Who’s Responsible for Pest Control: Landlords or Tenants?

Is the landlord responsible for pest control? That’s a question many tenants ask themselves when insects, rodents, or other vermin make their way into their unit. If you are wondering the landlord or tenant is responsible for pest control, here’s what you need to know.

Is the Landlord Responsible for Pest Control?

Regretfully, the answer to “Is the landlord responsible for pest control?” is that it depends. State law governs pest control responsibilities in some areas, while other states have little if any legislation specifically discussing pest treatments or extermination.

Typically, landlords do have to ensure the unit remains safe, healthy, and habitable. However, what constitutes that can vary.

Additionally, whether the tenant is responsible for the infestation can play a role. For example, a tenant that fails to keep a property clean might contribute to the infestation, in which case pest control may be on them.

Ultimately, you’ll need to review state and local law to determine if there are any rules. It’s also wise to consult your lease, as that may include clauses addressing pest control, providing clarity when state law doesn’t.

State-by-State Guide to Landlord-Tenant Pest Control Laws and Responsibilities

StateLandlord's ResponsibilityTenant ResponsibilityAlabamaComply with health and safety standardsIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleAlaskaRats, mice, roaches, and "pests"No clear laws regarding pest control responsibilityArizonaRodent, insect, and vermin, infestationsNo clear laws regarding pest control responsibilityArkansasOnly for compliance with local housing safety codesFully responsible unless the issue violates local housing safety codesCaliforniaInfestation and seasonal prevention treatmentsIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleColoradoExtermination in response to infestation not caused by the tenantUnless it involves bed bugs, if pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleConnecticutExtermination in response to infestation not caused by the tenantIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleDelawareDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleFloridaExtermination of rats, mice, roaches, ants, wood-destroying organisms, and bed bugsNo clear laws regarding pest control responsibilityGeorgiaDoes not mention pests specifically, but landlords must keep premises in good repairNo clear laws regarding pest control responsibilityHawaiiDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleIdahoInsect infestations must be addressedNo clear laws regarding pest control responsibilityIllinoisExtermination in response to infestation not caused by the tenantIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleIndianaDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleIowaDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleKansasLaws vary by cityLaws vary by cityKentuckyDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentNo clear laws regarding pest control responsibilityLouisianaMust maintain "suitable" condition, but doesn't mention pest control specificallyNo clear laws regarding pest control responsibilityMaineAside from bed bugs, it doesn't mention pest control specifically, though must maintain a habitable environmentUnless it involves bed bugs, if pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleMarylandIn structures containing two or more units, must handle exterminations of insects, rodents, and other pests unless infestation is caused by the tenantIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleMassachusettsIn structures containing two or more units, must handle exterminations of insects, rodents, and other pests unless infestation is caused by the tenantIn one unit rentals, the tenant is responsibleMichiganResponsible for keeping building free of vermin unless infestation is caused by the tenantIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleMinnesotaDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleMississippiComply with local building health codesNo clear laws regarding pest control responsibilityMissouriDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleMontanaComply with local building health codesIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleNebraskaComply with local building health codesUnless it involves bed bugs, if pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleNevadaBefore move-in, must handle all extermination. Beyond move-in, must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleNew HampshireDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleNew JerseyDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleNew MexicoDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentNo clear laws regarding pest control responsibilityNew YorkIn structures containing two or more units, must handle exterminations of insects, rodents, and other pestsIn one unit rentals, the tenant may be responsibleNorth CarolinaMust treat rat infestations not caused by the tenantIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleNorth DakotaDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleOhioDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleOklahomaDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleOregonExtermination of rodents and verminNo clear laws regarding pest control responsibilityPennsylvaniaDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleRhode IslandIn structures containing two or more units, if more than one unitis impacted, landlord is responsibleIn one unit rentals or when the problem only affects the tenant's unit in a multi-unit building, tenant is responsibleSouth CarolinaComply with local building health codesIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleSouth DakotaDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleTennesseeUp to twice per year, unless the tenant is responsibleIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleTexasDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleUtahDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleVermontExtermination for infestations in single-unit dwellings not caused by tenant. Extermination of infestations in two more units, regardless of tenant responsibilityIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleVirginiaMust comply with local building health codes, and primary responsibility falls on the landlordIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleWashingtonIn structures containing two or more units, landlord is responsible if issue not caused by tenantIn one unit rentals or when the tenant is responsible for the infestation, tenant may be responsibleWest VirginiaDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleWisconsinMust comply with local building health codesIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsibleWyomingDoesn't mention pests specifically, but landlords must maintain a habitable environmentIf pests result due to a failure by the tenant to maintain clean premises, the tenant may be responsible