In Canada, most major rental property maintenance tasks are the landlord's responsibility, but pest control seems to occupy a gray area in the minds of both tenants and landlords. Both parties have a role to play in terms of pest management, but confusion can arise about who should do what.The very nature of this maintenance task demands complete clarity; neglecting it can lead to serious illness and extensive property damage, impacting both tenant satisfaction and the landlord's bottom line. This article aims to clear up the confusion by answering the question, 'Are landlords responsible for pest control?'.
Understanding Pest Control Responsibility in Rental Properties
Under British Columbia law, landlords must keep their properties in a habitable and safe condition. They are primarily responsible for ensuring their properties remain pest-free by carrying out seasonal pest control and attending to general maintenance.
However, sometimes a tenant's actions can lead to pest problems. They can attract pests through negligent actions, like:
- Not keeping the home clean
- Bringing in furniture infested with pests, like bedbugs or fleas
- Leaving food out where it can attract pests
- Neglecting to take care of waste disposal
How Are Landlords Responsible for Pest Control?
Some pest infestations are difficult to contain and even more difficult to eradicate, so it makes sense that landlords must do everything in their power to prevent pests from gaining a foothold in their investment property.
Landlord pest control duties include the following:
Providing a Pest-Free Property at the Outset
Landlords must ensure that their rental unit is clean, habitable, and free of pests before the tenant moves in.
According to the Residential Tenancy Act, landlords and tenants must conduct an initial property inspection together at the beginning of the tenancy or when the tenant acquires a new pet. This is to ensure both parties are satisfied with the condition of the rental unit.
Property Upkeep and Maintaining Structural Integrity
Landlords must repair all structural defects that could harbor or attract pests. These include:
- Cracks
- Dampness
- Leaks
- Plumbing leaks
Responding Promptly to Tenant Pest Complaints
There's no time to waste when it comes to pests. By the time you lay eyes on one, you can rest assured they've already made themselves at home.
In this light, landlords must act quickly if their tenants report signs of pest activity by investigating the matter and enlisting the help of professional pest control services as necessary.
Maintaining External Property and Common Areas
Although pests love the comforts of interior living, they're quite at home outdoors too. Landlords must ensure that all external and common areas are free of conditions that pests enjoy, such as standing water and rotting leaves.
Compliance With Lease Agreements
It's imperative to outline details regarding pest control in the lease agreement and stick to them. That way, both parties understand their responsibilities and obligations.Landlords and tenants must work together to avoid misunderstandings regarding pest control and to maintain a positive relationship.
Scheduling Regular Pest Control Treatments
Ongoing pest control measures are the single most effective way to prevent pest infestations. Landlords must arrange for periodic pest treatments with a reputable pest control service to prevent and manage pest issues.Quarterly pest control treatments are generally considered sufficient to keep pests under control. This is usually an effective time frame for controlling common pests like:
- Termites
- Fleas
- Ants
- Cockroaches
Older buildings and those in infestation-prone areas may need more frequent treatments. Other factors that can affect your pest control schedule include:
- Pest activity levels
- The types of pests
- The severity of the infestation
- Seasonal pest activity
- Property characteristics, such as structural vulnerabilities
Tenant Pest Control Responsibilities
Tenants have certain legal obligations regarding pest management in rentals, too. Their responsibilities mainly revolve around cleanliness, waste disposal, and communicating effectively with their landlord.Rental tenants must:
Maintain Cleanliness
Tenants should regularly clean areas of the home where food and water are present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and dining rooms. Wiping surfaces often and cleaning up spills promptly helps create an unattractive environment for pests.
Store Food Securely
Food should never be left open, especially overnight. All food items should be sealed in rodent-proof containers or stored in a refrigerator.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Trash is the perfect habitat for rats and cockroaches. All garbage should be placed in sealed bags, kept in a sturdy, pest-proof waste bin, and removed often.
Avoid Clutter
Clutter creates plenty of spaces for small pests to hide and multiply. Tenants should keep garages and other storage areas well-organized and clutter-free to prevent pests from moving in.
Report Pest Issues Promptly
Tenants must notify the landlord as soon as they notice any sign of pets on the property. Swift action can help prevent serious problems later on.
Cursory pest inspections may reveal telltale signs of pests, such as rodent droppings or nibbled woodwork.
Prevent Moisture Buildup
Standing water is a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes and is attractive to many other pests. Tenants should report leaks or dampness to the landlord as a matter of urgency.
Comply With Landlord Guidelines
Tenants must comply with their lease agreement and follow any other pest prevention instructions provided by the landlord. The landlord is familiar with the history of the property and always knows best when it comes to preventing and controlling pests year-round.
We have Answers for All Your Property Management Questions
Figuring out issues like 'are landlords responsible for pest control?' is only a small part of managing tenant rights and landlord legal obligations. That's why many Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Surrey landlords turn to property management experts for assistance.
Axfrod Real Estate has been taking care of things for our clients since 1983. In that time, we've accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge about all things real estate related and gathered a team of exceptional property managers to help you manage your rental properties.
Reach out today and discover true professionalism in property management.