Landlord Responsibilities

Pest Control at the Start of a Tenancy

In most Australian states and territories, landlords (or property managers acting on their behalf) must:

• Ensure the property is pest-free before a tenant moves in

This means arranging professional pest control if evidence of pests exists at the start of a lease.

• Maintain the property in a reasonable state of repair

If structural issues like cracks around foundations, holes in screens, or damaged wall cavities allow pests to enter, landlords are responsible for fixing these problems and arranging pest treatment when necessary.

• Treat infestations that were present before the lease

If pests were already a problem before tenancy or appear soon after moving in due to existing conditions, landlords must organise and pay for professional pest control.

Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants also have important obligations in keeping a rental property pest-free. In general, tenants should:

• Maintain good cleanliness and hygiene
  This includes proper food storage, regular waste disposal, and cleaning up spills promptly. Poor housekeeping that attracts pests may make the tenant responsible for treatment costs.
• Report pest issues early
  Tenants should inform the landlord or property manager as soon as they notice pest activity, so professional pest control can be arranged before the problem worsens.

• Take reasonable preventive steps
  Even when pests aren’t a big problem, simple actions like sealing food containers and keeping outdoor bins covered can reduce the chances of issues starting.

How Is Responsibility Decided?

Who pays for pest treatment depends on how and why the infestation happened:

Important: Lease agreements can modify general responsibilities. Always check your tenancy contract for specific clauses on pest control — and keep copies of condition reports and photos from when you moved in.

What the Law Says (Example: NSW Fair Trading)

According to NSW Fair Trading:

• Landlords are generally responsible for pest control if pests were present before or shortly after moving in, or if the problem results from property defects.
• Tenants may be responsible if the infestation results from their lack of cleanliness.
• If there’s disagreement, both parties can use dispute resolution services.

These principles are similar across other states, but regulations can vary slightly depending on local tenancy law.

Source: 

• NSW Fair Trading
• Pests or vermin in a rental property

Common Pest Situations & Who Usually Pays

Practical Tips for Both Landlords & Tenants

For Landlords

• Conduct professional pest inspections before new tenants move in
• Fix structural entry points that allow pests in
• Include clear pest responsibilities in lease agreements

For Tenants

• Report pest issues quickly
• Keep food sealed and bins clean
• Avoid actions that attract pests (e.g., storing rubbish indoors)

How Professional Pest Control Helps

Whether a landlord or tenant is responsible, professional pest control services from Knockdown Pest Control ensure:

• Thorough inspection and identification of pests
• Targeted treatment plans based on the pest type
• Advice on long-term prevention strategies
• Compliance with safety standards

Summary

In most Australian rental properties:

• Landlords generally must ensure the property is pest-free and in good repair — especially at the start of tenancy.
• Tenants are responsible for keeping the space clean and preventing pest attractants.
• Lease terms and local laws ultimately shape obligations, so always refer to your contract and seek professional guidance if unsure.