Are Landlords Responsible for Pest Control

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A common question that often occurs as a result of the nuisance pests make and the threat they pose to residents is about who is responsible for stopping them. This can create a dispute between landlords and tenants on rental properties. The answer to this question isn’t easy and varies from situation to situation.

The Legal Perspective of Pest Control

Generally speaking, landlords are legally responsible for pest control measures and getting rid of infestations. However, there is an exception to this rule. There may be instances when the infestation occurs as a direct result of the tenant’s actions or living habits. In this instance, the tenant may be held liable to deal with the infestation.

There are a few caveats to this exception. Firstly, for it to be applicable, the lease must clearly state the property is being handed over to the tenant in sound condition with relevant pest control measures already in place. The lease must also clarify that any infestations resulting from the tenant’s actions will not be the responsibility of the landlord. In addition to this, the landlord must be able to prove that the tenant’s actions caused the infestation for the latter to be held accountable.

Pest Control

Pest Control Factors

The type of pest factors into this as well. If the infestation is caused by a pest that is common in the neighbourhood, it is the landlord’s responsibility to deal with the issue. Pest control laws also vary, which will determine who the responsibility falls onto. For instance, bedbugs are one such pest whose legislation isn’t clear. Bedbugs are a notorious pest that is easily transferred and difficult to get rid of. If the property was bedbug-free when it was handed over to the tenant, dealing with the infestation is the tenant’s responsibility, provided that this has been clarified in the lease. However, if the property has had a history of bedbug infestations, that makes matters complicated.

Although the property may be clean at the time the lease is being drawn up, the chances remain that the bedbugs weren’t completely eradicated. Dormant bedbugs can take weeks to resurface, so if the property has a history of infestation, the landlord is generally responsible for any future occurrences.

Determining Who Is Responsible

Dealing with an infestation can be a costly affair, so the parties involved can see a lot of tension build up over the issue. Nine out of ten times, the landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property remains pest-free. This includes seasonal checks to verify the integrity of the structure as well as dealing with any minor infestations before they grow.

The easiest way to determine responsibility is by including it in the lease. All circumstances that will shift the responsibility from the landlord to the tenant should be detailed in the lease agreement along with the relevant conditions.

In the instance that the landlord transfers liability to the tenant, an inspection must be carried out by professional and documentary evidence provided to the tenant. The pest control experts hired to deal with the issue can also determine whether the infestation was caused by any actions of the inhabitants. If you’re planning to move to a new apartment, do your due diligence at get the place checked before hiring a moving company to help you out. Check our site: https://flyttebyråioslo.no

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