Who Is Responsible for Pest Control When Renting?

Discover if Renters, Landlords, or Property Managers are Responsible for Pest Control Services in Apartment Buildings, Multi-Family Homes, and More

Insects, rodents, and other pests can be more than just a nuisance; sometimes they also pose dangerous health hazards. These invading critters can contaminate food, destroy personal items and building structures, bite humans and pets, and spread serious — sometimes fatal — diseases. Pests can also trigger allergies and asthma, which may result in other health problems.

More than 40 million American households —approximately 36% —are renters, not homeowners. For many people, encountering pests isn’t uncommon, but it does raise the question: Who is responsible for pest control?

Pest Control Services for Renters

For the most part, landlords are responsible for ensuring buildings comply with state and local codes. When tenants report pest issues, landlords must alert other tenants, identify the problem, and remove the pests. Providing residential pest control services, including preventive treatments, typically falls under the jurisdiction of the landlord’s responsibilities.

However, tenants have responsibilities, as well. They must maintain their own spaces by keeping the area clean, avoid bringing new pests into the home, and report any pest problems promptly.

For definitive answers on what you are responsible for as a renter, it’s always best to check your lease agreement. Failure to comply with the contracted terms can leave you liable for pest control.

Is the Landlord Responsible for Pest Control in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts state law requires landlords to provide habitable apartments and common areas. For buildings with two or more apartments, landlords must keep shared spaces and apartments clean and free of pest infestations. However, if the tenant’s behavior or negligence caused the problem, the tenant may be liable for fixing it.

Is the Landlord Responsible for Pest Control in Connecticut?

Connecticut state law requires landlords to provide extermination services to control pests, rodents, and nuisance wildlife infestations. Tenants must keep their apartments clean and repair any damage that was their fault. If tenants are negligent or deny landlords access to their apartments for pest control, they may be required to pay for the necessary services.

Is the Landlord Responsible for Pest Control in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire state law requires tenants to abide by all agreements in their leases, including maintaining the property. Landlords are required to provide safe, sanitary conditions, which typically includes routine inspections and preventive pest control services.

Is the Landlord Responsible for Pest Control in Rhode Island?

Occupants of dwellings with one unit in Rhode Island are responsible for the removal of insects, rodents, and other pests on the premises. Every occupant of dwellings with more than one unit is responsible for handing pest infestations in their apartment if it’s the only infested unit in the building.

Landlords are responsible for pest control when their failure to maintain clean, sanitary conditions, and reasonable insect- and rodent-proof conditions lead to infestations. 

Residential Pest Control and Nuisance Wildlife Services

With more than 35 years of experience in providing tailored pest control solutions, Catseye provides strategies to fit any space, no matter how large or small. Catseye Pest Control service areas include cities and towns in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Pest Control

Renters and landlords can rely on Catseye for advanced pest control and customized solutions to protect people, pets, and property with lasting results.

The Commercial Protection Program is offered throughout the New England area, including Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

The program offers year-round inspection, treatment, and maintenance. Additional services target specific infestations, including rodents and nuisance wildlife, to keep apartments and other dwellings safe and pest-free.

We believe in tailoring solutions to each unique property and circumstance. The process begins with a free, thorough inspection, which allows trained technicians to identify invading pests and locate potential entry points. Treatment, cleanup, and solutions to prevent future pest problems provide safe and efficient pest control for the ultimate peace of mind.

Exclusion Systems

For rental properties, prevention is essential — and exclusion is the gold standard. Effective exclusion techniques seal off cracks, gaps, and vulnerable areas to keep rodents, wildlife, and other nuisances out of the property. Catseye technicians can also seal gaps in places that are often forgotten about, like behind appliances or heaters, as a means of keeping pests out.

Catseye’s commercial exclusion systems offer a superior defensive strategy for landlords and their tenants.

These chemical-free, safe, humane barriers provide a permanent solution to rodents and wildlife, such as snakes, birds, chipmunks, and more. Each of the three exclusion systems completely seals out pests. Used singularly, they provide targeted protection to specific areas. Together, our one-of-a-kind exclusion systems offer protection from the peak of the roof to lower-lying areas, such as basements and crawlspaces.

Contact Catseye Pest Control

Renters and landlords throughout the New England area have relied on Catseye for superior service and exceptional pest control for more than three decades. Our unique, customized approach to every property ensures that all potential issues are promptly and efficiently addressed for results you can count on.

Ready to get started? Schedule an inspection today or give us a call for immediate assistance at 888-291-9238.