Tenants let mice get out of hand...8 month old in home

[Bryan M.]

My tenants recently let me know they had seen some mice in their duplex unit. I went over to look at the situation and it seems like an issue that's been going on for much longer than they initially explained. Here are some quick facts - 

- Unit is cluttered with laundry, empty boxes, random crap, empty soda bottles ect. (It's bad but not as bad as you may be imagining.)

- Some food out but mostly covered, however, lots of crumbs - No vacuuming going on.

- Excessive mice droppings along walls.

- I was told they found a mouse in the couch.

- They have put traps out and caught some.

- Young mother (mentally disabled and daughter of tenant who pays the rent) has an 8 month old.

I went over and put multiple bait stations and traps on the advice of my pest control guy. He said he wouldn't do anything different. 

With an 8 month old in the home it's not sanitary. The baby is not crawling yet but it will soon no doubt. I have told them to clean up but I'm wondering what your opinion is on contacting a certain authority about the child's care. 

I try to be ethical and moral in everything I do, but when should a landlord step in?

Thanks BP!

[Jonathan Watt]

@Bryan M. Agree with others in the sense that don't cross the line that's not your responsibility. If the house is dirty in which it attracts pest, they your tenant is responsible for pest control and damages as I'm sure when the house was leased it was "pest free"

If they flip the bill for it, which you have every right to expect if it's clear their mess is the problem, then that might give them incentive to clean up. I wouldn't worry about the baby unless you really really see like something specific but dirty lifestyle doesn't qualify so keep that opinion on the sideline and stay with the technicalities.

Also, don't renew their lease