Pests in a rental property can cause conflict between tenants and landlords.

Below is a helpful guide to pest management in rental properties for landlords and property managers. Questions about who is responsible (and should pay) for pest control and how to tackle a pest infestation, protect your property and save money are answered below.

Pest management – an issue that can’t be swept under the carpet

When you are a landlord or a property manager, sooner or later, you’ll be contacted about the presence of pests on your property. Regardless of who is responsible for the pest infestation, it’s crucial to address the situation quickly. If left unchecked, pests can cause structural damage to the property, recurrent complaints by tenants, possible turnover of renters, loss of revenue, and health issues for people and their pets.

Is pest control a landlord’s or tenant’s responsibility?

In rental properties, the landlord or property manager is responsible for pest control unless they can prove the tenant caused the infestation. However, each state has different legislation that you should refer to before turning down your tenants’ requests or taking legal action against them. You should also check if there was a pest control clause in the lease agreement you could enforce.

The landlord or property manager is responsible for keeping common areas in a clean and safe condition. Organizing rubbish bin collections and large pick-ups are part of the property owner’s responsibilities. Failing to keep the common areas free of rubbish can be used as ammunition by tenants, as unsanitary and untidy conditions can attract and harbor pests.

Who pays for pest control, the landlord or the tenant?

Once you have determined who is liable for pest control, the tenant or the landlord, the responsible party should cover the financial costs. If the landlord can prove that the tenants’ living conditions are responsible for the infestation, the bill falls to the renters. However, since time is of the essence, it’s better to cover the costs first and sort out the financial issue later if the tenants push back on paying for the extermination.

Preventative pest control in multi-family buildings is often an expectation and responsibility of HOAs and condo associations. If a pest control plan for the building isn’t in place, the tenants will likely use this to void any financial responsibility. So, if you manage or own an apartment block or large building, sign up for a regular pest control plan to safeguard your property and your finances.

Can you evict a tenant for causing a pest infestation?

In most U.S. states, you cannot evict a tenant on the grounds of being responsible for a pest infestation. You can charge them for the pest control intervention and issue a “notice to comply or quit” to warn them that they are in violation of the lease agreement and will be evicted if the situation isn’t fixed.

Check your State Laws, but, generally speaking, you will need to go to court and prove that living conditions are causing a health hazard or extensive property damage to evict a non-compliant tenant. As a landlord or property manager, you should consider alternative solutions to litigations first, as you will likely resolve the issue in a shorter time frame.

What to do if your tenants report a pest infestation in the rental property?

So, you just received a distress call from a tenant reporting ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, or other unsightly pests. What should you do next?

Can you take matters into your own hands?

If you are the building superintendent, property manager, or landlord, your first reaction might be to exterminate the critters yourself, but you would be breaking the law by doing so.

There are specific regulations and laws around the use of pesticides in all settings, including residential properties. A person may only apply pesticides to the individual dwelling unit (e.g., house or apartment) in which they reside unless they are a certified commercial applicator. You should call a professional pest control company as soon as possible.

Organize a professional pest control visit

Regardless of who is responsible, your first action should be eradicating the pest. Always be prepared to front the bill for pest problems, so they are resolved quickly. A good rental property expense budget should always include preventative maintenance and emergency measures to avoid nasty surprises when fighting pest infestations.

During the process, keep the tenant informed of the progress in witing. This way, if there is any dispute later on regarding the timeliness of your actions or communications, you will be standing on solid footing.

How much time does a landlord have to take care of a pest infestation?

It’s essential to act swiftly once you have been notified of a pest problem in your rental property. You should at least book the visit from a pest control company within one to two days. If you take too long, your tenant can take actions such as withholding rent, moving into temporary housing, or breaking the lease.

Even if you think you shouldn’t be paying for it, it is best to be proactive about the infestation.

Source: Hawkspestcontrol.com

Preventing pest infestations is easier and cheaper than eradicating one. Here are three things you should be doing to keep your rental property pest free.

1. Regular visits and inspections

Inspect your rental properties at least yearly. Monitor the condition of the interiors and check for any entry points pests might use. If there is an outdoor area, ensure the vegetation is well-maintained, and you can’t see pest droppings on the ground. Tidiness and cleanliness are great pest-deterrents, and a landlord’s visit often results in the tenants doing a deep clean. If the area is prone to pest infestations or you have had issues with that property before, consider bringing a pest control specialist with you on these visits.

