Who pays for pest control in a rental property in Victoria?
The responsibility for pest control in a Victorian rental property depends on the cause. Landlords pay if pests were present when you moved in or resulted from structural issues. You pay if the infestation was caused by your living habits, poor hygiene, or your pets.
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How it works in practice
Determining the Cause
In Victoria, figuring out who pays for pest control comes down to when the pests appeared and what caused them. The rental provider (landlord) has a strict legal obligation to ensure the property is reasonably clean and vacant before you move in.
If you discover an infestation of spiders, ants, or mice within the first few weeks of your tenancy, the landlord is generally responsible for covering the extermination costs.
Structural Issues
Landlords are also responsible if the pest problem is directly caused by a structural defect in the property. For instance, if possums or rats are entering the home through broken roof tiles, unsealed floorboards, or gaps in the walls, the landlord must pay for both the pest removal and the necessary property repairs.
Tenant Responsibilities
Conversely, as a renter, you are legally required to keep the property reasonably clean. If an infestation occurs later in your tenancy due to poor hygiene—such as leaving unsealed food out, failing to take out the rubbish, or keeping a pet that brings in fleas—you will be held financially responsible for the pest control services.
To avoid disputes, it is highly recommended to report any pest issues immediately in writing.
Important exceptions
There are specific exceptions depending on the type of pest and property location. For example, if you live in a multi-dwelling building like an apartment complex, an infestation may be spreading from a neighboring unit or common area. In these cases, the owners corporation (body corporate) might be legally responsible for the eradication costs rather than you or your individual landlord.
Additionally, certain wood-destroying pests like termites are almost exclusively considered a structural maintenance issue. Even if the infestation is discovered years into a tenancy, termite control and repair costs fall solely on the landlord, regardless of the tenant's living habits.
What you should do now
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Document the pest issue immediately by taking clear, date-stamped photographs or videos of the pests and any property damage.
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Check your condition report to see if any signs of pests or structural damage were noted when you first moved in.
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Notify your landlord or property manager in writing, detailing the pest problem and requesting prompt action.
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Gather evidence if you believe a structural defect caused the issue, such as taking photos of gaps in walls, broken flyscreens, or roof holes.
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Contact Consumer Affairs Victoria or Tenants Victoria for formal dispute resolution if your landlord refuses to pay for an infestation they are responsible for.
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