Rental Property Pest Control

Florida is known for its warm weather most of the year and that makes it a great place to live but the climate also makes it a pleasant place for all kinds of undesired insects and rodents. 

Even though pest control can get more complicated in rental properties because you won’t be there physically to clean and inspect frequently, you can help prevent pests. 

A pest problem can grow very fast, so acting quickly is the key. Calling a pest expert to routinely examine your property is recommended. Nowadays, there are many options of environmentally friendly techniques of pest control that are also pet friendly.

To know more about pest control in your rental property and who is responsible for it, keep on reading.

COMMON PESTS

• Cockroaches, ants, spiders, silverfish, earwigs, bedbugs, and wasps.
• Rodents (rats, mice)
• Subterranean termites
• Drywood termites

WHO’S RESPONSIBLE FOR PESTS?

According to Florida Statutes section 83.51, unless otherwise agreed in writing, the landlord for an apartment is responsible for rats, mice, cockroaches, ants, wood-destroying organisms, and bed bugs. 

The above-mentioned, however, does not apply if your property is a single-family unit or a duplex. In this case, even though the landlord must provide a habitable place to live that is free of pests when tenants move in, the tenants are responsible for maintaining the property pest-free and will have to cover the cost of getting rid of them.  

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE

Tenants can do a lot to help avoid pests.  As a landlord, every time you have new tenants you should encourage them to throw away trash regularly and avoid standing water. They are responsible for keeping their residence clean and sanitary at all times. A good property manager can help you enforce these rules with them to ensure they do their part to help keep costly infestations at bay. 

Make sure the property is sealed. Fix any cracks in the walls or around doors and windows. This will prevent the entry of pests into your property.

Pest control responsibility should be included in the lease agreement. Adding at least a clause about what you expect from them and their responsibilities in this matter, as well as yours, is important.

Quarterly treatments all over the property are recommended to prevent pests. Don’t forget that if you will be accepting pets, even though most treatments are considered safe for pets, some might not be and pets can end up inhaling, absorbing, or ingesting the pesticide. Discuss treatment options with an expert.

If tenants must vacate the property for the extermination of the pest, remember it should be only for a maximum of 4 days and, according to Florida Law, they are not obliged to pay the rent, however, the landlord is not obliged to pay a hotel for the tenants to stay in either.

At Pristine Property Management, we’ve got you covered. To learn more about our property management services or speak with someone on our team, contact us today!