2. Pest prevention education

When signing the lease, talk to the tenants about their responsibilities and how they can avoid pest infestations. Forming a genuine connection during a face-to-face conversation helps them feel responsible for the property they live in, which can encourage tenants to take better care of the rental. When a new occupant moves in, it is the perfect time to go over scenarios in which they will be held accountable for any pest control cost incurred and which actions are to be avoided as they attract common pests.

3. Preventative pest control spraying

Don’t leave seasonal pest control up to the tenant. It might not get done at all or not to your satisfaction. Protecting your property from any serious damage caused by invasive pests is in your best interest. Put an agreement in place with your local pest control experts to regularly visit your property and prevent any pest invasion from developing. If you are working with or considering hiring a property managing agency, ask them what type of pest control they do. A small recurring expense can result in significant savings down the line.

Source: hawxpestcontrol.com

As moving season heats up across the United States, renters should take key steps to help protect their home and family. Smoke alarms help provide an early warning in the event of a fire emergency. However, a significant percentage of renters claim not to have a smoke alarm in their home or test their alarms regularly.

Residential rental property owners and their tenants share the responsibility to ensure adequate protection against the threats of smoke and fire. Smoke alarms are widely required across housing types in the United States, and many jurisdictions further require carbon monoxide alarms. Working together, property owners and tenants may establish regular maintenance like battery replacement and equipment testing schedules to help reduce risk.

Signing a new lease or renewing a current one is an opportune time for property owners and tenants to take inventory of their alarms and make sure they are working properly, and to ensure tenants know what to do in case of an emergency.

Below are some fire safety tips for renters and property owners to help guide discussions between property owners and tenants, ultimately ensuring that both parties are ready for the unexpected:

1. Every level, every bedroom

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that smoke alarms be installed on every level of the home, including the basement, and inside each bedroom. It's also important to keep CO in mind. CO is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that can be potentially poisonous. The only way to detect a CO leak is with working CO alarms, which should be installed on every level and near all sleeping areas.

2. Test and maintain

Once alarms are installed, an important fire safety tip for renters and property owners is to maintain them by testing them regularly and replacing the batteries at least every six months. For a battery that lasts the life of the alarm and for convenient protection, install 10-year sealed battery alarms. 10-Year sealed battery alarms eliminate the need to replace the batteries and late-night battery chirps for a decade.

3. Alarms don't last forever

Be sure to replace outdated units. If you cannot remember the last time you installed an alarm, chances are, it's time to replace it. Alarms are on duty 24/7 and need to be replaced every 10 years.

4. P.A.S.S. the fire extinguisher

Beyond alarms, having fire extinguishers – and knowing how to use them – is an important fire safety tip for renters to help maintain a safe residence. When you need to act quickly, a simple way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher is with the acronym P.A.S.S. Simply pull the pin, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger and sweep from side to side. Place fire extinguishers in common areas such as the kitchen, the garage and on every level of the home. Once your home is properly equipped, check to make sure that they're in working condition and are not damaged, dented or rusted.

Properly installed and regularly maintained fire safety equipment is key to maintaining a safe household.

Source: firstalert.com

Traditional First Valentine's Day Date Ideas

Making new traditions is one of the sweetest things to do with your new boo. But, since you're still getting to know each other, you may feel unsure about what they'd enjoy the most. The best way to find out is to ask them, but if they aren't sure, a traditional romantic date will do the trick!

If you need help deciding what to do, try a traditional romantic idea—and look for ways to add a personal touch.

Go out for a fancy dinner together. Ask what fancy restaurant they love and make reservations well in advance. Dressing up, sharing a fancy bottle of wine, and chatting in a beautiful setting is always memorable and exciting. Spend the weekend away. Plan a getaway at a fancy hotel or bed and breakfast. Order room service, sneak in early to sprinkle some rose petals on the bed, and pack a special card and gift.

Go to a romantic spot & exchange gifts. Whether in a restaurant, a beautiful overlook, or a park, you can enjoy each other's company in a lovely

Romantic First Valentine's Day Date Ideas

The most romantic first Valentine's Day dates blend silly, sweet, and sexy moments. So, if you want to up the ante, find a way to combine playful and endearing moments that will fan the flame of your love.

Enjoy a romantic game together. Purchase a fun card game for couples—some focus on getting to know each other more, and others are more adventurous bedroom games.

Two words: couples' massage. Hit the spa together and experience a couple's massage. Try to find a hotel with a spa package so you can enjoy some calming, romantic time together—and you don't have to hurry home!

Play with puppies at the SPCA. And maybe adopt one? If your S.O. loves animals, visit the animal shelter to play with the dogs or cats. (Just be prepared to potentially bring a new pet home.)

Source: setting.lovepop.com