Landlords and tenants in Brisbane get into disputes over all kinds of things, but at least when it comes to pest control, we can explain who is responsible for handling an infestation. And we’ll take care of the problem quickly too.
Keith’s Expert Advice on Apartment Pest Control: After working in pest control for over 10 years, I’ve seen all kinds of pest problems and how they can spread. If you notice a pest problem in your apartment or townhouse, it’s a good idea to notify your next-door neighbours too. It is possible that multiple areas could be affected. When you call me in, I’ll be able to assess units together and come up with an action plan. After all, you don’t want to risk reinfestation if you and your neighbours don’t get proper preventative pest control. It’ll be the most frustrating game of “No Backsies”.
An infestation of ants or cockroaches can be damaging not only to your health but also to your back pocket. Taking action to get rid of pests quickly is a must. However, confusion often arises when a pest problem occurs in an apartment or townhouse. Is apartment pest control the responsibility of whoever is living there? Will the body corporate have a role to play? And importantly, who pays the pest control bill?
Read on for everything you need to know about dealing with pest control in apartment blocks and townhouses in Brisbane.
Apartment and townhouse pest control in Queensland
Townhouse and apartment pest control is the responsibility of the strata or body corporate, the property owner, and where applicable, the tenants. Each has a role to play to ensure a property is looked after.
In Queensland, the role of a body corporate is to administer common property and body corporate assets for the benefit of all owners. So if the pest infestation occurs within a common property area, the body corporate is responsible for pest inspection, prevention and treatment work.
If the pest outbreak occurs solely within one apartment, the apartment owner (or lot owner) is responsible for pest inspection and treatment work needed within their lot.
A body corporate may offer to arrange for services that owners or occupiers are usually responsible for. For example, the body corporate could:
- organise to clean or paint the exterior of lots
- arrange pest inspections or treatments (that owners are responsible for); and
- supply communication services such as pay TV to lots.
It can be cheaper for the body corporate to perform pest control for many lots, rather than each owner or tenant organising it individually. The body corporate may choose to arrange apartment pest control at the same time as treating common property areas.
Pest control for tenants and landlords
It may come as a surprise, but both tenants and landlords are responsible for pest control. As environmental and lifestyle factors can cause infestation, it’s not always easy to identify who should take care of apartment pest control.
Pest control scenarios landlords are responsible for include:
- when ants, bees, wasps, cockroaches, fleas, bedbugs, or vermin are present in large numbers before a tenant moves in
- when birds or possums are nesting in the house or causing damage to the outside of the property
- termite infestations. Termites are always the responsibility of a landlord no matter when the outbreak occurs.
Pest control scenarios tenants are responsible for include:
- removing ants, cockroaches, or spiders during the tenancy
- clearing bees and wasps if they begin building a nest after tenants have moved in
- dealing with a snake if one is found on the property.
It’s up to both the tenant and landlord to keep the property safe, clean, and functional. Most tenancy contracts define whose responsibility a pest issue is so tenants should read their lease for clarity. Additionally, you could speak with the property manager. If the tenant has pets, the lease may stipulate that a flea control exit spray is required at the end of the tenancy.
So, when it comes to pests, tenants should take care of the property and landlords should ensure a rental is pest-free before renting it out. Remember that pest control is a normal part of renting and should be addressed quickly to avoid outbreaks.
Comprehensive strata pest control services
In Queensland, the most common creepy crawlies are cockroaches, ants, rats, mice, and wasps. Other unwanted visitors can include spiders, snakes, termites, and possums.
If you live in a townhouse or apartment block, pest control services are crucial to contain and eliminate infestations. No matter who is responsible, swift, and effective pest control should be arranged at the first sign of an outbreak. Check out our pest control services for renters.
Brisbane City Pest Control offers comprehensive pest control services designed to eradicate pests and prevent future issues. Using the latest methods that are both safe and sustainable, the team are skilled at eliminating pest problems efficiently and effectively.
Our pest control services are tailored to renters, property managers and body corporates. Get in touch with Brisbane City Pest Control today for a free quote.