack of hygiene or failure to clean up food spills that attract vermin and other pests, the tenant may be responsible for the cost of pest control services. In such cases, the landlord may issue a notice
to the tenant to address the issue and if the tenant fails to do so, the landlord may engage a pest control service and recover the cost from the tenant. To avoid any disputes along the way, it is important for both landlords and tenants to clearly outline their responsibilities in the lease agreement to prevent confusion and ensure that pest-related issues are addressed promptly.
What Are Some Common House Pests?
There are many types of pests that can invade a home, and they can vary depending on the region and climate. However, some of the most common house pests found in Australia and many parts of the world include:
Rodents
Rodents such as mice and rats can carry diseases and damage a home’s structure and electrical wiring. They can also cause food contamination.
Flies
There are many different types of flies that can be found in homes, including house flies, fruit flies, and drain flies. Generally, most flies are attracted to organic matter such as food waste and even faecal matter.
Ants
Ants are social insects that can invade a home in search of food and water. They can be difficult to control once they establish a colony in or near a house.
Termites
Small but mighty, termites are wood-destroying insects that can cause significant damage to a home’s structure if left unchecked. Learn how to recognise and manage termites here.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are hardy insects that can survive in almost any environment. They can carry diseases and trigger asthma and allergy symptoms in people.
Spiders
While most spiders are harmless, some species such as the funnel-web spider and redback spider can be poisonous and pose a threat to humans.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep. They can be especially difficult to detect and eliminate, and their bites can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Fleas & Ticks
These parasites can infest pets and then spread throughout a home, causing skin irritation and the transmission of diseases. Having pets can increase the chances of fleas and ticks in a home. Learn more about keeping fleas and ticks out of your home here.
Tips For Keeping Your Rental Pest-Free
As a renter, it’s important to take steps to prevent pest infestations in your home, even if you don’t own it. Not only can pests be a nuisance, but they can also pose health risks and cause damage to your belongings. Here are some tips for keeping your rental home free from pest infestations:
Seal All Entry Points
Pests can enter a home through even the smallest cracks and holes. To prevent pests from entering your rental unit, seal any entry points, such as gaps around doors and windows, holes in walls or floors, and gaps around pipes and wiring. Use caulking, weatherstripping, or other appropriate sealants to keep pests out.
Practise Good Sanitation
One of the most effective ways to prevent pest problems is to practise good sanitation habits. This includes keeping your living space clean and free of food debris, storing food in sealed containers, and taking out the bins regularly. Make sure to clean up spills and crumbs immediately, and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink for extended periods of time as this can attract pests such as rodents, ants and flies.
Keep Your Home Clean & Clutter Free
One of the most important steps you can take to prevent pest infestations is to keep your home clean and clutter-free. This includes regularly vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping floors, and wiping down surfaces. Clearing out the clutter regularly is also a great way to keep your home pest-free.
This is because clutter can provide pests with shelter and hiding places and pests such as rodents, cockroaches, and spiders are attracted to dark, cluttered areas where they can hide and breed.
Address Moisture Issues
Moisture can attract pests, such as cockroaches and silverfish. Not to mention, moisture can also cause a whole host of other problems such as mould and mildew that can be incredibly detrimental to your health.
To prevent infestations, address any moisture issues in your home, such as leaks or standing water. Make sure to fix any leaks immediately, and use a dehumidifier if necessary to reduce moisture levels in your rental home.
Notify Your Landlord
Lastly, if you notice any signs of pest infestation such as droppings, egg casings, or live insects, it is important that you notify your landlord immediately if the infestation is not a direct result of your own behaviour.
They should take steps to address the problem, such as contacting a pest control professional, repairing any leaks or cracks that may be contributing to the infestation, and treating affected areas with appropriate insecticides or baits.
In A Nutshell
At the end of the day, keeping your home pest-free as a renter is a joint partnership between tenant and landlord. Your landlord’s responsibility for pest control is based on their obligation to provide a property that is fit for habitation. This includes maintaining the property in a good condition, free from hazards such as pests.
If your landlord fails to fulfil this obligation, you may have a right to terminate the lease agreement and seek compensation for any damage or health problems caused by pests.
As a tenant, it is also important to take proactive measures to prevent pest infestations in your home by keeping your space clean and working with your landlord to schedule any necessary pest control treatments should the need arise. By getting on top of any pest-related issues sooner rather than later, you can easily prevent it from getting worse and can save you time, money and a lot of hassle in the long run.
