By Eric L. Toscano & Luis Avalos
If you’re a tenant and planning to take a vacation over the long New Year’s weekend, you may be worried about pests invading your rental unit while you’re away. Pests (cockroaches, rodents, ants, bed bugs, etc.) can cause all sorts of problems, from destroying your belongings to spreading diseases. It’s important to take steps to prevent them from setting up shop in your rental unit.
In California, landlords are responsible for providing tenants with habitable living conditions. (For a definition of the implied warranty of habitability, follow this link.) If a tenant complains about a pest infestation in a rental unit, a landlord is responsible for taking action to remedy the infestation and ensuring the rental unit is habitable. Nonetheless, it is always preferable to avoid conditions that give rise to an infestation in the first place.
The first thing you should do is make sure your rental unit is clean and tidy before you leave. Pests are attracted to food, so make sure you throw away any food past its expiration date, and put any remaining food in airtight containers. You should also clean your kitchen thoroughly, including washing dishes, wiping down countertops, and sweeping the floor.
Another way to prevent pests is to eliminate any potential hiding places. This includes sealing up any cracks or holes in your walls, windows, and doors. You should also make sure that your window and door screens are in good repair, as pests can easily crawl through small holes. If these hiding places exist as a result of ordinary wear and tear, contact your landlord about the need for repairs.
If you’re worried about pests entering your rental unit while you’re away, you can also use pest control measures such as traps and bait stations. These can be effective at keeping pests at bay, but it’s important to use them responsibly and follow the instructions on the packaging. If anything greater than traps and bait stations are needed (e.g., pesticides), contact your landlord.
If you have pets, make sure to make arrangements for them while you’re away. This could include hiring a petsitter or boarding them at a kennel. Pets can attract pests, so it’s important to keep them well-fed and clean while you’re away to prevent pests from being drawn to your rental unit.
If you’ll be away for a long time, it’s also important to ask someone to check on your rental unit regularly. This could be a friend, family member, neighbor, or even a professional who can check for any signs of pests and take action if necessary.
By keeping your rental unit clean and clutter-free, sealing up cracks and openings, and using pest control products, you can prevent pests from invading your living space.
If you do find pests in your rental unit, it’s important to act quickly to get rid of them. Contact your landlord or property manager for assistance.
Pests can be a major nuisance for tenants during the holidays, but with a little prevention and quick action, you can keep them away.
