Is The Landlord Responsible for Pest Control?

Nobody signs a lease thinking they’ll end up sharing their home with cockroaches—or worse, watching their cat play out a live-action version of Tom and Jerry in the kitchen. But pests do have a sneaky way of moving in uninvited, and when they do, the big question is: who’s responsible for getting rid of them? the landlord or the tenant?

If you’re renting (or renting out) a home in Western Australia, pest control responsibility can get a little murky. It all depends on when the pests appeared, why they’re there, and what your lease agreement says.

To help clear things up (and keep the creepy crawlies at bay), we’ve put together a straightforward guide to pest control obligations under WA tenancy law.

WA law on pest control in rentals

In Western Australia, the law sets some clear expectations when it comes to pest control, and the line between landlord and tenant responsibilities usually comes down to timing and cause.

Landlords are responsible when:

• The pests were present before the tenant moved in (e.g. cockroaches in the cupboards during the final inspection).
• The infestation is caused by a structural issue (e.g. like termites in timber frames or rats getting in through roof gaps).
• The property isn’t kept to minimum rental standards, which includes being reasonably clean and free of pests at the start of a tenancy.

Under the WA Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must ensure the home is in a habitable condition, which includes taking care of serious pest issues that relate to the property’s structure or ongoing safety.

Tenants are responsible when:

• The infestation is a result of poor hygiene or neglect (e.g. leaving food out, overflowing bins, dirty kitchens).
• Pests arrive because of a pet, such as fleas after adopting a furry friend.
• They fail to report a pest issue early, allowing it to get worse.

In short, landlords are on the hook for structural or inherited pest problems. Tenants need to keep the place clean and report any pest sightings quickly. It’s a shared responsibility, but who does what depends on the circumstances.

Common pest problems in perth rentals (and who handles what)

Some overlap can happen (e.g. like ants showing up despite a spotless home). In those cases, it often comes down to what’s noted in the Property Condition Report and what your lease agreement says (more on that next).

The power of the lease agreement and property condition report

When it comes to pest control disputes, your lease agreement and Property Condition Report (PCR) are the two most important documents in your corner.

Lease agreements

A well-drafted lease can spell out exactly who’s responsible for pest control — especially when pets are involved. For example, it might say:

• Tenants must arrange and pay for flea treatments if they have pets.
• Landlords will organise annual pest inspections or treatments for termites.

If your lease doesn’t include anything about pest control you’ll fall back on standard WA tenancy rules, which still require landlords to provide a pest-free property at the start, and tenants to maintain it.

Property condition report

These reports document the state of the property at the beginning (and end) of the lease—including any signs of pests. If ants were already marching across the benchtop at move-in, that’s the landlord’s issue to fix. If they showed up halfway through the lease because of food left out, that’s likely on the tenant.

Long story short? Clear documentation protects everyone. If you’re a landlord, include pest clauses in the lease. If you’re a tenant, double-check the PCR before signing and report any creepy crawlies straight away.

Preventing pest problems before they start

For landlords:

• Schedule annual pest inspections – particularly for termites and rodents.
• Make sure the property is well-sealed – check for gaps around doors, windows, and roof spaces.
• Maintain the garden – trim trees, clear gutters, and remove debris where pests love to hide.
• Fix leaks and drainage issues promptly – standing water is a welcome mat for insects.

For tenants:

• Keep the kitchen clean – no crumbs, no open food, no pest parties.
• Empty bins regularly – use lids on all food waste.
• Ventilate bathrooms and laundry areas – prevents moisture build-up (and mould).
• Report issues early – whether it’s an odd smell, droppings, or holes in the wall.

What happens when there’s a dispute?

Even with the best intentions (and a clean house), pest issues can still spark disagreement, especially if it’s not immediately clear who’s responsible. If a tenant finds fleas mid-lease, or a landlord suspects an infestation was caused by poor upkeep, tensions can creep in just like the bugs.

Here’s what to do if things start to go sideways:

• Start with a chat – Open, respectful communication is always the first step. Whether you’re a tenant or landlord, reach out early to raise the issue and discuss what’s going on.
• Put it in writing – Back up your conversations with emails or messages, and keep a record of when pest sightings or treatments occurred.
• Take photos – Document what you’re seeing: droppings, nests, damage, or live pests. Clear evidence can help avoid a he-said-she-said situation.
• Check the lease and PCR – See what was documented at the start of the lease and whether pest responsibilities are outlined.
• Contact Consumer Protection WA – If you can’t resolve the issue between yourselves, WA’s tenancy support services can provide free advice and next steps. In serious cases, the matter can go to the Magistrates Court for formal resolution.

How Semple supports pest-free rentals

At Semple, we know a rental property is more than bricks and mortar. It’s someone’s home, and it should feel safe, clean, and comfortable. That’s why we take pest control seriously as part of our property management service.

Here’s how we help landlords stay ahead of the creepy crawlies:

• Routine inspections – We keep an eye out for signs of pests during scheduled property checks, so problems are caught early (before tenants even have to ask).
• Thorough condition reports – Our detailed PCRs help clearly document the state of the property, including any pre-existing pest issues, at the start and end of each lease.
• Clear communication – We work closely with both landlords and tenants to make sure everyone knows their role in keeping the property pest-free.
• Compliance made easy – We stay up-to-date with WA’s Residential Tenancies Act, so your rental stays within the law and out of trouble.
• Responsive maintenance – When pest issues do pop up, our team acts fast to coordinate solutions with no delays and no stress.

Know where you stand

At the end of the day, nobody wants to deal with pests, especially when it’s unclear who’s meant to handle it. In WA, landlords are expected to provide a pest-free home at the start of a lease, while tenants need to keep things clean and raise the alarm early if bugs or rodents show up.

If you’re tired of chasing responsibilities or dealing with unclear expectations, we’re here to make it simple. Semple Property Group takes the hassle out of property management in Perth, keeping your rental compliant, cared for, and pest-free from day one.