Is Pest Control a Landlord or Tenant Responsibility?
One question frequently asked across Virginia is: “Is pest control something that is covered by the landlord, or does it fall on the tenant (renter) to cover the cost of those services?” The answer is not as straightforward as most might expect.
The Role of the Lease Agreement
It really depends on the rental contract or lease agreement. Many landlords address pest control in the lease agreement, especially when there are no state or municipal laws on the topic. One option is for the landlord to agree to turn over a pest-free unit to the tenant and provide seasonal maintenance, with any pest infestations afterward being the tenant's responsibility. In our experience at Landlock Pest Control, we have found that about 70% of landlords will ensure that the tenant has a pest-free home or apartment upon arrival, and then any future pest issues become the tenant's responsibility to address at their own cost.
Pest Control Provisions in Different Regions
This is very common across the areas we treat in Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Yorktown, Poquoson, Williamsburg), Greater Richmond (West End, Short Pump, Glen Allen, Midlothian, Chesterfield, Hopewell, Chester, Ashland, Mechanicsville), Charlottesville, and Northern Virginia. The other 30% of landlords will include the cost of either “as needed” or “quarterly” pest control in the lease or rental agreement, and the tenant pays a slight premium in rent but has the ability to call the designated pest control provider when issues arise with roaches, spiders, ants, rodents, or other pests.
Clarifying Responsibility & Available Options
Don't be afraid to ask your landlord if pest control is included in your lease or rental agreement. If it is not included, then it is up to the tenant or renter to choose their own pest control provider and cover the cost out of their own pocket. Most pest control companies offer very fair rates for those seeking help with pest problems. At Landlock Pest Control, we even offer the ability to transfer the service for free to another home if you relocate, with no fee or additional cost. We strive to make things one step easier for our customers.