Causes and solutions for persistent pest problems!
Many landlords and tenants will at some stage experience problems with rats and mice. Our climate and the availability of lots of food can assist rodents to thrive over the warmer months. As winter gets near and less food and shelter is available they often look to nest somewhere warmer and your rental property could provide a great source of shelter and food.
In most cases there is no infestation and a problem can be easily solved by laying some traps or bait. The presentation of the property and general cleanliness can have a direct effect on increasing the likelihood of a rodent problem. However, landlords should not assume that problems have been caused by tenants as there can be other causes of rodents.
If tenants in your rental property experience problems with rats and mice and their general level of cleanliness at the property is not up to standard then this would have generally contributed to the problem. If tenants (or landlords) have piles of rubbish and debris (including bushes/leaves/building materials/old cars/boats etc) lying around then this can also contribute to the problem. Piles of rubbish or unkempt grounds on neighbouring sections also provide a place for rodents to nest and breed. Some trees and nuts have also been known to attract rodents who like to feast on the fruit.
It can be difficult to identify a specific source of a rodent problem with so many contributing factors. However, regular property inspections and monitoring standards of presentation will help avoid problems. If you experience a problem with rodents in your rental property then work together with your tenants and take a combined approach to tackling the problem. The best approach is to make an agreement that the landlord will provide traps and/or baits once any rubbish is removed, the property is kept clean and all lawns are clipped. Trim trees and branches away from the property and make it difficult for rodents to gain entry.
Landlords can provide basic rodent traps or off the shelf rat poison from the hardware store. However, a commitment is needed from the tenants to assist with the process. Landlords often need to educate tenants in their role, the first of which is to ensure that the correct procedures are followed to ensure the occupants safety. The second is to ensure that you educate your tenants on how to avoid rodent problems re-occurring. Pest control professionals should be used if assistance is required or the problem persists or is serious. It is recommended that cockroach problems be treated by professionals and this can be a problem that may require multiple treatments if the infestation is bad enough. Property owners should also take fleas and cockroach problems seriously and not assume it is the tenants fault. Eggs can lay dormant for a long time and problems may have been there before the tenants moved in.
If rodent problems are not addressed then there is potential for serious damage including leaks in pipes and electrical issues. Rodents can eat through pipes and cables and have been identified as a cause of house fires. Less serious problems caused by fleas, ants and cockroaches may not have such a drastic effect, but are just as likely to upset tenants and encourage them to move out.
Next time your tenant or property manager reports a problem with rats, mice, cockroaches or fleas then work together to see how you can assist in the process. This can be a traumatic experience for most tenants and a plan needs to be implemented to combat problems quickly. A proactive landlord can ensure problems are minimised if they manage the problem efficiently. Your property manager can assist by liaising with tenants or providing estimates for professional treatment. Happy tenants are most often long term tenants.
Allen Realty is a 100% specialist Auckland Residential Property Management company with a growing network of local branches in Mt Eden, Auckland CBD, Greenlane and Manukau. Visit www.allenrealty.co.nz for information on our services or email simonallen@allenrealty.co.nz for more information.
You can read other recent blogs including Rent Arrears—What is the Process?, Negotiating Tenancies, The Tenant Selection Process, The Art of the Rent Review, Smoke Alarms in Rental Properties, A Landlord's Preparation for Winter, Reduce Moisture—Reduce Vacancies, Low Maintenance Gardens in Rental Properties and How Many Tenants on an Agreement?
Simon Allen | Allen Realty Ltd
REINZ Residential Property Manager of the Year 2011
June 2011
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