Pest Control in Rental Properties

Pest control is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and habitable home, especially in Queensland's warm and humid climate, which is ideal for insects and rodents. But when it comes to rental properties, who is responsible for pest control—the landlord or the tenant?

In this blog, we explore the responsibilities of each party under Queensland’s Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, and provide practical tips to help both landlords and tenants avoid disputes.

Understanding General Responsibilities

Under Queensland tenancy laws, both landlords (lessors) and tenants have responsibilities when it comes to maintaining a rental property, and that includes managing pests.

Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords are generally responsible for:

• Ensuring the property is pest-free at the start of the tenancy
  A landlord must provide a property that is clean, safe, and free from pests and vermin when the tenant moves in. This includes dealing with infestations of cockroaches, rats, termites, fleas, or other pests that may be present before the lease begins.

• Structural and preventative maintenance
  If pests are entering due to damage (e.g., broken screens, gaps in doors, or damaged roofing), it's the landlord’s responsibility to fix these issues to prevent further infestations.

• Annual or preventative treatments (if outlined in the lease)
  In some cases, a lease may include a clause requiring the landlord to carry out annual pest treatments, especially for termites or seasonal pests.

Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants are generally responsible for:

• Keeping the property clean and tidy
  Leaving food out, failing to take out rubbish, or allowing clutter to build up can attract pests. Tenants must take reasonable steps to prevent pest infestations during their tenancy.

• Pest issues caused during the tenancy
  If a pest problem arises as a result of the tenant’s actions or lack of cleanliness (e.g. cockroaches due to leftover food, fleas from pets), the tenant is typically responsible for the cost of pest control.

• End-of-lease pest treatments (if pets are present)
  If the tenant has had pets (even if kept outside), they are usually required to carry out a flea treatment before vacating the property. This condition is often stated in the lease agreement and is enforceable under Queensland tenancy laws.

What Does the Lease Say?

Always check the lease agreement for any specific clauses related to pest control. Many leases include conditions such as:

• Regular termite inspections (usually the landlord’s responsibility)

• Annual flea or pest treatments

• Professional fumigation upon vacating (especially if pets were present)

Clear lease clauses can help prevent misunderstandings, so it’s important that both parties understand their obligations from the outset.

When There’s a Dispute

If there's uncertainty or a disagreement over who is responsible for pest control, both parties should:

1. Refer to the lease agreement
   The lease is the first point of reference when determining responsibilities.

2. Contact the RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority)
   If an issue cannot be resolved between the parties, the RTA offers a free dispute resolution service.

3. Keep records
   Documentation, including entry and exit condition reports, pest control invoices, and photos, can support claims if a dispute arises.

Common Scenarios and Who Pays

Final Thoughts

Pest control in a rental property is a shared responsibility between landlords and tenants. While the landlord must ensure the property is pest-free and structurally sound at the beginning of the tenancy, tenants must keep the home clean and deal with pest issues that arise from their own actions.

By maintaining good communication, clearly outlining responsibilities in the lease, and acting promptly on pest issues, landlords and tenants can work together to maintain a safe and healthy home.