Pests in Your Perth Rental: Who Pays, the Landlord or the Tenant?

You spot a trail of ants across the kitchen bench. There's scratching in the ceiling at 2am. Or worse, mud tunnels creeping up a wall. The next question is always the same: who's responsible for sorting it out?

When it comes to pest control in a WA rental property, the answer usually depends on what caused the problem, when it appeared and, in some cases, whether the property is part of a strata complex. It rarely comes down to the type of pest alone.

When Is the Landlord Responsible for Pests?

Generally, the landlord is responsible when a pest problem is connected to the property itself, was present at the start of the tenancy, or isn't the result of anything the tenant has done.

This may include:

• A significant pest problem that existed before the tenant moved in

• Termites or other pests affecting the structure of the property

• Birds or possums nesting in, or damaging, parts of the property

• Pests getting in because of a maintenance or structural issue

• A swarm of bees setting up a hive at the property

REIWA guidance also notes that when a plague of pests is moving through an area, fixing it will generally be the responsibility of the landlord or strata company.

That's why it pays for landlords to deal with known pest problems before a new tenancy begins, and to stay on top of maintenance that could give pests a way in.

When Is the Tenant Responsible for Pests?

Tenants have a responsibility to keep the property reasonably clean and to make sure their actions don't contribute to a pest problem.

A tenant may be responsible when an infestation is linked to how they're living at the property. For example, pests may be drawn in by food left out, rubbish that isn't managed properly, or animals kept at the property.

Everyday pest control during a tenancy can also fall to the tenant, depending on the circumstances. This includes handling the usual ants, cockroaches or spiders where there's no underlying property issue or pre-existing infestation.

Whatever the cause, the golden rule is to report pests early. Letting a problem run makes it harder to work out the cause, and can turn a minor issue into a much bigger (and more expensive) one.

What About Pests in Strata Properties?

Pest problems can get a little more complicated in strata complexes.

If an infestation can't be isolated to one unit, REIWA recommends referring it to the strata manager. For example, rodents or insects may be moving through common areas or affecting several properties, rather than starting within one tenancy. In these cases, the strata company may need to investigate and coordinate the right response.

Which Pest, Whose Job? Our Quick Guide

Here are the pests we see most often in Perth rentals, and who usually takes care of them.

Some cases won't fit neatly into a box, like ants turning up in a spotless home. That's when the Property Condition Report and the lease help settle it. If you're not sure, report it first and let us work out the cause.

Termites in a Rental Property: Act Fast

Termites should always be taken seriously because of the damage they can do to a property.

If a tenant notices signs of possible termite activity, they should tell their property manager straight away rather than trying to treat it themselves. Disturbing termites can make them harder to treat properly.

For landlords, regular inspections and preventative measures can help pick up termite activity before it causes serious damage.

Why Your Lease and Property Condition Report Matter

When working out who's responsible, two documents do a lot of the heavy lifting: the tenancy agreement and the Property Condition Report (PCR).

The PCR records the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy. It can help show whether there were already signs of pests when the tenant moved in.

The tenancy agreement may also include conditions about pest control, particularly where pets are kept at the property.

Clear records, photos and written communication make it much easier to establish what happened if a pest problem pops up later.

How to Prevent Pest Problems in a Rental

There are simple steps landlords and tenants can both take to keep pests out.

For landlords:

• Deal with known pest problems before a tenancy begins

• Stay on top of maintenance and seal up possible entry points

• Fix leaks and moisture issues promptly

• Maintain the relevant areas of the property where required

• Book professional pest and termite inspections when appropriate

For tenants:

• Keep the kitchen and food preparation areas clean

• Store food properly and empty the bins regularly

• Keep pet areas clean

• Avoid leaving anything that could attract rodents or insects

• Report signs of pests, or possible entry points, as soon as you notice them

Found Pests? Here's What to Do

1. Don't book a pest controller straight away. Contact your property manager or landlord first.

2. Report it early, with photos. This helps work out the cause and the right next steps.

3. Check your paperwork. If responsibility is unclear, the tenancy agreement and Property Condition Report can help establish the condition of the property and who is responsible for what.

Taking the Stress Out of Pest Problems

Pest issues aren't always as simple as landlord versus tenant. The cause, the timing and the circumstances all play a part.

At D Residential Group, we understand the importance of addressing pest problems promptly and keeping landlords informed every step of the way.

For those looking for professional pest control services in Perth, Best West Building Inspections is a reputable local business offering a range of general pest treatments.

Looking for Perth property managers who take the stress out of managing your investment? Get in touch with our team and Discover the Difference.