Do tenants have to pay for pest control

What is a Pest Infestation?

A pest infestation is the accumulation of bugs, insects, bed bugs, rodents, or any other pests in your home. The most common pests include; ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, mice, and rats. Food, moisture, and protection attract pests to your home. We’ve written a full blog on how to get rid of bed bugs.

The main signs you have pest control problems are; bite marks, droppings, and frequent sightings.

It is a tenant’s responsibility to monitor these things and any pest infestations that have occurred. Similarly, they must maintain sanitary conditions in the rental property and properly dispose of rubbish that will attract pests.

This is because pests can easily become a health hazard. We’ll go into this in more detail later. 

The main ways pests access your home is through doors, windows, external walls, and open crevasse. Pests are small enough to infest even the tiniest of places! Today, we’ll cover what pest control services are, how to choose a pest control company, and whether tenants have to pay for pest control. 

Do Tenants Have to Pay for Pest Control? 

If you live in a rental home it is the landlord’s duty to pay for pest control. However, there may be some problems if you have caused the infestation. The landlord is able to appeal the payment if their tenants have not kept the home in a habitable state.

On the other hand, the landlord is fully responsible if the infestation was there when the tenants moved into the rented property.

We recommend conducting a thorough inspection of the rented home before you move in. You want to know exactly what you’re agreeing to! Walk around the house and look out for any signs of infestations or pest problems. Despite this, pest control responsibility lies more with the landlord. 

Who is Responsible for Pest Control? 

Generally, pest control is the landlord’s responsibility. If the tenant has caused the infestation due to poor living standards then this may vary. However, this will only be the case in exceptional circumstances.

The particular details will be found in your tenancy agreement. All of the landlord’s responsibilities will be outlined in depth in the lease agreement. For this reason, you should always keep it handy. If the tenancy agreement specifies the landlord should arrange pest control services then they are legally liable.

Registered social landlords will generally respect this. If the landlord refuses you have the right to appeal to a higher authority. 

Should the Local Council Be Notified? 

The tenants and landlords are responsible for dealing with the infestation alone. Regardless, you should notify the local council. UK councils are generally interested in these disputes and they should give you some helpful guidelines.

Your local council should be notified if the landlord refuses to conduct repair work (like a pest infestation), they’re harassing you, or they discriminate against you. 

The local council can be told of the pest problem and they may provide administration costs or create an enforcement notice. Landlords may receive council tax benefit or housing benefits. However, they are private business people at the end of the day.

This means local councils are limited in what they can help with. Litigation and dispute between the landlord and tenant will usually occur privately instead of through the local council. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reach out to them. It’s always good to get a wide range of help from different places and people. 

What are Pest Control Services? 

Pest control London services regulate and manage any insect, animal, or fungus that is causing you harm. Pest control services come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Services include extermination, removal, or prevention.

You can hire a company to conduct pest control services, you can purchase products at the store, or you can make your own! 

Where Can You Find Help? 

Housing associations in your local area will offer advice if you’re in trouble. There is often a grey area when it comes to who is responsible for pest control. Talk to your housing association or a qualified lawyer.

This is particularly important if you can’t understand your tenancy agreement. More often than not, you will be told that it is the landlords responsible for pest control. A good rule of thumb is that if your landlord is responsible for the repair, they are also responsible for pest control. 

How Do You Choose a Pest Control Company? 

There are so many pest control companies to choose from! You can find an environmental health officer, seek help from an environmental health department, or a company that specialises in specific infestations.

Some companies will be able to deal with a variety of different pests, while some only deal with specific pest problems. It is important you understand what kind of infestation you have and what pest is causing it. From here, you can research what company is best for your needs. We recommend looking at customer reviews before you commit to a company.

You’ll want only the best, most reliable company for your home! 

Who Should Provide Pest Control Treatments? 

There is a vast array of pest control treatments to choose from. There are different methods to treat different infestation problems. It really depends on what kind of pest issue you have! Private landlords will have certain preferences for how they wish to deal with the infestation.

Landlords may wish to hire a pest control contractor, whereas tenants are more likely to use affordable, DIY methods. The landlord and tenant will have to reach an agreement on what pest control service to use. What is most important is that you find the best solution for your particular pest issues!

The landlord and the tenant will have to liaise together to find a suitable method, company, and time for the pest control treatment to be conducted. 

DIY Pest Control 

Before you start paying high prices for pest control, you should at least try these DIY pest control methods. Tenants are responsible for pest control to a certain extent. As a tenant, you need to start treating the pest problem as soon as you see it.

In addition, it is the tenant’s duty to keep the communal areas and private rooms clean to a high standard. Pest control treatments don’t always have to be expensive and onerous. These are some of the best DIY methods for common pests! 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oils are one of our favourite ways to naturally and humanely control a pest population. Simply mix a few drops of pure peppermint oil into a spray bottle with water. Spray this concoction onto door frames, windows, floorboards, cupboards, and any other place you have seen a pest. Don’t settle for toxic ant bait when there are amazing natural alternatives! 

Peppermint oil is a natural pesticide that is toxic to pests. Once an insect comes into direct contact with peppermint oil it will instantly kill insects. It will also disrupt the pheromone trail they use to find their way to food sources. Peppermint oil is an ant repellent and deterrent. 

Dish Soap

Dish soap is another easy, convenient way to get rid of pests. Squeeze the same liquid detergent you use for your dirty dishes into a spray bottle with water. Spray the liquid soap anywhere you have seen a pest, or think they may be drawn to. The liquid will leave a residue that insects will be unable to walk across. Pest contamination can easily be solved with a little bit of dish soap! 

White Vinegar

White vinegar is a really easy way to get rid of many pests. Wipe the surfaces of your home with a solution of white vinegar and water. They will completely avoid the treated area! 

Pests prefer substances that are far less intense, in fact, they hate the smell of  white vinegar. Vinegar will literally stop ants, cockroaches, brown rats,  and even birds from coming into your house.

Vinegar will disorient them to such an extent they won’t come back to your house! They will be so frustrated and scared that they will find someone else to hassle. 

Be warned that white vinegar will leave a greasy residue on your surfaces. It is also very smelly. However, it’s a small price to pay for such an effective and affordable solution to pests in your house. 

Do Tenants Have to Pay for Pest Control?  

In short, no. Tenants don’t have to pay for pest control. Landlords will usually be completely liable for all costs associated with pest removal and pest control. Tenants will only be responsible for pest control when they have created diabolical living conditions that have actively brought pests into the house.

This is a very unusual situation. In most cases, the landlord should pay and organise the pest control. If you need advice, talk to your local council, housing association, or someone in the legal profession. 

Hopefully your pest problem will be gone in no time!