Gnats on the Property

[Yaimis Vera]

Good morning I need some advice in the following situation:

I’m a new out of state real estate investor. I’ve had this tenant for the past year, we’re about to renew the lease next month. In the past, I had my handyman pass by to spray for bugs in the house. I recently traveled to that state and passed by the property and sprayed outside for other insects. This has been as a courtesy but in the lease agreement clearly states extermination of insects and pest while occupying the property is the tenants’ responsibility.

I can understand that the fact I have sprayed the property twice might confuse my tenant on this responsibility.

This week, the tenant reached out once again reporting gnats in the property.

Do you think there might be an underlying issue, other than unsanitary practices?

How can I inform the client that this time and moving forward will be their responsibility, without causing so much backlash?

I appreciate the feedback!

[Kyle J.]

@Yaimis Vera How about just responding with basically what you wrote in your post:

“Hi (tenant). The last couple times we treated the property, we did so as a courtesy (free of charge). However, per the lease agreement, pest control is actually the tenant’s responsibility. If you feel additional pest control is needed, please feel free to call the pest control company of your choice. Thanks, Yaimis”