Landlord vs Tenant – Who Pays for Pest Control?
Who pays for Pest Control? This is a tough question to answer. According to the BC Residential Tenancy Policy Guidelines:
“The Landlord is responsible for ensuring that rental units and property, or manufactured home sites and parks, meet “health, safety and housing standards” established by law, and are reasonably suitable for occupation given the nature and location of the property.” AND “The landlord is generally responsible for major projects, such as tree cutting, pruning and insect control.
The tenant must maintain “reasonable health, cleanliness and sanitary standards” throughout the rental unit or site, and property or park.
Residential Tenancy Branch
In general, landlords are responsible for pest control unless they can show the infestation is a result of tenant behaviour. If this is so, the tenant becomes responsible.
So, if the tenant discovers rats, mice, cockroaches or other pests accessing their home due to the disrepair of the property, then it should fall to the landlord to remedy the situation and treat the infestation. But if the tenant discovers the same pests accessing their home due to their lifestyle and behaviour choices, then they may have to foot the bill. So let’s take a closer look at a bed bug infestation. Learn more about Bed Bug Information and How to Sleep Tight, Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite!.
Monica Harmse, a seasoned realtor, shares her industry insight:
“Monica Harmse, an experienced Port Moody realtor, emphasizes the importance of clear communication and well-defined lease agreements in preventing disputes over pest control responsibilities. ‘From my experience,’ Monica explains, ‘landlords who clearly outline pest control responsibilities in the lease, including what constitutes tenant-caused infestations, often avoid misunderstandings later. Properly documented clauses help ensure both parties understand their roles, which can be particularly crucial in cases where the origin of an infestation may be disputed.’ By proactively addressing potential scenarios, both landlords and tenants can protect themselves from costly disagreements.”
Bed bugs deserve a category all by themselves.
You might be afraid to report bed bugs out of fear that you will be blamed for the problem. The safest course of action is to notify your landlord as soon as you discover evidence of an infestation. Once notified, your landlord should hire a professional pest management company to inspect and treat any affected units on the property. Neither you nor your landlord should attempt to treat an infestation on your own.
If your landlord does not hire a professional company, you can apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch. You then request an order that they comply with the law and fix the problem. Alternatively, if you live in a city that has a Standards of Maintenance Bylaw, a Bylaw Officer might be willing to inspect your property. After the inspection they may issue warnings or fines to your landlord. Or they may even enforce the bylaw. Discovering bed bugs is not considered an acceptable reason to withhold rent or end your tenancy early.
Who is Responsible When a Bed Bug Infestation is Discovered in a Rental Unit?
A question asked by landlords and tenants alike. Who is responsible for the treatment of a rental unit with a bed bug infestation? The simple answer is: the landlord or property manager is responsible for the treatment of the unit, according to the Residential Tenancy Branch. However, the tenant is responsible for cooperating with the landlord’s efforts to manage the bed bug infestation. This means prepping the unit for treatment, washing and bagging clothing etc.
The landlord or property manager is responsible for the treatment of the unit, according to the Residential Tenancy Branch. It’s important to address all types of infestations, whether it’s Bed Bugs Hitchhiking from University, an Itsy Bitsy Spider, or even Honey Bees & Lady Bugs Are A Loved Garden Bug
The Best Method to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
The pest management company your landlord hires should provide instructions on how to prepare your unit for treatment. Be mindful of Bed Bugs on Planes and The Bed Bug Attraction when traveling. Normally people and pets are required to vacate for 4 – 5 hours. The unit then, must be ventilated upon re-entry. The pest management company should provide you with a preparation sheet to help you prepare your home for the treatment.
Here are a few things you must do to prepare your home for a bed bug treatment:
- Reduce as much clutter as possible
- Bag clothing and linens that are not being treated
- Move all furniture away from the walls
- Do not flip any furniture, particularly mattresses; and
- Vacuum all floor areas. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately in an outside garbage bin.
After treatment, launder any bagged clothing and linens. These should be put in the dryer on high heat for a minimum of 40 minutes. If an item cannot be laundered, place it in the dryer for 60 minutes on high heat. Important: do not put any of the laundered items back in their original bags.
How to Prepare Your Home for Bed Bug Treatment
Paying for a Bed Bug Treatment
While bed bug treatments can be expensive, maintaining a clean and pest-free home can help you avoid other infestations such as Flea Treatment or Silverfish Infestation in Your Home. This can be caused by the tenant not reporting it in a timely manner or not cooperating during the treatment process.
If You Cause the Bed Bug Infestation
Your landlord could have a valid argument for you to pay or at least contribute towards, the cost of treatment if:
- You cause an infestation to spread by unlawfully denying access to your unit or:
- Not following the pest management company’s recommendations.
Some municipalities have Standards of Maintenance or Good Neighbour Bylaws. Here are a few which refer to “bed bugs”, “insects”, “rodents” or “pests”:
General Pest Control Advice to Tenants
- Keep the home clean and hygienic to avoid problems like Too Many Ants Spoiling Your Picnic.
- Don’t leave food or dirty dishes out overnight
- Take out the trash on a daily basis
- Don’t have excess clutter around the home
- Don’t leave out uneaten pet food in the dog or cat bowl
Remember: keeping your home clean and tidy will always minimalize your chances of a pest infestation.
Tenants: if you are looking for legal advice on where you stand, contact the Tenants Resource & Advisory Centre.
Advice to Landlords
It is in your best interest to keep up with the repairs and maintenance of your property, as Pests Stopping You From Selling Your Home? could be a concern.. So there is no misunderstanding, add a clause to the rental agreement stipulating who is responsible for pest control.
Landlords: if you are looking for legal advice on where you stand, contact Landlords BC.
Don’t forget to contact Pestcheck for all your pest control needs. Our service areas are West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby & New Westminster, Richmond and Coquitlam & Tri-Cities. Call (778) 903-7378 for a free quote!
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