Owning and maintaining a rental property is challenging, especially if you own a large apartment building or manage several different units. In addition to collecting rent from tenants each month and making necessary repairs when things break, landlords are responsible for ensuring their rental units are clean and free of pests.
It can be distressing when a tenant comes to you with a pest control problem, especially if it feels like negligence on their part. We get it; pest control is an added expense, and tenants share some responsibility in keeping their units clean and free of pests.
However, in the state of Maryland, the burden of maintaining a pest-free environment typically falls on the landlord, though there may be some gray areas.
If you’re a landlord in Maryland dealing with an ongoing pest infestation, here is everything you need to know about your responsibilities regarding pest control in rental units.
Overview of Maryland Laws on Landlord Responsibilities
Both landlords and tenants share some responsibility for maintaining a pest-free unit in the state of Maryland. Here are the laws surrounding pest control and rental units in the state of Maryland.
Landlord Responsibilities for Pest Control
In the state of Maryland, landlords are legally required to maintain a pest-free environment that conforms with Maryland’s habitability codes. If a pest problem does arise, the landlord is typically responsible for paying for treatment, including inspections and all subsequent protocols.
Tenant Responsibilities for Pest Control
However, once a tenant moves into the unit, the tenant is usually responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary environment. The landlord may draft a contract allowing the landlord to perform necessary pest control using chemicals and other methods if a problem does arise.
If it can be proved that the tenant has failed to maintain a clean and sanitary environment or fails to report an ongoing pest infestation, the tenant may be responsible for any remunerative costs to eliminate the problem.
Common Scenarios and Disputes
When it comes to pest control, disputes between landlords and tenants often arise due to unclear expectations or differing interpretations of lease agreements. In Maryland, several common scenarios may lead to disagreements:
- Pre-existing Infestations: Tenants may move into a rental unit only to discover a pest problem already exists. In such cases, it’s typically the landlord’s responsibility to address the issue promptly to provide a habitable living environment.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Disputes often occur when pests are a recurring problem. If tenants fail to maintain cleanliness, such as leaving food out or not disposing of garbage properly, landlords may argue that the infestation stems from tenant negligence. However, tenants may counter that the property itself has structural issues, like cracks or leaks, enabling pest entry.
- Unclear Lease Terms: A lack of clear terms in the lease agreement regarding pest control responsibilities can lead to confusion. Maryland law generally places the burden of pest control on landlords unless the tenant’s actions directly cause the infestation. Clear clauses in the lease can prevent such conflicts.
- Communication Delays: Tenants who delay reporting a pest issue may be held partially responsible if the problem worsens over time. Landlords are expected to act within a reasonable timeframe, but timely communication from tenants is crucial to resolving infestations efficiently.
Addressing these disputes requires careful documentation, open communication, and, in some cases, mediation or legal intervention to ensure both parties meet their obligations.
Common Pests Found On Rental Properties
Some of the most common pests found in rental units include rodents, cockroaches, ants, and bedbugs. These pests are skilled at traveling quickly from one unit to another and are more likely to infest apartment buildings, where tenants share walls.
Other types of pests, including termites and flies, are less common in rental units but can still pose problems. Below is a breakdown of common pests, their risks, and how they spread:
- Rodents (Mice and Rats): Rodents in Maryland pose serious health risks as they can spread diseases like hantavirus and salmonella through their droppings and urine. They are highly mobile, sneaking into units through gaps, vents, or shared walls, and can also cause property damage by chewing wires, insulation, and wood.
- Cockroaches: These pests are notorious for spreading bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella, and their droppings can trigger asthma and allergies. Cockroaches are attracted to areas with food debris and moisture.
- Ants: While most ants are more of a nuisance than a health hazard, certain species, like carpenter ants, can cause structural damage by burrowing into wood. Tiny black ants can spread quickly when food and sugary substances are left out and overwhelm tenants who are not prepared to handle large infestations.
- Bedbugs: These blood-feeding insects cause itchy, red bites and can lead to allergic reactions or secondary infections from scratching. Bedbugs in Maryland are skilled hitchhikers, spreading through luggage, furniture, and even clothing, and are particularly challenging to eradicate due to their resilience.
- Termites: Although less common in rental units, termites can cause extensive structural damage by feeding on wood and other cellulose materials. They spread silently through walls, floors, and ceilings, making early detection critical.
- Flies: Flies, including houseflies and fruit flies, are more than just an annoyance; they can spread diseases like dysentery and cholera. These pests are drawn to organic waste and reproduce rapidly in unsanitary conditions.
Understanding the risks associated with these pests and how they spread can help landlords and tenants take proactive measures to prevent infestations.
The Importance of Addressing Pest Problems for Landlords
As a landlord, you are responsible for providing a safe and functional living space for your tenants. The presence of pests can make your tenants feel unsafe and uncomfortable in their rental units, which can not only damage your wallet but your reputation as well.
If word gets out that your rental units have a pest infestation, people won’t want to live there, and you’ll be forced to address the issue. Getting ahead of the problem and addressing a pest infestation as soon as possible will give your tenants peace of mind and also save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars in the long run.
Why Partner with a Trusted Pest Control Professional
Partnering with a trusted pest control professional can be a smart move for landlords everywhere. Since landlords are legally responsible for handling pest control in their rental properties, it is a good idea to have an exterminator you know and trust perform regular inspections.
Due to the higher cost and difficulty of eliminating an ongoing pest infestation in a multi-unit building, it’s generally recommended to sign up for an affordable ongoing commercial pest control plan. These plans provide routine inspections and preventative measures, guaranteed to keep large properties pest-free and tenants safe and satisfied.
FAQs
Are landlords legally required to handle pest control in Maryland?
Yes, landlords are legally required to handle pest control in the state of Maryland. Once a tenant moves into a property, however, it is their responsibility to maintain a clean dwelling and do everything in their power to prevent future infestations.
If a tenant fails to maintain a clean environment or fails to report a pest control problem, they may be responsible for any remunerative pest control costs.
Does the law require landlords to conduct regular pest inspections?
The law only states that landlords must provide a pest-free and habitable environment and regular pest inspections can aid in this. These inspections ensure that any pest infestations are discovered in a timely manner and dealt with to protect the health of the tenants.
If you partner with a pest control company for ongoing pest control, this will usually be included in their quarterly services.
Can a tenant be held responsible for pest infestations?
After a tenant moves into a rental property, it is their responsibility to maintain the cleanliness of the unit and do everything they can to prevent a pest infestation.
However, whether they will be held responsible for resolving a pest infestation depends on several factors, including the lease agreement, the cause of the infestation, and state laws.
What should tenants do if they discover pests in their rental unit?
If tenants discover pests in their rental unit, they should immediately notify their landlord. The landlord is then responsible for deciding how to handle the problem and which pest control method to use.
Tenants should not try to resolve an infestation themselves, as this can worsen things and jeopardize their health and safety.