Who Pays For Pest Control In A Rental In Queensland?

When a pest infestation strikes, you want to take every step possible to be rid of it as soon as possible.

If you own or live in a rental property, you may wonder who's responsible for organising pest control services. Uncertainty on this issue can lead to disagreement between landlords and tenants, so it's crucial you come to an understanding before pest problems get out of control. 

It might come as a surprise, but both tenants and landlords are responsible for pest control of a rental property. As legislation regarding who's responsible for inspections and control can be open to interpretation, and as the cause of infestations - environment or lifestyle factors - can be questioned, it's not always easy to identify who should take care of arranging pest control services.
 
The general rule is that the landlord is responsible for pest control at the beginning of the tenancy, and the tenant holds responsibility from that time onwards. There are exceptions, though. The landlord is responsible for arranging inspections, treatments or repairs if there are termites, ants, possums or birds impacting the property. In the case of snakes, if they're present at the start of the tenancy or if the landlord has left any rubbish in the garden, it is up to them to arrange removal. 

It's up to both the tenant and the landlord to keep the property clean, safe, and functional. Tenants should advise their landlord or property manager if there are any safety concerns, or any areas needing repairs.
 
In the case of pests, the responsibility generally lies with the landlord. At the beginning of the tenancy, they must also ensure the property is clean, liveable, and free of pests. The exception to the rule arises if the tenant has directly caused the infestation by not keeping the property clean - in this instance, they are responsible for pest control.

Most tenancy contracts will include a clause stating that, if a tenant has pets, indoor and outdoor pest control should be arranged and paid for by the tenant. This usually takes the form of an exit spray treatment, especially targeting fleas, carried out at the conclusion of the tenancy.

Suncoast Termite & Pest is committed to helping property managers, landlords and tenants eradicate pests and preserve the integrity and longevity of their property on the Sunshine Coast.

Our experienced, professional team understands how different pests behave and the environments in which they thrive, and we have the best equipment on hand to reduce the risk of an infestation in your property.
 
Whether you need a yearly inspection and pest control on the Sunshine Coast, or a tenancy exit spray, we're on hand to offer efficient and effective solutions to target termites, cockroaches, ants, mice, and more.

Contact us today on 07 5441 5040 to speak to our friendly team or to arrange a free consultation and quote for quality pest control throughout the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland region.