Pest control - who should foot the bill?

Question

Hi everyone,

I have two doors here.  But I have this one particular tenant, she's been calling me about pest issues, specially ants, twice in the last 6 months.  I have to call pest control and shelled out 100 each time.  Can you share with me how you deal with tenants who's got pest issue?

In my opinion, I think this is a tenant responsibility and they should food the bill.  I don't have it specifically in the lease, but I am thinking  for the next lease renewal or when she moves out and I would have it in the lease for the next tenant.  What's your thought?

Thanks,

Ben

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Educate the tenant on how to use ant bait stations. Tenant can buy a four-pack of ant bait stations at WalMart for $10. Put them in the room with the ant problem and it will be gone within a few days.

If you have ants outdoors, there are shaker bags from Terro that make it easy to walk around and sprinkle the poison. Easy, works great, and costs $10 for enough to last a season.

Change your lease for future tenants. You should give them a pest-free home, then make them responsible for ordinary pest control after that.

I also recommend educating yourself on how to handle small pests like this, then educating your tenants to handle it themselves.

Russell Brazil · Answer

I get my properties sprayed for quests quarterly. Nips this issue in the but for a minimal cost

Alan Asriants · Answer

In my leases I specifically state that the tenant is responsible for pest control.

Stick to Association of Realtors leases per your state. They typically have the best lease agreements. They have spent lots of money and time thinking of the issues that come up in contracts.

Below is an example from PA lease contract

David Peschio · Answer

We have in our lease that we take care of the first 30 days after move in and after that it is the tenants responsibility.  That takes away the back and forth on if the place is dirty or tenant is causing the issue.

Theresa Harris · Answer

Is the tenant doing something to attract the ants?  did the company that sprayed it the first time have a guarantee for a set period of time?  If it isn't that bad, the tenant can buy a can of any spray and get rid of them.  I get ants every year, but spray them. They go away for a bit, but eventually come back.

Melanie Thomas · Answer

Hi Benjamin, welcome to BP! According to our lease agreement, pest control responsibilities fall on the tenant. The owner would cover the cost during vacancies and within the first week or so of a new tenancy if needed as a courtesy. Great idea to address pest control at the time of lease renewal since it's a recurring issue. Good luck & happy investing!

Cory King · Answer

i cover pest control and lawn care on my stuff. keeps down on issues and i know the place looks good. for my student rentals i also build in a quarterly cleaning fee where my cleaning lady comes through and does a deep clean. extra eyes on stuff and parents happily pay it to ensure their kids have a solid spot. pass through cost for me and well worth it.

Preston Dean · Answer

Hi @Benjamin Hui

If they are calling you about issues & nothing is outlined in the lease then you need to handle it as the landlord and property owner. I have 1 rental that I self manage and I have to drive to Home Depot and buy $19 pest control spray. In total it takes about 90 minutes to drive to Home Depot, buy the spray, apply the spray and drive back home.

Either pay a pest control company to handle it for you or take 90 minutes - 2 hours and do it yourself.

In my personal opinion this is a very small issue that can be easily handled in a Saturday afternoon

Congrats on having 2 rentals in this market!

Pest control - who should foot the bill?

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