pest / rodent control - security deposit

[Kosh Vokter]

My tenants moved out and while cleaning there was evidence of pests in the property. we noticed rat droppings in the garage, around the house etc. the tenants had a dog and chickens, but never notified of rodent activity while occupying the property.  i had to call an exterminator and pay for that. 

Are the $ exterminator costs to clean out pests considered 'cleaning' and thus can be deducted/retained from the security deposit? 

[Richard F.]

Aloha,

As always, it depends...on exactly what the rental agreement states, and probably most importantly, what documentation do you have of the conditions at move in? Photos, prior inspection reports, etc. that can show there was no prior issue. Were the dog and chickens authorized by you? What was the understanding of the condition of the garage and yard prior to move in, and the documented expectations during tenancy, considering there would be dogs and chickens? It's generally pretty easy to prove prior condition of the inside of a home, but garage and yard may be significantly harder to show convincingly.