Who is Responsible For Pest Control in a Rental Property?

Nobody likes pests. They can accelerate the decay process, affect the health of animals and humans, spread diseases, and destroy property. Worse, hiring a pest control expert is not cheap.

A pest infestation is an annoying problem. This becomes more frustrating when people point fingers. Many landlords believe that tenants brought pests to the rental property with them. Tenants, on the other hand, believe that pests were already present on the property before they arrived. Therefore, the landlord should be held responsible for any infestations.

It’s essential to identify who is responsible for pest control and what they can do. This will avoid any disputes between tenants and landlords.

What are the Most Common Pests that Infest Rental Properties?

Pest control can be applied to many different infestations. People often think of pests in terms of rodents and fleas. But, it also includes other critters and creepy crawlies like:

Cockroaches
Ants
Spiders
Snakes
Silverfish
Termites
Wasps
Possums
Bed bugs

Who is Responsible For Pest Control on a Rental Property?

Pest control falls under the landlord’s responsibility. A lot of residential lease agreements may include what they refer to as an implied warranty of habitability. This basically means that landlords must provide tenants with a property that meets certain conditions and is free from any health hazards or other dangers.

Even if there aren’t specific health or housing codes, property owners still have to comply with basic maintenance such as fixing floors, doors and roofs, exterior walls and other structural components.

Tenants can legally withhold rent from landlords who fail to fix serious problems. If the property is declared uninhabitable, the tenant can terminate their lease and request to move out.

What Are The Responsibilities For Landlords When It Comes to Pest Control?

Landlords must provide livable housing for their tenants. Pests can make a property uninhabitable or unlivable. Property owners are responsible for pest control.

Pest control is the application of pesticides on the property and surrounding area to eradicate pests. Pest control should be performed at least once a quarter, or every two to three weeks. To maintain consistency in habitability, pest control treatments need to be performed periodically.

Pest Control Is The Landlord’s Responsibility

To ensure pest-free rental homes, inspect the property before the tenant moves into it.

It is important to address structural problems that could make the property more vulnerable to pest infestations, such as cracks in walls and window screens that are ripped or missing, gaps in doors, cracked windows, and other issues that could allow pests to gain entry to the home.

Regular pest control should be arranged. This should be done at least once every two to three weeks.

Tenant complaints about pests should be dealt with as soon as possible. A trusted local exterminator can help you complete the job quickly and professionally.

Is a tenant responsible for pest control?

The property owner is responsible for eradicating pests that have been caused by natural factors. However, if the tenant was negligent and caused the pest infestation then the cost should be shouldered by the tenant.

How can you tell if a tenant is responsible for the pest infestation?

These are some of the most common signs that indicate a pest infestation:

Refusing basic property maintenance, such as not covering garbage bins or properly disposing of garbage, and leaving food in the pantry.
Activities that cause excessive moisture in the home such as leaving water puddles in basement.
The property’s structure is being damaged, openings are created in the floor or wall that allows pests to enter the home.
Failure to report any property damage to the landlord, or to the property manager, is a sign of negligence. A tenant who fails to promptly report pest infestations may be held partially responsible.

Last Thoughts

Pest control in Myrtle Beach is typically the responsibility of the property owner. However, this does not mean the tenant will always be in the clear. Tenants should ensure that the property meets minimum sanitation standards. The landlord is responsible for pest control unless the tenant has shown negligence.