{"id":8777,"date":"2014-07-07T12:38:48","date_gmt":"2014-07-07T11:38:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.propertysurveying.co.uk\/newsletter\/?page_id=8777"},"modified":"2014-07-07T12:38:48","modified_gmt":"2014-07-07T11:38:48","slug":"household-pests-who-is-responsible-the-landlord-or-the-tenant","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.propertysurveying.co.uk\/newsletter\/?page_id=8777","title":{"rendered":"Household Pests: Who is responsible, the landlord or the tenant?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The problems surrounding the infestation of pests in a household can often cause disagreements between landlords and tenants, as both parties are typically unclear as to who is responsible for dealing with them. The Association on Independent Inventory Clerks have seen a rise in the number of tenants attempting to force pest problems on to their landlord.\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Par Barber, Chair of the Association explains:\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tenants have unrealistic expectations and don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to take responsibility for anything. They sometimes think that their landlord should pay for everything no matter what\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/em>\u00c2\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Below is a brief guide to some of the situations that the landlord is likely to find him or herself responsible for:\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– An infestation of wasps or fleas that was present before the beginning of the tenancy would be the responsibility of the landlord. They would need to arrange and cover the costs of any wasp nest removal, as well as the cost of fumigating carpets and upholstery.\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– If an infestation of rats at the property was found to be an ongoing problem then it is likely that the landlord will be responsible for covering the cost of regular treatment.\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tenants on the other hand are likely to find themselves responsible in the following situations:\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n