Pest Control In Rental Homes, who's Responsibility is it?

Living in Queensland comes with its fair share of creepy-crawlies, but when pests show up in a rental property — who has to deal with them?

Is it the landlord’s problem, or the tenant’s responsibility?

The answer will depend on a few key factors:

1. When the pests appeared

2. How they got there

3. .....and what the lease says

   
   

   In this blog, we break down who’s responsible for common pest problems in Queensland rental homes.

   
   

   Landlord vs Tenant: General Rule of Thumb

   
   

   • Landlord: Responsible if pests were present at the start of the tenancy, are caused by structural issues, or are part of regular maintenance.

   • Tenant: Responsible if pests are caused by unclean living conditions, pets, or tenant actions.

   
   

   Common Pests – Who Handles What For Pest Control On Rental Homes ?

   Here’s a quick overview of the most common pest issues and who’s usually responsible for the pest control in the rental property:

Pest Type	Responsible Party
·         Cockroaches	Landlord (if at start), Tenant (if due to hygiene during tenancy)
·         Fleas (from pets)	Landlords (if at start),  Tenant (if they have pets)
·         Rodents	Landlord (entry points), Tenant (if attracted by rubbish or food)
·         Termites	Landlord (always – structural issue)
·         Ants	Depends – structural = landlord, hygiene issues = tenant
·         Wasps/Bees	Landlord (if nesting in structure), Tenant (if attracted by behaviour)
·         Spiders	Landlord (if redbacks or major infestation) Tenants (due to clutter or uncleanliness)

What If the Pests Are Coming From Another Unit?

This is common in townhouses, duplexes or apartment buildings. If the pests — such as cockroaches — are coming from a neighbouring unit and the tenant is clean and tidy, the landlord or body corporate is generally responsible.

What should tenants do?

• Report it in writing to the property manager.

• Take photos or videos.

• Ask for pest control in both your unit and the source unit.

• If nothing is done, contact the RTA or apply to QCAT.

Possums & Snakes

Queensland rentals occasionally attract larger visitors…

Possums

• Landlord: If they’re in the roof, walls, or entering the home.

• Neither: If they’re just in the trees/garden and not causing damage.

Snakes

• Landlord: If a snake enters the home or yard due to poor maintenance.

• Licensed professionals must always handle snake removal for safety and legal reasons.

Bed Bugs

• Landlord: If the infestation existed before the tenant moved in.

• Tenant: If they brought them in (e.g., from luggage, used furniture, guests).

• Disputed? A professional inspection or mediation may be needed.

Bed bugs are difficult to control and may require multiple treatments, so early action is crucial.

Wasps and Bees

• Landlord: If the nest is in the roof, walls, or structure.

• Landlord: If the nest is in the garden and poses a safety risk.

• Tenant: If nests or swarms are clearly linked to tenant habits (like sugary drinks left outside).

• Important: Bees are protected and must be safely relocated, not exterminated.

Spiders

• Landlord: For dangerous species (like redbacks or funnel webs).

• Tenant: For general spider presence due to clutter or uncleanliness.

• Shared areas: Managed by body corporate or landlord.

• One-off sightings? Usually just part of life in Queensland and not anyone’s fault.

Ants

• Landlord: If ants are nesting in the structure or are present at the start of the lease.

• Tenant: If attracted by food scraps, spills, or poor housekeeping.

• Shared areas: Managed by body corporate or landlord.

Final Tips

• Always check your lease agreement – it may have specific pest clauses.

• Report pest problems early before they get worse.

• If it’s a serious safety or health issue and the landlord doesn’t act, contact the RTA or QCAT for support.

Need Help?Still not sure who’s responsible? You can contact the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) or speak to your property manager for advice.

Need some pest help? Call, Results Termite & Pest Control Services 3823 2500