Living in an apartment complex, you hope your body corporate or landlord manages pest and vermin control in communal areas, but residents are still responsible for their private spaces.
With the right equipment and knowledge, pest control in apartments is straightforward.
Who is Responsible for Rental Pest Control?
In most states and municipalities, landlords are typically responsible for pest management. Infestations of pests like cockroaches, ants, bedbugs, termites, or rats can make an area uninhabitable.
However, landlords may be exempt from pest control if a tenant’s lifestyle or personal decisions cause the problem. Renters can take several basic actions to avoid pests, including:
- Washing and storing dishes after use
- Cleaning after meals
- Sweeping and mopping regularly
- Eliminating clutter that can harbor pests
- Reporting leaking faucets, sweating pipes, or poorly sealed windows or doors
When is Tenant Pest Control Necessary?
According to NSW Fair Trading, renters are liable for pest control if the infestation is caused by their actions or lack of cleanliness as per the tenancy agreement.
If a property has been rented for several months before pests like cockroaches appear, the renter usually pays for pest control treatments.
If a tenant believes the infestation was not caused by their actions or lack of cleanliness, they must establish that:
- The landlord breached the rental agreement by not providing a clean and safe premises at the start of the tenancy.
- This breach led to the pest problem.
It’s crucial for renters to document any pests in the condition report at the start of the rental. Note any signs of pests like cockroach droppings, fleas, or termites, and address these with your property management.
When Does the Landlord Control Pests?
The landlord must remove pests if they are present at the beginning of the rental. For example, if bed bugs are present at the start of the tenancy, the tenant can ask the landlord to hire a pest control agency. If the landlord fails to agree or perform the agreed pest control treatment, the tenant may claim the landlord is in violation of the contract and appeal to NSW Fair Trading for dispute resolution.
Apartment Pest Control Best Practices
The EPA’s integrated pest management (IPM) guidelines provide crucial insights on how renters and landlords can keep insects and rodents out of housing units. IPM systems manage environments to prevent pest problems, including managing the apartment’s exterior to prevent pests from entering and the interior to discourage them from staying.
Landlords should ensure any cracks and crevices are sealed, doors are weather-stripped, and mesh is installed over dryer vents and attic access points. Best practices for tenants include:
- Daily surface cleaning and upkeep
- Quick elimination of trash
- Airtight food storage
- Regular vacuuming
- Reducing humidity
- Being cautious when returning from travels or bringing in second-hand furniture to avoid carrying insects like bed bugs
Are Pest Control Chemicals Toxic?
While there are concerns about harmful chemicals used in pest control, most companies are Green Shield Certified and offer non-toxic, eco-friendly solutions. In a standard application, technicians will typically spray:
- Baseboards and entryways
- Fissures
- Gaps between walls and cabinets, appliances, or furniture
Consult a Professional Exterminator
Pest control requires the expertise of skilled professionals. Professional pest exterminators know the appropriate treatments for each problem, work quickly, and can locate the origins of infestations to prevent future issues.
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