Have you spotted a few insects in your apartment rental or discovered some signs of an animal nesting in the cabinet? It’s time to call a pest control professional, but who is responsible for scheduling the appointment and paying for any ensuing treatments — the landlord or the tenant? Below, the team at Tudor Oaks Properties of Ashland, KY, answers this important question.

Who Is Responsible?

In Kentucky, as in many other states, the landlord is legally required to maintain quality living conditions in each apartment rental they own. A pest issue causes discomfort, structural issues, and can even be hazardous to a tenant’s health. Thus, generally, if you spot a pest in your apartment rental, it will be the landlord’s responsibility to arrange a professional inspection and pay for the exterminator’s services.

There is an exception to this, however. The tenant is also legally required to keep their unit in good condition, and if they have not done so and their actions have directly led to pests invading the property, the state of Kentucky deems they will be responsible for getting rid of them.

How Can You Prevent Pests?

Fortunately, landlords and tenants can both take steps to avoid pest problems and any disagreement over who is responsible for paying for treatment. If you own a rental property, set up seasonal or annual inspections with an exterminator. They will thoroughly check each unit and ensure no unwanted guests are taking up residence.

Tenants, meanwhile, should seal up all food in airtight containers and take the trash out frequently. Clean the unit regularly to remove crumbs and other debris that might attract pests. Do a periodic check around the unit for holes near the vents or cracks in the walls, and ask the landlord to seal these up right away so bugs and animals don’t use them as entryways into the home.

If you’re seeking a clean, well-maintained apartment rental in Ashland, Boyd County, or the Russell Flatwoods area, Tudor Oaks Properties can help. They offer everything from smaller units for single professionals to homes for families and townhouses, and they provide fully furnished kitchens as well. To learn more about their available properties, call them today at (606) 325-1240 or visit them online.