Landlords should take a proactive approach when bed bug cases arise, says Jonathan Rolande from the National Association of Property. He highlights the legal ambiguity surrounding responsibility for bedbugs.Â
“There seems to be growing evidence of this issue becoming more problematic, and it’s essential for both landlords and tenants to collaborate proactively to address it. The question of responsibility in pest-related matters often leads to disputes, as it’s not always clear who should bear the burden, whether it’s the landlord or the tenant.”
“Pests and vermin can include bed bugs, fleas, flies, rats, mice, and cockroaches.
“A tenant might bear responsibility if their actions encourage pests, such as keeping a pet with fleas, improper disposal of food waste, or inadequate rubbish storage. Landlords are typically not held accountable for bed bugs unless it’s proven that the infestation predated the tenancy.
Jonathan Rolande adds, “Any problems should be reported to the landlord or their representative. Necessary actions can then be taken to resolve the issue. This may involve tasks like pest control, proper waste disposal, sealing entry points for vermin, or using pest repellents. Landlords should seek professional guidance on the most effective methods to address these problems.”
“They should check if their insurance policy covers the cost of addressing the issue. In the case of flats, the managing agent might need to be involved, and the cost could be covered by the maintenance fund, but this only applies when neither the landlord nor the tenant is at fault.
“Landlords should exercise extra caution when there are children or vulnerable individuals living in the property.
“As a final option, either party can contact their local Environmental Health Department, which will assess the problem and instruct the responsible party to resolve it.”
Explaining which properties are most susceptible, he adds, “Rented properties are more prone to pest or vermin issues as they often occupy older, less maintained buildings than owner-occupied ones. They are also frequently located closer to commercial areas, which increases the risk. Additionally, the turnover of occupants is another contributing factor.”
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