Who pays for pest control in a rental?

Who pays for pest control in a rental?

Who pays for pest control in a rental property?  This is something that comes up time after time.  It is a grey area. 

The RTRA (Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation) act does not specify who is responsible.   

There is no definitive answer!  It can be tricky!  

To answer the question as best we can, we have to take a step back and define the obligations of each party.

In other words, what should the tenant be doing and what the owner should do.

The owner's 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 owner to provide a property that is not infested with pests and vermin.  This is especially pertinent at the start of the tenancy as this is when the home is empty and handed over.  

The tenants’ obligations are to keep the property clean during the tenancy and to not cause damage. 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.

So in other words, if the property was handed over in a clean and pest free condition and there doesn't appear to be any reason for the pests to have been attracted then the owner should look at covering the cost.  

It is best practice to state what the landlord agrees to in the terms of the Form 6 when an agreement is first signed.

It is also best practice to clearly state the tenants’ obligations on the tenancy agreement during the initial sign up process.

Here at Baber & Co we always try to reach a fair outcome for our tenants and clients and we keep our REIQ membership and training up to date.

If you need a referral for a pest company or termite inspector, get in touch with us

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