Tenant has ****roaches, wants me to pay pest control??

[Jnzy111]

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

A tenant says they have a roach infestation, wants me to pay for a pest control service at $90 a month?

As a landlord, why would I be responsible for this? There were no roaches when they moved in a year ago...

 

[FarmerJ]

This is a tough spot to be in becase some city building inspections depts wont give a damn if the unit was roach free when tenant moved in especially if its a multi unit a building inspector could order you to correct the problem. BUT unless there is some kind of local ord baring it you are free to treat the unit you self. What you should do is search for what product you will use and send to the tenant via certified or confirmed mail delivery a letter with instructions , you want them to have all kitchen cabs empty, linen closets empty , medicine cabs empty dressors empty , things can be packed into plastic bag lined boxes then the bags tied once they are filled. If you want a fast kill liquid- sprays are best for huge noticeable diffference. Powders are a bit slower but no matter which product you use it is going to take multiple treatment to kill them since it takes time for eggs to hatch. Tenant has little say in how you treat or who does it but you will need to treat entire structure. If tenant wont cooperate with you use certifed or cinfirmed mail again , keep your reciepts with your copies of the letters, Whether tenant likes it or not it can take multiple treatments to get rid of them , any attempts by tenant to block can be used as reason to take tenant to court. ( in end get them out if they repeatedly block your attempts to address it) use a vac to suck up dead ones and make a point of giving tenant proper written notice before you do re checks an re treat the unit, best time to re check the unit is after its dark out since lights can be turned off it will draw them out, make sure you carefully shake down your own clothes too so you dont bring em home.

 

[Searchertwin]

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

A tenant says they have a roach infestation, wants me to pay for a pest control service at $90 a month?

As a landlord, why would I be responsible for this? There were no roaches when they moved in a year ago...

A LL is obligated to provide pest control once or until you think you have them all gone. BUT, if tenant does not comply with keeping the place clean and helping in control of roaches, LL is no longer obligated to continue pest control. Either way, you don't have to do it monthly.

I believe tenants know they brought the roaches with them. They want you to pay for monthly service knowing they will always have the problem due to lack on their part.

When you go to exterminate, take pictures of their place to show if they are keeping place free of food, etc..take pictures as often as you can.

 

[sandyclaus]

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

A tenant says they have a roach infestation, wants me to pay for a pest control service at $90 a month?

As a landlord, why would I be responsible for this? There were no roaches when they moved in a year ago...

As a LL, you are obligated to provide a safe and habitable rental unit, free of vermin and insect infestations. That means first, and foremost, that YOU must pay to bring in the exterminators to fulfill your duties and obligations.

However, if it is determined that the tenants are at fault for causing the infestation (by not keeping the property in a clean and sanitary condition), then there is no reason you cannot charge them the cost of providing those exterminator services. And if the tenants are not on a fixed term lease, you can also increase their rent to cover the additional cost of providing those services as well.

 

[BL]

I don't know why many LL's think roaches come in from being filthy .

Reality is roaches are brought in and could be brought in for many different reasons and places .

One doesn't have to be filthy for roaches to multiply and thrive .

Grocery stores , guest .

A couple a rentals I lived in LL's tried to put the blame on me when in fact it was new tenants .

I'm neat and fairly clean tenant .

It's an expense LLs do not like to bear but that's part of doing business .

Try and treat them yourselves or have an exterminator come in .

In our building they use a crystallized substance and the tenants have to be gone for about an hour .

Works for a couple 3 months then they have to return .

Most likely because of tenant turnovers .

 

[xylene]

There were no roaches when they moved in a year ago...

What kind of dumb logic is that?

I suppose if a pipe burst, you would not have to pay for a plumber.

You are being a slumlord.

You don't need to pay $90 for the service the tenant chose, but you do need to control the vermin!

 

[Searchertwin]

What kind of dumb logic is that?

I suppose if a pipe burst, you would not have to pay for a plumber.

You are being a slumlord.

You don't need to pay $90 for the service the tenant chose, but you do need to control the vermin!

Your logic is a little off. Everything depends on the situation. A pipe bursting does not automatically means LL pays for the plumber. If tenant turns heat off during winter and pipes freeze and bust, who is to pay? The tenant.

Same goes for control of roaches. LL provides for initial control. BUT, as I stated, "if tenant does not comply with keeping the place clean and helping in control of roaches, LL is no longer obligated to continue pest control."

 

[Searchertwin]

I don't know why many LL's think roaches come in from being filthy .

Reality is roaches are brought in and could be brought in for many different reasons and places .

One doesn't have to be filthy for roaches to multiply and thrive .

Grocery stores , guest .

A couple a rentals I lived in LL's tried to put the blame on me when in fact it was new tenants .

I'm neat and fairly clean tenant .

It's an expense LLs do not like to bear but that's part of doing business .

Try and treat them yourselves or have an exterminator come in .

In our building they use a crystallized substance and the tenants have to be gone for about an hour .

Works for a couple 3 months then they have to return .

Most likely because of tenant turnovers .

The reasons why LL blames tenants is because they live there, LL don't. So who is the guilty party? Anyway, even you transfer guilt to "new tenant".
Why did you blame them? Same reason LL blames tenants.
True, it's an expense we don't want to dish money out, because it will be wasted money. Tenants will not help with control, but will help in complaining to LL to take care of problem. That is why I recommend LL to take pictures of the place they have to have pest control sent in. Why?, because had renters who claimed she kept house tidy. Pictures proved different. I kept my money in my pocket.