Are your tenants complaining about pests? If you’re dealing with this type of problem, then what can you realistically do about it? Is it their problem or yours? Basically, who is responsible for pests in tenanted property?
Legal responsibility for pests in tenanted property
Answering this question isn’t simple or straightforward. It takes a bit of explanation. To start with, there are dozens of laws protecting tenants. Many of these laws have to do with pests. To boil these laws down, as a landlord you need to supply property that is up to a certain standard. A large part of this is making sure there are no pests in tenanted property.
Between tenants, use the opportunity while checking the state of the property, to for check for any signs of pests. If you do see signs, take action. You may wish to call in a London pest control company. You are responsible for ensuring there are no pests present when you take on new tenants. If you are renovating or redecorating, this is also a great time to carry out a through inspection. Be sure to sort out any leaks and to seal up cracks and holes through which pests could enter.
When are pests not the landlord’s responsibility?
As we’re sure you already know, many tenants do not look after hygiene or pest control in rented flats or houses as carefully as those who own their own homes. They may do things that attract pests, such as not cleaning thoroughly enough. In addition, with so many older buildings especially, pests may find their way in during the tenancy due to poor building maintenance. The tenants may well insist that you as the landlord should pay for pest control and take care of the issue.
Now this is where the law gets interesting. You see, while you are often responsible for taking care of pests, this is not always the case. If the tenants are not looking after the property and they are doing things that are attracting pests, well, then the problem may be theirs to solve.
Ultimately, the issue with pests in tenanted property comes down to arguing your point. If the tenant complains about pests, then inform them that you’ll be inspecting the property. Depending on what you see, the problem will be up to you or them to solve.
If the place is a not kept clean and tidy to a respectable standard, inform then that it’s their responsibility to keep it clean and tidy. Tell them that unless this happens, you will not be taking care of the pests. Also make them understand that they need to maintain the place. That it’s up to them to keep the property up to scratch. If however, you discover there are problems with the property itself that are causing pests to invade, it will be up to you to make the repairs and remedy the pest situation yourself. You can always get discrete pest control services to help protect your reputation as a landlord.
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