Landlord Responsibilities

[Michael Whitaker]

I have a property. Prior to leasing it to a tenant, the property is pest-free. Months after moving in, the tenant claims there is a pre-existing pest problem. I am 99% confident that the pests are a result of the tenant's living arrangements. Who's responsible for pest control, the landlord or the tenant? Also, should the lease have a pest control clause? If so, is it best to hold the tenant responsible for a portion of the cost? How much of the cost is considered reasonable?