Renting a Home That Needs Pest Control – Who is Responsible?

For Rent sign in front of a house.

Image via Flickr by MarkMoz1980

Imagine finding out that you’re sharing your home with some non-rent paying entities that destroy your property. How awful having pests in your home can feel, right? When renting a house, one of the basic things to confirm is its level of pest infestation. Pest infestation could result from natural circumstances such as weather changes, food and water scarcity, and loss of habitat. But other factors like uncleanliness and low maintenance of living structures can be responsible. So who’s responsible for pest control, the tenant or the landlord or property owner?

Who takes the blame for pests?

When caused by natural circumstances, the responsibility is typically on the landlord to control the pests. But when triggered by tenant-related factors like uncleanliness, however, the tenant is usually responsible for pest control. More often than not, landlords are also tasked with controlling the pests occupying living spaces before the tenants move in.

One factor determining whose responsibility it is to control pests has to do with the kind of pests that are involved. Landlords will see to it that infestations caused by major damages, holes, and openings in the walls where rats, cockroaches, and other pests may be lurking are resolved. But pest problems introduced by tenant activity will usually be handled by tenants themselves. When a tenant leaves sugary spillage on floors and ants get on them, they have to do away with the pests and prevent them from spreading.

Are there state laws concerning this?

In the United States, however, the laws that govern pest control can vary from state to state. You must know these laws, particularly those governing whatever state you choose to live in, before moving in.

It is also recommended that you get your lawyer and an expert property manager to help you understand the intricacies of pest control operation in the area before agreeing to or appending your signature to any clauses. That should help to protect you should any issues related to a pest infestation arise.

There is a warranty of habitability that every landlord should meet. This compels the landlords to keep their properties in a good state so that occupant health is not jeopardized.

Michigan Laws Regarding Pest Control for Rentals

In Michigan, a bed bug manual issued by the Government tasks owners with maintaining a vermin-free building. Tenants on the other hand have the duty of keeping the premises clean as soon as they have control and occupancy.

Always get informed about the laws governing pest control in your city of residence. You could also do some research on the common pests attacking that area and determine if any measures have been taken so far to curb the attack. House Bill 5199 recently introduced a requirement for tenants to immediately notify landlords of potential bedbug infestations.

Pest control solutions for renters

Termites, bed bugs, houseflies, cockroaches, ticks, mosquitoes, rats, fleas, ants, and other pests bring mayhem to residents and the society at large. Your landlord has a part to play in pest control.

The tenant, on the other hand, plays his part, which is to keep his environment clean, report on pest attacks, and help control these pests. When you need pest control services that you can rely on for your rental property, reach out to Solidified Pest Control. We offer reliable, discreet pest control and rodent removal services. We work with homeowners of all types, including those with rental properties. We understand the importance of getting rid of the pests fast so that it doesn’t inhibit your income.

We service all of Metro Detroit, including Oakland and Wayne counties. We have pest control experts in Livonia, Troy, Rochester, Commerce, and all the surrounding areas. You can easily contact us via our convenient online form, or you can call us to make your appointment. We work hard to meet your schedule and even offer last-minute removal.

Please note, nothing in this article is legal advice. If you need information regarding tenant rights and laws, please reach out to a lawyer.