First-Time Landlord Seeking Advice on Rodent Prevention and Repairs

[Sarah En]

Hi everyone,

I’m a new investor learning the ropes of being a midterm landlord. I bought an outdated condo, planning to do a cosmetic rehab later when I had more budget.

I moved out of the condo in mid-2024 for a job, and by September, my tenant noticed mice droppings. Upon inspection, the pest control company found holes in the walls under the kitchen and bathroom sinks. They sealed the entrances using metal screens (one around a pipe), but now the areas look unsightly.

Additionally, there’s ongoing construction in the condo complex, which may have driven the mice into my unit. The construction seems slow and could last up to a year.

Here are my questions:

1. How can I cover or conceal the metal screens to improve the appearance?

2. What are the best and most cost-effective solutions for managing this potential long-term issue?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

[Patricia Steiner]

First, what does your lease say about pest/rodent control?  We deliver our properties free of both (noted as such in the lease) and then contractually make the tenant liable for prevention/termination.  The best defense against rats entering your property is to seal off all entry points (holes, cracks in walls), remove food sources (dirty dishes, food left in trash cans), and water sources (like leaks).  You can cover the wire mesh with drywall patches (they tape on wall and across the wire, white/paintable, different sizes) as the wire mesh is what will prevent the rats from eating their way into the property (the covering material is cosmetic only). Keep in mind that a rat can enter any entry that is the size of a quarter.  (Side note:  I'm not happy that I know any of this...hard earned lessons of real estate investing).  And, be sure to reinspect the property to ensure that the problem has been fixed.  

Fun, huh?