In New South Wales, when pest infestations occur in rental properties, they can quickly lead to disputes if landlords and tenants don’t understand their individual responsibilities. Who is responsible for pest control when renting in NSW? Well, this is precisely what we’re about to find out.
Who is responsible for pest control when renting NSW?
The person responsible for addressing pest issues during a tenancy varies, depending on whether the pests or vermin were a problem before the tenant moved in, whether a problem with the property caused the infestation or allowed the pests to enter, or whether the tenant contributed to the pest problem. New South Wales has the Residential Tenancies Act 2010.
What is the landlord responsible for?
In NSW, under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, the landlord is responsible for pest control under the following circumstances:
During the tenancy: If there are inherent issues with the Northern Beaches property or natural events that attract pests, landlords are responsible for addressing these pests. This includes things such as possums or birds’ nests on the exterior of the house, as well as pests like termites that can appear regardless of the tenant’s actions.
Security measures: An essential term in every tenancy agreement in NSW, landlords must provide and maintain appropriate security devices, such as locks, to ensure the North Shore property remains secure against pests as well as other intruders.
Before the tenancy: If no tenant has moved in, yet there is evidence of pests such as ants, rodents, or cockroaches, the landlord is obligated to address this issue. The landlord must hand over the Sydney property in a clean, habitable state, free from infestations, and ready for occupation.
Structural issues: If structural problems, such as holes or cracks, allow pests like termites or ants to enter your Northern Beaches property, this is another issue the landlord must address.
What is the tenant responsible for?
After they move in: At the start of a North Shore tenancy, tenants should conduct a thorough inspection of their new home and report any issues they find. Otherwise, after this, if a tenant then spots any later pest problems, these are typically their responsibility. This is especially true if the infestation is down to their own living habits or cleanliness issues.
Pet-associated pests: If a Sydney property has a pest infestation associated with pests like fleas or other issues related to the pet, tenants are responsible for controlling these pests.
If they’re contributing to the problem: If the tenant’s actions or lack of action, like leaving food out, not securing garbage, or bringing in pest-infested furniture, are shown to contribute to a pest infestation in your Northern Beaches home, it’s the tenant who is usually expected to deal with this problem.
What if it’s not clear who’s responsible?
Sometimes it’s not clear who should be responsible for a pest infestation. The pest infestation may be associated with the tenant’s pet, for example, yet it may also be due to holes or cracks that the landlord should have dealt with. Or, the North Shore property’s history, the information recorded in the condition report, as well as factors beyond the tenant’s control, could also be necessary. How do you resolve this? In New South Wales, if you have a dispute regarding pest removal, you can utilise NSW Fair Trading’s dispute resolution service.
Find out more about resolving rental disputes.
How can I prevent pests?
One good thing to do is to keep windows and doors closed in your Sydney home during the summer months when many pests are more active. If this isn’t possible during the hotter months, fly screens can keep your home pest-free while letting air circulate.
Another thing that attracts pests like wasps and ants is open bins, particularly during summer. So, be sure to keep your bins securely closed. You could also keep your bins as far away from your Northern Beaches house as possible.
Another good idea is to do a quick basic check of your North Shore at the beginning of the warmer months of spring for signs of pests in all your nooks and crannies. Wasp nests, for example, start small, typically around the size of a golf ball, but they’ll also be easier to deal with at this point. Sheds, garages, and attics are all potential hiding places for pests at your Sydney home.
If you have any pest problems and need eco-friendly pest control you can trust, contact Everest Pest Control. Our team of fully licensed professional exterminators will use safe, non-toxic, and effective pest control methods that comply with health standards to keep you, your family, and your pets safe at every step. You’re in safe hands with the proper pest control methods for every property and the most effective methods for every pest.