Discovering cockroaches in the kitchen, mice in the ceiling, or termites in the walls is bad enough. Working out who is responsible for fixing it — and actually getting it fixed — is the part renters often get wrong. Here is how to handle it.
Who is responsible for pest control?
Responsibility depends on when the infestation started and what caused it:
In practice, proving the origin of a pest infestation is difficult. The key factor is whether the property was pest-free at move-in — which is why your condition report and move-in photos matter.
- Pre-existing infestation: If pests were present before you moved in (or if structural issues like gaps, unsealed drains, or substandard construction allowed them to enter), the landlord is responsible.
- Infestation caused by tenant behaviour: If an infestation was caused or significantly worsened by the tenant — leaving food out attracting cockroaches, hoarding creating mouse habitat, keeping animals that attract fleas — the tenant may bear responsibility.
- Structural entry points: Gaps in walls, broken vents, or inadequate vermin-proofing are landlord responsibility — especially significant in QLD where vermin-proofing is now a minimum standard.
Step 1: Document and notify in writing
As soon as you discover a pest issue:
For termites, this is a genuine building emergency. Notify in writing and request treatment within 24 hours. Termite damage can escalate rapidly and the landlord has a strong incentive to act — frame it as the emergency it is.
- Photograph the evidence — droppings, damage, live pests if visible
- Note the date and the areas affected
- Write to your landlord or agent immediately: describe the pest, the extent of the problem, and request urgent treatment
Step 2: Escalate if no action is taken
If your landlord does not arrange pest treatment within a reasonable timeframe:
In QLD, where vermin-proofing is now a minimum housing standard, you can report directly to the RTA if the property has structural entry points that are not being addressed.
- For urgent pests (termites, rodent infestation affecting food safety): send a formal breach notice and advise you will arrange treatment yourself and seek reimbursement if not done within 48 hours
- For serious but not urgent pests (cockroach infestation, ants): give a reasonable period of 7–14 days and escalate to your state tenancy authority if nothing happens
Doing the treatment yourself
If the infestation is severe and the landlord is unresponsive, you may be able to arrange treatment yourself under the urgent repairs provisions (if pests pose a health risk). Keep all receipts and the pest controller's report, notify the landlord in writing before and after, and seek reimbursement.
For minor ongoing issues (standard cockroaches, occasional ants), tenant-supplied pest control products are a reasonable response while you pursue the landlord for structural remediation.
Bond implications
If a pest infestation exists at the end of your tenancy and the landlord claims it is your responsibility, a pest inspection report dated at or near move-out (compared against the condition at move-in) is your evidence. If you have documented that pests were present before you moved in, a bond claim for pest treatment is likely challengeable.