Creepy Critter Removal is Landlord's Responsibility

By Robert Griswold

Question: I am the owner of a lovely home that I have rented out for the past few years while I am on assignment in London. I have owned the house for 18 years and have never had a problem with rats getting into the house until this winter. However, I do acknowledge that the little beasts are in the fields all around the area.

When the tenants found rats in their kitchen they expected me to deal with the problem. I said that they should set some traps, etc., which they did. Subsequently I agreed to screen off the deck area to prevent further intrusions, but am not sure this will be 100 percent effective. Can you clarify the proper practice for landlords concerning responsibilities for control of such pests? I feel that the occupant/tenant should do everything reasonable to avoid attracting rats, and should also set traps, etc., if they do come in. I can see the logic that the owner should do what is reasonable to plug up any holes or other access points. The lease doesn't really cover this; it only says that the tenant shall keep the premises in a clean and sanitary condition.

Property Manager Griswold replies:

As the landlord, you need to take the lead on this one. I would suggest that you employ a professional exterminator and have him set the traps and make any other necessary repairs to minimize the attraction to the local rat population. Also, have the professional exterminator provide you and your tenant with any concerns that he sees regarding the habits or lifestyle of the tenants with the appropriate recommendations. For example, they may leave pet food outside or fruit that falls from trees, etc. These are examples of how the tenant could be unknowingly contributing to the problem. Then you should send a letter to your tenants informing them that you have hired the professional exterminator at your expense, but their failure to cooperate and abide by the guidelines recommended from the exterminator will prevent you from assuring them that the property is vermin-free. Remind them that you each need to be responsible to work together, and that you have and will continue to be willing to do your part, but you must have their full and complete cooperation as determined by the professional exterminator. Should they fail to cooperate, I would suggest that you terminate their lease or rental agreement as soon as is practical.

Copyright 2006 Inman News.