Are tenants responsible for pest control? Who is responsible for the tenant? Can landlord evict tenant who caused pest problem? These conditions stipulate that the tenant is responsible for keeping the property pest free and paying for pest control when necessary.
They are also obliged to sign a contract for regular pest treatments, if their property is located in an area with a high population of seasonal returning pests. Pest control falls under the general responsibility of both tenants and landlords to maintain the premises in a state of reasonable repair, safety and cleanliness. Many cases have gone before a tribunal where the interpretation of the tenancy legislation has led to judgement.
At times in favour of the tenant but not always. Most landlords have at some point or other faced the problem of mice, rats and other pests in their rental properties. This means that this cost can never be passed onto the tenant. The one exception here is if the presence of the pest was caused by the tenant’s poor housekeeping or lack of cleanliness. All landlords (or lessors) in Queensland have many rights and responsibilities to consider.
The Residential Tenancies Authority provides a guide for landlords renting out residential properties in Queensland. Landlords rights and responsibilities.