Is the Landlord responsible for pest control?
The occupancy rule stipulates rental property owners must provide a clean, safe, and pest-free living space to tenants, commonly known as the warranty of habitability.
The rule suggests treatment of pest control is the responsibility of the landlord. The effort to prevent an infestation of bugs like mice, rodents, scorpions, termites and dozens of other native pests is crucial to the warranty of habitability. Regulations vary by state, even from city to city. We recommend searching for reference specifically for the state that you reside. Information regarding this topic is plentiful.
Nevada Legislation
NRS 118A.290 Habitability of the dwelling unit.
The landlord shall at all times during the tenancy maintain the dwelling unit in a habitable condition.
Because the law does not imply the tenants are off the hook, tenants should not overly rely on this clause, considering inhabitants are often the cause of infestations. It is a fact that most pests are naturally attracted to the human habitat because of our habits. The messier you are, the more shelter and food you provide. Occupants should not expect the landlord to clean up the mess. For example, assuming you get infested with cockroaches because your condo is a wreck with food spillage, crumbs, and Cool Ranch Doritos under the cushion, you’ll probably be on the snare for extermination costs. If pest infestations happen unnaturally, like bed bugs or ants due to your unhealthy living habitat, it would be impossible to hold the landlord liable. If you were the landlord, would you be willing to pay for the clean-up of your tenant’s messiness?
On the one hand, property owners and managers are to give a pest-free home when somebody moves in. The landlord is also liable for standard upkeep, including preventive pest control. On the other hand, if the renter’s living condition is a harborage of mice and flies, then the preventive pest control service may not be enough. In this case, the tenant can expect to pay for the damages unless the rental agreement states otherwise.
The Tenant is also responsible for pest control
As a landlord or property manager, it is better to avoid confrontation by implementing preventive pest control. Maintain a pest-free living condition by setting up an agreement with a local pest control company. This effort will safeguard your property and sustain habitable living conditions for your tenants. To have an expert inspect and maintain your property is worth every dollar, particularly with rental properties, including private homes, AirBnB, condos, and apartments.
As a tenant, you should always read the contract carefully. The rental agreement should explain who’s liable for the pest control. As the property management, it’s your obligation to deal with bug control issues quickly – however, it’s conceivable it’s not your obligation to pay for them. An expert exterminator can assist you with determining the cause of the infestation.
In conclusion, landowners and inhabitants are both liable for holding up their part of the rental arrangement. Under state law, landowners and inhabitants have the right to discontinue the contract if their pest control criteria do not meet the standard of habitable dwelling.
Visit our commercial pest control page for an affordable treatment plan. Alternatively, you can contact us by clicking the button below.