Pests are, well a pest for both landlords and tenants alike!

The landlord does have a responsibility to ensure a property is pest free before it is tenanted, but it’s also the tenant’s responsibility to ensure the property is kept in good condition to limit the chances of a pest infestation.

Types of pests

The type of pests and vermin will vary depending on local conditions, where the property is located, whether there is a pet in the property, and how well maintained the property is.

Pest infestations include:

• ants
• cockroaches
• fleas
• mice
• possums
• rats
• snakes
• spiders
• termites
• wasps

What are the legalities?

Landlords have a responsibility to ensure the property meets health and safety laws and standards. And this includes pests and vermin.

The relevant section on the Fair Trading NSW states, the responsibility for removing or exterminating pests or vermin during a tenancy depends on whether:

• pests or vermin were already a problem when the tenant moved in
• a problem with the property has allowed the pests to enter or an infestation to develop
• the tenant contributed to the problem.

Generally, landlords are responsible for pest and vermin issues that occur at the start of the tenancy. This is part of a landlord’s responsibility to provide a reasonably clean property that is fit for the tenant to live in.

Tenants are generally responsible for getting rid of pests and vermin if the issue arises after they have moved in and if it was caused by the tenant’s activities or lack of cleanliness. For example, the tenant keeps a pet on the property or has not removed rubbish which is attracting cockroaches, ants or mice.

If a tenant believes that the infestation was not caused by their activities or lack of cleanliness, then the tenant may not be held responsible for pest eradication.

For example, if there is a hole in the wall that lets in pests.

Other factors that could determine who is responsible include the history of the property, what is recorded in the condition report, and if there were factors beyond the tenant’s control.

Safeguard your property

• Regular pest inspections

Some reports state as many as 1 in 4 properties in Australia are affected by termites in their lifetime, so it is vitally important landlords have regular pest inspections. This means if white ants do decide to attack your property, their presence is picked up early and any damage is limited.

• Pest clause in the lease

If pets are on the premises, a clause requiring tenants to fumigate for fleas can be written into the lease.

• Keep up with the maintenance

Ensuring the property is maintained will reduce the risk of possums and potentially other animals entering the property.

• General monitoring and encouraging good communications

Regular general property inspections may pick up some potential pest infestations, and tenants should report any pest concerns as soon as they arise.

Deal with infestations promptly

Regardless of who discovers the problem, pest problems should be dealt with quickly to avoid outbreaks getting out of hand.

A good property manager will know the legalities involved and communicate with tenants to resolve any issues.

Our motto is very simple – we treat every property as if it’s one of our own.

With many of our team having investment properties themselves, we always go the extra mile.

We’d love you to get in touch to tell you more, and also tell you how our property management services can make your life easier, and increase your return on investment.

Call us a ring on 02 4956 9777, send us an email to mail@newcastlepropertymanagement.com.au or pop into our Cardiff office for a chat to see how our property management services can help.

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