Who is responsible for the Rats removal in the backyard?

[Richard H.]

My tenant noticed that there are two rats in the backyard of the rental property and wants me to remove them. I know it's landlord's responsibility if rats are in the property. But I am wondering who should be responsible for the rats in the backyard?

Many thanks.

[Account Closed]

I am going to say the landlord is responsible for rodents, roaches, bees, birds and every other pest in every situation since if you make your tenants liable you can bet they will do little to nothing to protect your property and then you will have a very serious situation. Rodents can cause major damage to plastic plumbing pipes, bore holes through walls, eat electric wiring insulation and do their dirty business throughout the house and in the attic where it can cost tens of thousands of dollars to clean and repair. We do attic cleaning for rodents and the average cost to clean and re-insulate an attic is $18,000.