Who pays for pest control in a rental property in Western Australia?
It depends on the timing and cause. Landlords pay if pests were present at the start of the lease or caused by structural defects. Tenants pay if the infestation occurs during the tenancy due to their lifestyle, lack of cleanliness, or pets.
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How it works in practice
Establishing Pest Control Responsibility
In Western Australia, deciding who pays for pest control in a rental property ultimately comes down to the timing and cause of the infestation. The Residential Tenancies Act outlines that the landlord is responsible for providing the property in a reasonable state of cleanliness and repair at the beginning of the lease.
If pests, such as ants, mice, or cockroaches, are discovered immediately upon moving in, the landlord must cover the cost of eradication. Similarly, if vermin enter the home due to a structural defect—like gaps in the roof or broken flyscreens—the property owner remains financially liable.
Tenant Obligations During the Lease
Once the tenancy is underway, the responsibility often shifts to the tenant. You are legally required to keep the property reasonably clean. If an infestation develops because of your daily habits, such as leaving unsealed food out, improperly disposing of rubbish, or keeping a pet that brings in fleas, you will be expected to pay for the pest control services.
It is crucial to document the condition of the property thoroughly on your incoming property condition report. Noting any pre-existing pest issues protects you from being unfairly charged for extermination costs later in your tenancy or when you eventually move out.
Important exceptions
There are specific exceptions involving local council regulations and severe structural issues. Termites are almost exclusively the responsibility of the landlord, as they are related to property maintenance and structure rather than tenant cleanliness.
Additionally, if a tenant has an assistance animal or pet, a special clause in the lease agreement may explicitly require the tenant to carry out a professional flea treatment at the end of the tenancy, regardless of whether a current infestation is visible. However, landlords cannot charge a generic "pet bond" for fumigation unless it is specifically designated for that purpose under WA law.
What you should do now
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Check your initial property condition report to see if any pre-existing pest issues or structural defects were noted when you moved in.
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Identify the likely cause of the pest infestation, honestly assessing whether it relates to household cleanliness, pets, or property damage.
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Notify your landlord or property manager in writing immediately to inform them of the pest issue and request action if it is structural.
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Gather and provide photographic evidence of where the pests are entering the home, such as broken seals, holes, or gaps in the walls.
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Hire a licensed pest control professional to treat the property if the infestation is determined to be the result of your actions or pets.
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