Who Is Responsible for Pest Control When Renting? 

You’ve just performed a pest control service. But now, you’re stuck in the middle of a dispute between a tenant and a landlord. 

You need to be paid for your work. And so, the question begs: Who is responsible for pest control when renting? 

In this article, we’ll equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate this situation. 

We’ll explain all the challenges related to pest control and rental properties. Then, we’ll break down who’s responsible for what. 

Next, we’ll explain how you can use your new-found expertise to drive more business. Use our guidance as inspiration to expand or improve your offerings. 

We’ll wrap it up neatly with our top takeaways. You’ll walk away from this guide with an informed perspective. 

The more you know, the better you can serve your customers and reach your goals. So, let’s get right into it. 

RELATED ARTICLE: 6 Tips for a Successful Pest Control Busy Season 
 

Challenges of Pest Control for Rental Properties 

About one-third of US households are occupied by renters. 

It’s a convenient option for many people. It costs less upfront. It’s more flexible than home ownership, and the tenant isn’t typically in charge of property maintenance, which can be expensive. 

But if you’ve ever had a call from a distraught tenant complaining of a cockroach infestation or a rat in the kitchen, you know that renting comes with its own challenges. Let’s take a look at some of these. 

Responsibility Confusion 

One of the biggest issues is confusion over who handles pest control. Renters often assume it’s the landlord’s job to manage pests. Landlords may think it’s the tenant’s responsibility. 

In truth, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on the lease agreement and local laws. 

But in many cases, landlords are responsible for maintaining the property. They need to keep it habitable. However, tenants may need to step in and help if they cause the problem through poor hygiene or lack of cleanliness. 

Legal Obligations 

In some areas, laws might mean landlords must provide pest control as part of property maintenance. In others, tenants might be accountable if their actions lead to an infestation. 

Along with the above comes unraveling the web of local laws and regulations. 

Both parties can find themselves caught off guard without knowing these legal obligations.  

Prevention and Maintenance 

Maintaining a pest-free property is more complicated when dealing with rental properties. Tenants may not always report early signs of pests, which allows infestations to grow. 

At the same time, landlords might not schedule regular inspections or treatments to prevent pests. These gaps in prevention lead to bigger problems later on. 

You know well that it becomes harder to control pests once they’ve established a larger population. 

Cost Disputes 

Finally, where there’s money involved, disputes are likely to arise. 

Who should pay for pest control services? Some tenants might hesitate to call for help if they fear being charged for it. Landlords may want to pass costs on to the tenant. 

There’s a level of uncertainty at play, which can delay actions and make infestations worse. 

RELATED ARTICLE: 7 Steps to Improve Your Pest Control Business 
 

Pest Control Responsibilities of Landlords 

Let’s clarify who is responsible for pest control when renting once and for all. 

What Does the Law Say? 

In most cases, pest control is up to the landlord. It’s what most state and local laws require. 

When a landlord rents out a residential property, it comes with an implied warranty of habitability. 

An implied warranty of habitability is: 

“…an unstated guarantee that a rental property meets basic living and safety standards before occupation and will continue to meet them for the duration of the occupancy.” 

Local build codes define basic living and safety standards. However, in general, landlords must offer things like: 

• Hot water 
• Electricity 
• A working bathroom 
• Adequate ventilation 
• Heating during cold weather 

According to Investopedia, this warranty also relates to the property’s cleanliness, “including the removal of insect or rodent infestation.” 

But what if the lease specifically excludes pest control? Usually, this doesn’t matter. Laws override what’s written in a lease agreement. A landlord can’t shift full pest control duties onto tenants through a lease if local law requires the landlord to handle them. 

Pest Control and Property Value 

One of the main reasons landlords handle pest control is because it impacts the value of their property. 

Pests can cause a considerable amount of damage. 

Termites, for example, eat about 2% of their body weight in wood each day. It might not sound like a lot but imagine a colony 60,000 strong. They can eat an entire square foot of lumber in just a month. 

Staying on top of pest control isn’t just about keeping the property safe and comfortable for renters. It’s about protecting the landlord’s investment, too. 

Attracting Better Tenants 

Additionally, pest-free properties attract better tenants. 

Clean, well-maintained units allow landlords to charge higher rents. It also helps with tenant retention. 

It reduces turnover rates and vacancy periods. Why? Because tenants are more likely to renew leases if they don’t have to deal with ongoing pest issues. 

