Pest Control Responsibilities: Landlord vs. Tenant

By PropsManager Team | Dec 17, 2025

Pest Control Responsibilities: Landlord vs. Tenant

"There are ants in the kitchen!" Pest issues are a common source of friction. Here is how to determine who is responsible.

Landlord Responsibilities

Generally, landlords are responsible for:

• Habitability: Ensuring the property is pest-free before the tenant moves in.
• Structural Issues: Fixing holes in walls, screens, or roofs that allow pests to enter.
• Natural Occurrences: Termites, bees nests in the eaves, or seasonal ants are often considered the landlord's duty to manage as part of property maintenance.

Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants are responsible for:

• Cleanliness: If the infestation is caused by the tenant's lifestyle (e.g., leaving food out, garbage piling up), they are liable.
• Fleas: If the tenant has a pet and fleas appear, it is almost always the tenant's responsibility.

The Lease Clause

Your lease should explicitly state: "Tenant shall report any pest issues within 48 hours. Landlord is responsible for pest control unless the infestation is caused by Tenant's negligence or pets."

Conclusion

Address pests immediately to prevent damage, then determine who pays based on the evidence.