If pests have become apparent in your rental property, you are probably wondering if you're responsible for paying the damage and costs for pest inspections and treatments.
Who is responsible for removing or exterminating pests or vermin during a tenancy depends on whether:
- Pests or vermin were already a problem when the tenant moved in.
- A problem with the property has allowed the pests to enter or an infestation to develop.
- The tenant contributed to the problem
- Other factors that could determine who is responsible include the history of the property, what is recorded in the condition report, and if there were factors beyond the tenant's control.
| Pests & Vermin | Landlord's Responsibility | Tenant's Responsibility |
| Ants | If present at the start of the tenancy | If present during the tenancy |
| Bees and Wasps | If present in a wall cavity or similar and/or present at the start of the tenancy | If present during the tenancy |
| Birds | To remove and seal off any entry points |
|
| Cockroaches, fleas, and spiders | If present at the start of the tenancy | If present during the tenancy |
| Mice and Rat | If present at the start of the tenancy | If present during the tenancy |
| Possums | To remove and seal off any entry points |
|
| Snakes | If present at the start of the tenancy and/or if caused by the landlord breaching the conditions of the agreement | If present during the tenancy |
| Termites/White Ants | At the start and throughout the tenancy |
Have more questions about your Newcastle investment property? Want to ensure you are maximising your returns? Why not see for yourselves the difference a dedicated team of property managers makes? For a free copy of our Property Investors Guide or for an obligation-free chat, email our Director, Casey Healey on casey@c21newcastle.com.au or phone 02 4928 7400 today.