Would you renew a lease in a property infested with spiders or mice? Probably not. 

Court and Legal Risks 

Landlords who fail to handle pest problems can face legal consequences. 

Tenants can file complaints with housing authorities. The landlord might then be liable to pay a fine. They could even be handed a lawsuit, and courts often side with tenants if the landlord neglects their duties. 

Landlords might also have to reimburse tenants for out-of-pocket pest control expenses. In extreme cases, the landlord could be ordered to pay damages. 

Pest Control Responsibilities of Tenants 

Landlords might hold the weight of responsibility when it comes to pest control. But that doesn’t mean tenants can get away scot-free. 

Taking Steps to Prevent Pest Problems 

Prevention is always better than a cure. And it’s mostly down to tenants to prevent pest infestations in the first place. 

What should they do? Simple tasks like regularly vacuuming floors, storing food securely, and taking out the trash regularly all help. 

If a tenant’s actions directly lead to a pest problem, they might be held partially responsible. This means they might have to pay for some pest control services. 

Notifying the Landlord of Pest Issues 

Tenants should also notify their landlord when they notice any signs of pests. Early reporting is necessary, allowing experts like you to deal with the problem before it escalates. 

If there was a pest issue when the tenant moved in, it’s the landlord’s responsibility to resolve it. But, if the problem developed during the tenant’s lease, the cause of the infestation might determine who handles the pest control. 

Documenting Incidents 

It’s in the tenant’s best interest to document any pest issues. They should also record their communications with the landlord. This can include: 

• Taking photos of the pests or damage they’ve caused 

• Keeping records of emails or texts reporting the problem 

• Holding onto invoices of any pest control services they’ve paid for 

Documentation can protect the tenant if the issue spirals into a dispute. 

Pest Control Opportunities for Rental Properties 

Pest control is an essential service—for all kinds of property owners. This includes landlords. 

You can use this insight to your competitive advantage. You can build and refine services that genuinely meet the needs of tenants and landlords. 

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Generate More Pest Control Leads 
 

Here are some opportunities you might jump on to grow your revenue. 

Form Partnerships with Property Management Companies 

Property management companies are like intermediaries. They take care of rentals on behalf of investment property owners. 

This means they typically manage multiple properties, all of which require pest control services occasionally. 

You can form a partnership with a property management company. When their properties need an inspection or extermination, they call you. 

It’s a great way to build connections in your community and keep your schedule full. 

Take action now: Research and contact local property management companies. You could send them an email or even give them a call. 

Offer a free consultation. Discuss their needs and how you can provide ongoing pest control services. 

Identify Existing Customers Who Own Rental Properties 

Sometimes, the best opportunities are right under our noses. Your current customer base might already include landlords or property managers. Use these existing relationships to grow your business. 

You might run an email campaign promoting your pest control services for rentals. When you get one or two to convert, ask them for a testimonial. Use this as social proof to win over more customers. 

Take action now: Look through your customer database. Did anyone hire you to work on a rental property? If so, add them to a list of landlords. 

Reach out and offer a personalized pest control package covering all their properties. This makes it easy for them to meet their legal obligations. 

Offer Subscription Services to Landlords 

Consider setting up a subscription service for scheduled inspections and treatments. This will help busy landlords fulfill their responsibilities without extra effort. 

Plus, you benefit from a steady income stream. 

Take action now: Develop a subscription package specifically for landlords. Think about their unique needs and how you can best meet them. 

For example, you might include: 

• Quarterly inspections 
• Routine treatments 
• Preventative advice 
• Discounted emergency services 

Reach out to landlords in your area with a clear breakdown of costs and benefits. Make it easy for them to sign up, too. 

RELATED ARTICLE: 8 Ways To Maximize Your Pest Control Income 

Takeaways of Rental Property Pest Control 

Who is responsible for pest control when renting? Here are the top takeaways you need to know: 

• Landlords are usually responsible. When renting a property, they must ensure it’s safe and comfortable. 
• Tenants aren’t entirely free from responsibility. They should keep the property clean to prevent pest problems. They should also report issues early to stop them from escalating. 
• Capitalizing on opportunities in the rental property market can grow your business. Your best bet is partnering with local property management companies. 
• Think about creating a set-and-forget subscription for landlords. That way, they can meet their legal obligations and protect the value of their investment without thinking.