Clearing Up The Pest Infestation Dilemma

[separator top=”-55″ bottom=”10″ style=””]If you live in a rental property it is important that you understand your rights as a tenant and also your responsibilities.

One of the areas that are subject to confusion in Queensland is who is responsible for the pest management of the said property.

This may differ depending on what type of pest infestation you are required to deal with.

Best One Cleaning & Pest Management offer these tips to help you decide who is responsible for what, and when you may need assistance.

At the Commencement of a New Tenancy Lease

When a new tenant takes up residence in a rental home it is the responsibility of the property’s owner to ensure the home is habitable and free from any and all pest infestation.

This includes cockroaches, fleas, spiders and termites, as well as any other form of insect or vermin that may decide to take up residence.

It is the responsibility of the tenant to maintain good hygiene within the residence to deter any infestations.

In An Ongoing Tenancy Agreement

In a situation where a tenant may live in a home for many years it will become their responsibility to maintain the home in a fashion that they moved in.

This will encompass ensuring that no infestation of cockroaches, ants, fleas, or spiders occurs, meaning that the responsibility for regular pest extermination will fall to them.

In the Event of Termite Infestation

Should a property be infested with termites during any tenancy term this becomes the responsibility of the landlord.

Measures must be taken to appropriately eradicate any nest that is discovered and that treatment to ensure they do not return is carried out at the expense of the property owner.

The property owner will also be responsible for any damages that may need attention provided the property has been properly maintained by its occupant, the tenant.

Should it be determined that the tenant, for example, was stacking wood against the home thus allowing for easy and unnoticed property access, the tenant should not be surprised if the landlord lays claim compensation against the tenant.

Beware the Rental Increase

Whilst it may fall to the property owner to conduct and provide a safe and pest free home for its renting occupants this does not mean the tenant should not participate in this quest.

Landlords are well within their rights to increase rent should they be forced to maintain a property in this manner themselves.