Infestation - Rat/roach?

[Majour Bey]

Hey Guys, I recently took over a rental property that my father was going to allow to foreclose. The property has been rented out by primarily, the same tenants throughout his tenure. Here is my issue; this is a two family home. My tenants on one side, have informed me that they can here mice in the walls & are accumulating roaches - via the tenants on the other side. I need to take action immediately, to avoid more serious problems. However, being that I did not cover mice/roaches/infestation in my lease (I did not take this into account at all), who is fiscally responsible for the removal of all infestation - the landlord of the renter? I've just renovated a bathroom, kitchen and installed carpeting on one side. I am not against investing in my new investment. However, I do not live there - in conditions that would breed unwanted company. I am seeking insight from anyone who has dealt with this problem/ can relate and assist me in creating a swift course of action! Thank you all for your help and time.

[Ashley Schroeder]

Have you looked into the other side of the property?  I think an assessment is warranted and not just going off of the word of your other tenants.  Also you may need to determine if it was neglect caused by the tenants or by the previous landlord as well.  Legally I am not sure who is responsible, but I wouldn't be surprised if it were the landlord, unless you could prove some sort of neglect by the tenants.  I would also want to look into the property because if they are somehow allowing or possibly even encouraging an infestation because of their actions then I don't know how much you would want them as tenants if you pay to remediate the problem and have the possibility of it coming back again.  Best of luck!