eChipmunks

Renter/Homeowner responsibility for pest control?

We've lived in our house for almost exactly a year now. For the last month our home has been OVERRUN with black ants! I'm talking all over the carpets, the counters, dishwasher, bathrooms, bedrooms, garage...everywhere!! We don't ever leave food out and we clean all rooms regularly, these ants aren't fining anything...but they won't go away!! I've sprayed all around the house, the window sills, the baseboards, EVERYWHERE!!! In addition to this we get spiders often and black widows every now and then. Is our landlord responsible for the cost of a professional pest control service? I don't believe the house was sprayed when we moved in, as I found and killed several black widows in and around the house before we moved in furniture. If you know, please tell me where I can look online at renters/homeowners rights and responsibilities, specifically on this issue. Thanks! Oh ya, we in in California, Kern Co.

Public Comments

1. You are renting a house? Then you are responsible. The ants have been terrible this year! Think it's the weather... In addition to spraying, you probably need ant traps. Call the pest control service, get it done, then put out ant traps.
2. You probably live in a state that has a very hot climate. I will say the owner should pay first time and you will continue to keep the place pest free.
3. In order for anyone here to help you regarding online landlord/tenant rights ... you would need to provide your state. The landlord's responsibilities will depend on your state's landlord tenant laws and your lease. Check your lease. The landlord can turn the responsibility for pest control over to the tenant if it is a single family home. If, by chance, the landlord is responsible, you cannot force a professional pest control service. The landlord has every right to do it himself and use pest control sprays and traps purchased at the local home improvement store.