Is Your Landlord Responsible For Pest Control?

No one wants to live in a house infested with pests. Unfortunately, whether or not your landlord is responsible for pest control is not a question with a black-and-white answer. While an implied warranty of habitability is valid in every state except Arkansas, every case involving pest control and a landlord's responsibility is unique. The easiest way to determine your landlord's responsibilities regarding the matter is to review your lease for information regarding pest control.

The State Laws List Livable Conditions

In most states, the landlord is responsible for making sure the property is in livable condition. The tenant, however, is responsible for not damaging the home and keeping the home clean and sanitary. If you, the tenant, are not responsible for the infestation – most states require the landlord to be responsible for getting rid of them. As of 2015, one territory and 22 states have laws to address infestations in your home.

The Landlord is Responsible for Natural Causes

Natural circumstances resulting in an infestation of mice, ants, spiders, termites, and other bugs would be the landlord's responsibility, as it is the landlord's property and the tenant cannot do anything about natural circumstances. This means that if mice from the field next door decide to come in the home for warmth because of the season change, the landlord is responsible for fixing the problem.

Another example would be if the pest problem existed before you moved in. If, for example, there were roaches in the home from the moment you walked in the door – the landlord is responsible for getting rid of them. In most cases, whether or not the landlord ends up being responsible is determined by your housekeeping skills.

Roaches and Ants in the Home

Problems can occur that are caused by the tenant, such as keeping an unclean home. Roaches and ants love unclean areas, and neglect on the tenant's part can be the cause of these pesky creatures. They can also travel to other locations easily.

As you can see, whether or not your landlord is responsible for pest control isn't a question with a yes or no answer. It varies depending on where you live, how clean your house is, and what exactly the details of your lease include. The best thing you can do in this situation is to consult with a lawyer at a law firm like Zane Law and talk to your landlord about the pest problem.

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