When pests show up in a rental property, it can quickly turn into a stressful situation for both tenants and landlords. Cockroaches in the kitchen, mice in the walls, or ants marching through the bathroom are more than just unpleasant — they can also affect health and safety. But who’s responsible for fixing the problem? The answer depends on the situation, the lease agreement, and even local laws. In this post, we’ll break down who typically handles pest control in rental properties and how renters and landlords can work together to keep properties pest-free.
The Landlord’s Responsibility
In most cases, landlords are responsible for ensuring that a rental property is safe, habitable, and free from pests when a tenant moves in. This includes taking steps to prevent infestations and quickly addressing any issues that arise through no fault of the tenant.
Providing a Clean, Pest-Free Unit
Landlords must provide a property that is clean and free from pests at the beginning of the tenancy. That means ensuring there are no existing infestations of mice, roaches, bed bugs, or other pests when a tenant moves in. If there is an infestation present before a tenant takes occupancy, the landlord is generally required to hire a professional pest control service to treat the problem at their own expense.
Structural and Preventive Maintenance
Pest problems often arise due to structural issues — cracks in the foundation, gaps in windows or doors, leaking pipes, or overgrown landscaping. Landlords are usually responsible for maintaining the structure of the building and taking reasonable measures to prevent pest access. This might include sealing entry points, fixing water leaks, and trimming trees or shrubs that could be inviting to pests.
Ongoing Pest Control
In multi-unit buildings like apartments, landlords typically handle regular pest control as part of property maintenance. Shared walls, plumbing systems, and common areas make it easier for pests to travel from one unit to another. To keep the building in good condition, landlords often schedule regular pest control treatments in common areas and, in some cases, individual units.
The Tenant’s Responsibility
While landlords have a legal duty to provide a livable space, tenants also play a role in preventing pest problems — especially when infestations are linked to how the space is used or maintained during the lease term.
Cleanliness and Hygiene
Tenants are expected to keep their unit reasonably clean and sanitary. Leaving food out, failing to take out the trash, or allowing clutter to pile up can invite pests like ants, roaches, or rodents. If a pest problem arises due to the tenant’s own actions, the cost of treatment may fall on the tenant rather than the landlord.
Notifying the Landlord
If a tenant notices signs of a pest problem — like droppings, bite marks, or insect sightings — it’s their responsibility to notify the landlord as soon as possible. Quick reporting can prevent a small issue from turning into a larger infestation. Waiting too long may make the problem worse and, depending on the situation, shift some of the responsibility to the tenant.
Cooperating With Treatment
When pest control services are scheduled, tenants may be required to prepare their unit by moving furniture, cleaning surfaces, or vacating the space for a few hours. Failure to cooperate with treatment efforts could delay the process and potentially result in additional costs.
What About the Lease Agreement?
The lease is the first place to check when figuring out who handles pest control. Some lease agreements clearly outline the responsibilities of each party. For example, a lease may state that the landlord will provide quarterly pest control services, while the tenant is responsible for treating problems that arise due to poor housekeeping.
If the lease doesn’t address pest control specifically, local tenant laws typically take precedence — and in most cases, those laws put the initial responsibility on the landlord.
When the Lines Are Blurred
Not every situation is cut and dry. For example:
- If bed bugs appear several months into a lease, it may be unclear whether they were brought in by the tenant or came from a neighboring unit.
- If mice show up in a house because the tenant leaves food uncovered, the landlord might argue the infestation is the tenant’s responsibility.
- If the property is located in an area known for seasonal pest issues (like ants or wasps), pest control might be considered part of regular maintenance — or a shared cost.
These gray areas are why clear communication is so important. If you’re a landlord, it’s smart to include pest control terms in the lease and schedule regular inspections. If you’re a tenant, make sure you understand your responsibilities and keep your living space clean to avoid future issues.
Work With a Trusted Pest Control Company
At Positive Pest Management, we’ve helped both tenants and landlords get pest control in New York quickly and effectively. Whether it’s a one-time issue or a recurring problem, we offer safe, affordable solutions tailored to your specific needs. If you’re dealing with pests in a rental property and aren’t sure who should handle it, we’re happy to help you figure it out and get your space back to normal.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our residential pest control services.
