As a property manager, you want to help keep your tenants safe and comfortable in their homes, and part of doing this is utilizing effective pest control when necessary. Doing so not only helps keep current tenants happy but helps make sure you’ll be able to secure tenants in the future.
During the course of their business, property managers are more likely to deal with certain pest problems than others. Today, we’re going to cover 7 of the most common challenges property managers face when it comes to pest control, how they can be addressed, questions to ask a pest control company and other important information.
7 pest control challenges property managers face
Rodents
Ants
Spiders
Bed bugs
Cockroaches
Termites
Wasps
Before we dive into other topics, we should also discuss whether it is the landlord’s or the tenant’s responsibility to manage pests. Unfortunately, there is no one right answer to this question.
In some cases, it may be the tenant’s responsibility to deal with pests, particularly if they have not kept their property clean and well-maintained. If your lease states the tenant is responsible for maintaining the inside and outside of the property, it is more likely they’ll be tasked with the financial responsibility for pest control.
On the other hand, there are also many situations where it is the landlord’s legal responsibility to handle pest control. Unless a landlord can prove a tenant’s habits or activities have led to a pest infestation, the responsibility usually falls on the landlord.
Regardless of who is responsible, it’s imperative to deal with pests immediately. Not only do they create an unwelcoming place to live, but they can actually cause harm and pose a threat to personal health and safety.
Speaking to your tenants about pests
If your tenants discover living or dead pests or even signs they’ve been there, this is understandably upsetting for them. As the landlord, you’ll likely be tasked with dealing with pest control for the tenants, as well as handling difficult conversations that may need to be had.
Before you face any of these conversations with your tenants, you’ll want to be sure you’re properly educated on the subject so you can answer questions appropriately and calmly.
These are some of the points you should be prepared to cover with your tenants:
What is your pest control plan is
Previous pest control issues you’ve dealt with on this particular property
Your policy on reimbursement if tenants are temporarily displaced during the pest control process
Your policy on reimbursement or replacement for the property that’s damaged or destroyed by pests (i.e., furniture damaged by termites)
You’ll also want to be familiar with local laws surrounding what you’re required to disclose to new tenants regarding previous pest issues and pest control measures, particularly if toxins were used for pest control.
When you work with an experienced and trusted pest control company, they’ll be happy to speak to your tenants along with you about how the pest problem will be addressed.
Finding the right pest control company
We mentioned the importance of working with the right pest control company, but how will you know you’ve found the right fit for pest control on your property?
Here are some questions to ask a pest control company before hiring them:
What is your approach? For example, Brilliex Pest Control uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach which is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management.
Do you have experience dealing with this specific pest?
What is your fee and which services do you offer?
Is your service guaranteed? At Brilliex, we stand 100% behind our work. All bed bug, pest control, wildlife removal, and bird control services are guaranteed
What methods do you use? Do you offer non-toxic solutions?
What are your safety practices and protocols?
Are your technicians properly licensed? Every tech’s license should be verifiable by reaching out to the Ministry Of Environment Office.
Questions for your landlord
While this post was directed toward property managers and landlords, we know tenants might have questions about pest control in their rented property as well.
As a tenant, it’s also advised to speak to your landlord about their pest control practices ahead of time. By having these discussions before you discover a pest problem, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing there’s a plan in place and exactly how pests will be dealt with.
These are some of the critical questions to ask your landlord about pest control before signing your lease:
Whose responsibility is pest control?
Will you opt for the safest, non-toxic options whenever possible?
Have you dealt with pests in this building/home before? What measures were taken?
Do you have a plan in place for additional living expenses for displaced tenants? What about property coverage if my belongings are damaged or destroyed by pests?
Will I be informed if other tenants are dealing with pest problems?
What preventative measures do you take to keep your property pest-free?
Your next steps
Whether you’re a property manager, landlord, or tenant, pest control is an important topic. We know we’ve given you a lot to think about today, but we’re here to help!
If you’re seeking pest control measures for a building you own, call us today. We offer guaranteed bed bug treatment, pest control, wildlife removal, and bird control services for residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Toronto including retail, office buildings, hotels, restaurants, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities.
We proudly service the entire GTA including Toronto, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Scarborough, North York, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville & more. Request a quote today and we will be happy to make your property pest-free.
To learn more, contact Brilliex Pest at 647-776-7739 or Toll-Free 1-866-650-1811 or Contact Brilliex Pest for a Free Estimate