Who Is Responsible For Pest Control When Renting?

The landlord-tenant relationship is a unique one that is sometimes overlooked. It is important that things are cordial, but also, that responsibilities and boundaries are clear so that along the way there is minimal problems and conflict. Many things that come up might be debatable, such as when pests appear in the rental house or apartment. So the question turns to, who is responsible for pest control when renting? Let us dive into this scenario.

Operating property services management in Atlanta and other cities, we respect the role of landlords as well as the tenants in their housing. Respecting others means being clear in the responsibilities in all sorts of situations.

Here are things we will explore in order to truly tackle this topic:

• Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants – Here we clarify the responsibilities, while acknowledging that they are not clear cut in all circumstances.
• Practical Tips For Landlords – We tackle some tips landlords can use to head off pest-related problems.
• Practical Tips for Tenants – We outline information that tenants would want to know regarding their own responsibilities.
• Consider Property Management Experts for Your Needs – And we go over why property management services can help, regardless of who is responsible for pest control when renting.

Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants

This is one of the more complex topics in regards to responsibilities of landlords and tenants. The main reason is because the local and state laws vary. While Georgia may state one thing (or not state it), in another state the roles and responsibilities of landlords may be different.

In the case of Georgia, landlord tenant laws do not state that landlords are responsible for pest control. Unless a lease states that the landlord will provide pest control, they are not liable for providing this service. That stated, if a pest outbreak is severe enough to make the property uninhabitable, a landlord may be responsible for pest control to make the property habitable again.

So a tenant may be responsible for pest control in certain circumstances.

One thing to note is that what is in the lease agreement supersedes who is responsible for what in many circumstances. That is a good thing. Clarifying specifics in a lease agreement can help delineate issues when the laws in a state do not have specific regulations on the matter. For example, you can find clauses that are often added to lease agreements that define and clear up obligations and when those obligations take effect. Consulting property management services and legal assistance can help to make sure lease agreements are done in compliance with existing local, state, and federal laws.

Practical Tips For Landlords

As a landlord, being in charge of the maintenance and basic upkeep of the property is crucial when it comes to who is responsible for pest control when renting. That means addressing any pest problems that may arise, while also being sure to take care of issues that may result in pest issues in the future.

While who is responsible for pest control when renting can vary, ultimately it is the landlords responsibility to maintain the housing at a level that does not encourage pest infestations. There are a lot of things that landlords can do that make a difference in current or future pest-related situations.

• Make sure to repair doors, windows, cracks or other areas where pests can get into the property.
• Manage garbage disposal in a regular and timely fashion. This means providing and maintaining dumpsters as well as managing contracts/contractors for garbage pick-up.
• It is your responsibility to provide pest control actions when needed, including giving notice before entering and/or treating homes for pests. Georgia is one of numerous states that does not have specific regulations on how much notice landlords must give before entering the property or providing such services. It’s generally considered good practice to provide at least 24 hours notice, but it would be advised to have something more formally established in the lease.
• Landlords should document any pest control activities, including repair and control activities.

Practical Tips for Tenants

What can renters do in this situation? There are many things tenants can do to get out ahead of pest problems and do their own part regardless of who is responsible for pest control when renting. So here are some tips for tenants.

• Tenants should keep living spaces clean, store food properly, and remove garbage in appropriate places. Not attracting pests goes a long way towards avoiding them.
• Make sure to report pest issues as soon as you see them. Similarly, report water leaks, cracks, or openings, especially around doors and windows.
• Allow your landlord into your home for any maintenance or treatment that is needed. Landlords should generally give notice, but communicate openly with them so issues can be addressed while allowing any privacy concerns you may have.
• Make sure to document sightings of insects or rodents, as well as make note of any treatment actions that were done. Include specific information such as dates and times for your records.

Consider Property Management Experts for Your Needs

When exploring who is responsible for pest control when renting, you quickly find out that these issues are just many that can cause some stress. Landlord and tenant responsibilities can be a tricky topic to navigate. That is why hiring the professionals to wade through those waters is often a great option.

Professional property services in Atlanta can help. At Bay Property Management Group, we conduct thorough inspections, document property conditions, and can manage pest control from start to finish. Contact us to learn how we can assist you!