Why should a landlord plan pest control into the turnover?
Because a unit that is cleared at move-out is easier to let and less likely to cause a complaint. Finding the problem between tenancies is cheaper and less disruptive than finding it after the new tenant has moved in.
A move-out inspection gives the landlord a clear view of the unit before the next tenant arrives. Activity found at that point can be treated while the unit is empty, and the tenant does not have to be disturbed. The alternative is a complaint after the lease has started, which takes longer to resolve and is harder on everyone involved.
The turnover is also the time to repair the gaps and leaks that let pests in. A landlord who fixes a damp corner or a worn door sweep at the same time as the pest work reduces the chance of a repeat call.
What does a tenant need to do to help?
Clear the cupboards and the space under the sink, bag food and bedding, and report any sighting promptly. The preparation is explained in writing so the tenant knows what to expect.
A tenant who clears the space and reports a problem early makes the technician's work faster and more effective. The notice should be clear about the dates, the preparation and the access, so that the tenant can plan.
A tenant who has treated their own unit should still tell the technician what was done. The product and the timing matter, and the technician needs to know before choosing the next step.
- Clear cupboards and the space under the sink before the visit
- Bag food and bedding that could carry insects
- Report any sighting to the landlord straight away
- Tell the technician about any treatment already done
What goes in a unit record?
The date, the findings, the treatment, the follow-up due and any repair the building needs. The record is the landlord's proof that the unit was checked and cleared.
A unit record is short. It states the date of each visit, what was found and where, what was done and what the follow-up involves. Photographs of activity are useful, and the record notes any repair the landlord needs to arrange, such as sealing a gap or fixing a leak.
The landlord keeps the record with the unit's file. The record can be shared with a property manager, with a new tenant if the landlord chooses or with an inspector if the question arises.
How are reports during a tenancy handled?
The report is passed to the technician, who visits the unit, inspects it and treats where needed. The adjoining units are checked where the building allows, and the tenant is told what to do in the meantime.
A tenant's report starts the process. The technician confirms the time of the visit with the tenant and the landlord, and the unit is inspected and treated. The tenant receives a short note on what was done and what to watch for.
Where the report points to a shared problem, the technician checks the neighbouring units and the shared spaces, and the landlord is told the result. The landlord decides on any building-wide action with the technician.
What if a tenant refuses access?
The landlord can give the notice set out in the lease and the local rules, and the technician records the refusal. A refusal can leave a problem in place for the rest of the building.
A tenant who refuses access can keep a pest problem alive in their unit and affect the units around it. The technician records the refusal and tells the landlord what it means for the rest of the work.
Landlords should check their lease and their local rules before serving any notice. The technician does not give legal advice, and the landlord is responsible for the notice and for any dispute with a tenant.
