Pest Problems in Your Rental? Here’s What to Do
No one likes uninvited guests in their home—especially when they come in the form of cockroaches, mice or ants.
Pests and vermin can be a nuisance in any home, but in a rental property, they can quickly become a problem if they're not managed properly.
And knowing how to deal with them can sometimes be tricky.
Who’s responsible for getting rid of them? And more importantly, what can you do to prevent infestations in the first place?
Both landlords and tenants need to work together to keep a rental property pest-free.
Let’s break it down so you know what to expect.
Who Is Responsible for Pest Control in a Rental Property?
In South Australia, responsibility depends on when, why and how the pest problem started.
- Before you move in
Before a new tenancy begins, landlords or property managers are responsible for ensuring the home is clean and pest-free.
If pests like cockroaches, rodents or fleas are present at the start of a lease, it’s usually the landlord or property manager’s responsibility to arrange pest control.
- During a tenancy
If pests appear due to a maintenance issue (like a leaking pipe attracting cockroaches), the landlord needs to fix the problem and arrange pest control if needed.
If pests appear due to how the home is being lived in (such as food being left out, rubbish not being disposed of properly or pets not being treated for fleas), then it’s the tenant’s responsibility to deal with the issue.
At the end of the day, the South Australian Government states that the landlord is responsible for keeping the property in good repair to help prevent pest problems and ensuring the premises are fit for habitation, while tenants should follow good hygiene practices to avoid attracting unwanted critters.
Common Pests in Rental Properties and How to Prevent Them
Different pests thrive in different conditions, and some are more common than others in rental properties.
But the good news is that most infestations can be prevented with simple maintenance and cleanliness.
Here’s what to watch out for and how to keep them at bay.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches love warm environments and are drawn to food scraps and moisture.
Prevention:
✔ Tenants can help by: Keeping surfaces clean, storing food in sealed containers and reporting leaks quickly.
✔ Landlords can help by: Sealing gaps in walls and flooring and ensuring proper ventilation.
Rodents (Mice and Rats)
Rodents don’t just scurry around—they can also cause serious damage by chewing through walls, wiring and even plumbing. They also carry diseases.
Prevention:
✔ Tenants can help by: Storing food properly, taking out rubbish regularly and reporting any signs of rodent activity (like droppings or gnawed furniture).
✔ Landlords can help by: Making sure bins have secure lids and fixing any entry points around the property.
Ants
Ants are small but persistent, and can invade homes quickly, especially in warmer months when they’re searching for food.
Prevention:
✔ Tenants can help by: Wiping down benches, cleaning up crumbs and not leaving pet food out overnight.
✔ Landlords can help by: Using ant barriers at entry points and ensuring proper drainage around the home.
Termites
While tenants may not notice termites until damage is done, landlords should take preventative steps to protect their investment.
Prevention:
✔ Tenants can help by: Reporting any signs of termite activity, like hollow-sounding wood or mud tunnels, as soon as possible.
✔ Landlords can help by: Scheduling annual termite inspections and avoiding storing timber near the property.
Fleas
Fleas are common if previous tenants had pets.
Prevention:
✔ Tenants can help by: Using flea treatments consistently (and regularly) to prevent infestations.
✔ Landlords can help by: Requiring a flea treatment as part of the end-of-lease clean if pets were present in the home.
What to Do If Pests Appear in a Rental Property
If you notice pests in your rental property, here’s what to do:
- Report the problem – Take photos and notify your property manager or landlord as soon as possible. The earlier you act, the easier it is to resolve.
- Determine who is responsible – If the issue is due to property maintenance problems (like a leaking pipe or gaps in the walls) or an existing problem, the landlord will need to arrange pest control. If it’s caused by tenant actions – like food waste, clutter or pet hygiene – the tenant will typically need to address it.
- Take action quickly – Whether that means booking a pest control service or simply improving cleanliness, the sooner the issue is tackled, the better.
Moving Out of Your Rental? Don’t Forget Pest Control
If you’re at the end of your lease, it’s important to leave the property in good condition—including managing any pest concerns.
Some lease agreements require tenants with pets to arrange flea treatments before moving out.
Rent.com.au’s Moving House Checklist points out that:
If this applies to you, be sure to schedule a pest control service before handing back the keys to avoid any bond disputes.
Keeping Pests Out for Good
When it comes to pests in rental properties, prevention is always easier than dealing with an infestation.
And it is a shared responsibility.
Landlords need to keep the property well-maintained and pest-resistant to prevent infestations, while tenants play a key role in keeping things clean and hygienic.
By working together, tenants and landlords can keep rental properties pest-free—ensuring a safe and comfortable home for everyone.
Got questions about pest control or property management? Connect with us—we’re always happy to help.
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DISCLAIMER: All recommendations made by We Connect Property are general in nature and not to be relied upon as legal or financial advice. To ensure accuracy, we always strongly recommend seeking independent, professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any investment or financial decisions.