Are Landlords Responsible For Pest Control? - Horizon Pest Control (2024)

• March 1, 2023

When homeowners have pest problems, the next step is easy: they pick up the phone and call Horizon Pest Control. But things may be less clear for landlords and their tenants. Who is responsible for handling pest control in rented properties? Learn more about pest control for landlords and tenants to understand your responsibilities when bugs, mice, or other pests make a property less welcoming.

The Landlord’s Responsibility

Every landlord wants to offer well-maintained properties that attract tenants, and pest control plays an important role. Should critters find their way inside your rental property, you must take action quickly to prevent the problem from getting worse. Pest control is also your legal obligation, as most states, including New Jersey and New York, hold landlords accountable for eliminating bugs, rodents, and other pests. Even if this language is not in your rental agreements, you are still likely liable.

Maintaining the property’s structural integrity is a critical step in pest control for landlords. Sealing up cracks and crevices is the easiest way to make sure animals and insects can’t get in. As a bonus, it will also help prevent future problems with the foundation. You should also conduct a careful pest inspection after every tenant moves out. Call on a professional to make sure the previous tenants haven’t created the perfect conditions for an infestation.

Choosing a company that practices Integrated Pest Management (IPM), like Horizon Pest Control, is a great way to make your property more attractive to future tenants. This method prioritizes prevention with chemical-free solutions that get to the root cause of your pest problem. If chemicals are used, they are applied by expert techs with extensive training to ensure the best possible outcome.

The Tenant’s Responsibilities

While tenants are typically not legally liable for pest control, they still play an important role in keeping a property pest-free. Renters should always carefully examine their rental agreement to learn more about how the landlord provides pest control and what, if anything, they will be responsible for. Other pest control responsibilities for renters include:

• Reporting pest sightings or conditions that invite pests, such as unsealed cracks or dirty areas, to the landlord
• Keeping the rental unit clean
• Properly storing and disposing of food
• Empty the trash regularly
• Keep trash receptacles covered
• Use screens in windows and alert the landlord if screens are damaged

Additionally, tenants need to work with landlords to schedule pest control appointments. Providing the landlord with availability and being home or away at the time of treatment, depending on the pest control specialist’s instructions, will help quickly resolve most pest situations.

Pest Control for Landlords and Renters in Central and Northern NJ

When pests invade a rental property, it causes stress for landlords and tenants alike. If you’ve noticed insects or rodents in apartments or other rental units, contact Horizon Pest Control immediately. We’ll asses the problem and provide a solution that works for both renters and property owners. For more information or to request a free quote, call 201-365-9886 today.