Pest Control - Responsibility?

[miller6161]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? ARIZONA

I have tenants in a single family home that have reported scorpions. They had an initial report of one or two early on a few months, but recently claims that more have shown up.

We're going to have exterminator / pest control come out and assess the situation. I'm finding out if they could be newly acquired pests, been living there for a while, etc. I just don't know enough about pests (especially scorpions) to determine if they may have been there for a while (pre-lease) or recently showing up (since they moved in) or other factors that may help determine responsibility.

**NOTE - this is the first complaint ever of scorpions, or any pests in the 5 yrs since I've been renting this home. (Should also note that tenants, while very nice and great people, have also brought up other 'first time ever' complaints about small stuff here and there - all to which we've resolved, and all remains good. I think they genuinely care about the place, and also want to 'CYA' too)

Question is - who is responsible? I do not have anything covered in my lease regarding pest control, and Arizona Landlord/Tenant laws are just about non-existent on the issue. From searching online here, this topic seems to be questionable.

Not that it relates directly, but they are responsible for all utilities, including water, sewer, trash, and also landscaping the property (which they've done well) Not that it matters, but it may set the stage in the fact that they are actively involved with the daily upkeep everything, including all utilities, etc.

Thanks!!

 

[sandyclaus]

IMHO, I'd say YOU as the LL would be responsible for paying for the scorpion removal and treatment.

It's not like these would be something that the tenants would necessarily attract or bring in with them (like roaches or bedbugs or mice). And since you are in Arizona, probably in the desert area, then scorpions would probably a native dweller in those parts.

 

[Gail in Georgia]

Are they claiming scorpions INSIDE the house or OUTSIDE?

The reason I ask is that we once had a tenant posting on this forum who claimed to be allergic to wasp stings wanting to sue a landlord who couldn't control the wasps flying around in the yard. They weren't in the house...just the yard.

Inside scorpions would be your responsibility. However, there is likely little anyone can do to keep them away if outside.

Gail