Having a rental property can be a very lucrative investment. As a landlord, you are responsible for keeping your property in a fit and habitable condition. Part of this includes maintaining a pest-free property. Pests can pose more than an inconvenience and vanity issue to your property; they can cost thousands of dollars in damages if not properly treated.
In this blog, we will cover why preventing pests is important and how you can get started.
Preventing Pests in Your Rental Property is Key
Prevention is the ideal technique for handling pests on your rental property. The correct maintenance can reduce the probability of an insect infestation taking place. There are numerous ways in which pests may attack a home, so it is essential to take all of the steps to avoid pests from being an issue on your rental property.
The duty for pest prevention will depend primarily on the technique. For instance, property managers are typically responsible for routine insect prevention, along with fixing damage to the structure of the building where pests may be enabled to enter. Nevertheless, renters are generally accountable for keeping windows and doors shut, keeping the property clean, frequently tossing out the trash, properly storing food, and informing you of concerns that might enable animals to enter the home.
It is essential to frequently examine your property and invest in annual upkeep for the rental property. Educate your renters to guarantee they comprehend the significance of keeping the home tidy and securing their trash. It is important to regularly treat your property to prevent pests, even if you have never observed a bug around the house.
Pests Can Affect Your Ability to Find Tenants for Your Rental
The appropriate maintenance can assist in keeping your home free of pests. An insect invasion is costly and challenging to resolve, so it is beneficial to follow tips to implement insect prevention.
When you own a rental property, there are certain types of tenants you do not want. You do not want bugs and rodents to settle in your residential or commercial property. Pests damage the rental property and repel actual renters. A bug-infested rental loses its beauty as a preferable habitation, and the property's worth can decrease.
Additionally, a pest infestation negatively affects the resale worth of a residential or commercial property. Allowing pests to prosper in a rental property is a sure way to ruin the property. Keeping a rental free of cockroaches, bed bugs, mice, and fleas are among a property manager's most essential tasks.
What You Can Do To Prevent Pests in Your Rental Property
Handling a pest infestation is significantly more expensive than preventing pests in the first place. As a landlord, there are many steps you can take to prevent pests from getting to the point of an infestation. While the actions of your tenants may be out of your control, here are some tips to prevent pests from getting into your rental property in the first place:
1. Seal off Entry Points
Carefully inspect both the interior and exterior of your property for entry points. Pests will find a way into your property if there are entry points. Be sure to seal any cracks and crevices. Be sure to check the foundation, as well as any gaps near vents, pipes, windows, and doors.
2. Provide Trash Bins That Can be Sealed
Pests often enter a home looking for one of three things: shelter, water, and food. By providing a proper trash bin that is sturdy and has a lid to your tenants, you can reduce the ability for pests to access to food. Regularly inspect the trash bins for holes or entry points and store them away from the property, if possible.
3. Avoid Standing Water in or Around the Property
Be sure to fix any leaks in pipes or faucets that may lead to standing water. Standing water in your yard can be a breeding ground for multiple pests, like mosquitoes. Empty any debris or areas where rainwater can collect. Additionally, standing water attracts rodents and cockroaches.
4. Exterminate Regularly
Pest control companies can offer regular treatments for pests to protect your property, says Drive-Bye Exterminators. As preventative maintenance, regularly treating your property for pests can prevent an infestation before it happens. Even if you do not see any signs of rodents or insects, it is a good idea to treat them. If you do see rodents or insects on your property, there is a good chance that the infestation is already more significant than you think. Regular treatments throughout the year are significantly cheaper than the cost of treating an infestation. Speak to a licensed professional about inspecting and treating your property before an issue arises.
As a Landlord, It's Your Responsibility
Although you may not be the one living in the house, it is your responsibility. First and foremost, your tenant's health and safety is the main priority. If a renter reports pests, it is your job to take care of the issue before it becomes more dangerous and expensive. Especially on a rental property where the renters frequently rotate, regular prevention is key. If there is an infestation, be sure to record and document everything. This can be helpful if there is any legal action that takes place.
Keep the property clean, sealed off, and treated for pests, and you will be in an excellent position to fight against an infestation.