Pest infestations can quickly become a source of frustration for landlords and tenants. Mice in the kitchen, cockroaches in cupboards, bed bugs in bedrooms or ants around food-storage areas can make a rental property uncomfortable. But when pests appear, who must arrange and pay for pest control?
In Ontario, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining rental properties and addressing pest infestations. Tenants also have responsibilities, including maintaining ordinary cleanliness, reporting pest activity promptly and cooperating with appropriate treatment.
The answer can depend on the cause of the infestation, the condition of the property, the tenant’s conduct and the applicable housing rules. A landlord should not automatically blame a tenant simply because pests are present. Similarly, tenants should not ignore sanitation problems or prevent necessary pest-control work.
This guide explains landlord and tenant pest-control responsibilities in Ontario, how to respond to common infestations, what to do when a landlord fails to act and how both parties can prevent recurring pest problems.
Who Is Responsible for Pest Control in a Rental Property?
Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, establishes important responsibilities for landlords. Section 20 generally requires landlords to maintain residential complexes, including rental units, in a good state of repair, fit for habitation and compliant with applicable health, safety, housing and maintenance standards.
You can read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 on the Ontario government’s website.
Pest control can form part of these maintenance responsibilities. When mice, cockroaches, bed bugs or other pests affect a rental property, the landlord generally needs to investigate and arrange appropriate measures to address the problem.
Tenants also have obligations. They must maintain ordinary cleanliness and may be responsible for undue damage resulting from their wilful or negligent conduct, including conduct by people they allow onto the property.
However, the presence of pests does not automatically establish that a tenant is responsible. Pests may enter through structural gaps, spread from neighbouring apartments or exist before a new tenant moves in.
The correct approach is to investigate the infestation, identify contributing conditions and determine what action is needed.
When Is the Landlord Responsible for Pest Control?
Landlords are generally responsible for addressing pest problems associated with property maintenance, existing infestations and conditions affecting the rental building.
1. Pests Are Present Before a Tenant Moves In
A tenant may discover cockroaches in kitchen cupboards, mice behind appliances or bed bugs around a mattress shortly after moving into a new rental unit. If the infestation existed before the tenancy began, the landlord will generally need to arrange appropriate remediation as part of their maintenance responsibilities.
The tenant should document the issue as soon as it is discovered. Photographs, move-in inspection notes and written communication can help establish when the problem was first noticed.
Landlords should investigate rather than assume that the new tenant introduced the pests. Even if the source is uncertain, the infestation should be assessed and addressed appropriately.
2. Pests Enter Through Structural Gaps
Cracks, damaged screens, gaps around pipes and openings beneath doors can allow pests to enter a property. For example, mice may gain access through an opening around a plumbing pipe. Treating the rodents without sealing the entry point may allow the problem to continue.
Landlords should assess whether repairs are needed alongside pest treatment. Depending on the inspection findings, this could involve sealing suitable openings, repairing damaged building components or addressing other conditions that allow pests to enter.
A maintenance problem should not automatically be treated as a tenant-cleanliness issue.
3. Pests Spread Between Apartments
In apartment buildings, pests can move between units through wall openings, plumbing spaces and other shared building features. A tenant may keep their kitchen clean and still experience cockroaches or mice because the infestation originates elsewhere in the building.
In these situations, treating a single apartment may not be sufficient. Property management may need to coordinate inspections and treatment across affected units and common areas.
The City of Toronto’s RentSafeTO building-owner requirements include pest-management obligations for covered apartment buildings. These include responding to reports, taking measures to eliminate pests and prevent their spread, and maintaining pest-management records.
4. Pests Are Found in Common Areas
Hallways, laundry rooms, garbage-storage areas and shared facilities can contribute to pest problems when they are not maintained properly. Landlords generally have responsibility for maintaining common areas and responding to relevant pest activity.
For example, recurring mice near a shared waste-storage area may indicate that rubbish management, access points or other building conditions need attention. Tenants should report these problems to the landlord or property manager rather than assuming that someone else will address them.
5. The Infestation Affects the Use of the Rental Unit
A serious infestation may interfere with a tenant’s ability to use and enjoy their home. It may also indicate that the property does not meet applicable maintenance or housing standards.
Examples include persistent rodent activity in food-storage areas, widespread cockroach activity or a bed bug infestation that requires coordinated treatment.
The landlord should assess the severity of the problem and arrange appropriate action. The required response depends on the pest, the affected areas and the conditions discovered during inspection.
When Is the Tenant Responsible for Pest Control?
Tenants have responsibilities too. Their behaviour, housekeeping practices and cooperation can affect how an infestation develops and whether they may be liable for particular costs.
1. Poor Housekeeping Contributes to Pest Activity
Exposed food, overflowing rubbish, unsealed food containers and persistent sanitation problems can attract pests. For example, food crumbs left beneath kitchen appliances may provide a food source for ants or cockroaches. Improperly stored rubbish may also attract rodents.
Tenants should maintain ordinary cleanliness, dispose of waste appropriately and store food in sealed containers. However, an untidy room does not automatically prove that the tenant caused an infestation. The landlord must still consider structural problems, the condition of the building and other possible sources.
2. The Tenant's Conduct Causes or Worsens the Problem
A tenant may be held responsible in certain circumstances when evidence shows that wilful or negligent conduct caused undue damage or otherwise creates liability under applicable law.
Consider an illustrative example: a tenant repeatedly leaves substantial amounts of food waste in an indoor storage area, contributing to a rodent problem. The landlord may need to investigate whether the tenant’s conduct caused or worsened the infestation and whether any resulting costs are legally recoverable.
This is not an actual Acme customer case, and the outcome would depend on the evidence. Landlords should distinguish between a tenant’s proven responsibility and an infestation caused by building defects, neighbouring units or circumstances outside the tenant’s control.
3. The Tenant Introduces Pests Through Belongings
Bed bugs and certain other pests can be transported in luggage, clothing, second-hand furniture and other belongings. If infested furniture is brought into a rental unit, that may be relevant when investigating the source of a bed bug problem.
However, the presence of bed bugs alone does not prove that a tenant introduced them. These pests can enter a property through different routes, and an inspection may be needed to assess the situation. Tenants should check second-hand furniture carefully and report suspected infestations promptly.
4. The Tenant Does Not Cooperate With Treatment
Successful pest management may require access to the rental unit, preparation of particular rooms and cooperation with treatment instructions. A technician may need access to kitchen cupboards, areas behind appliances or spaces where pests have been observed. Tenants should follow reasonable preparation instructions and communicate any concerns that may prevent them from completing the required steps.
Landlords must also comply with Ontario’s legal entry requirements. Section 27 of the Residential Tenancies Act sets out circumstances in which a landlord may enter with written notice, generally requiring at least 24 hours’ notice for specified purposes, subject to the applicable conditions and exceptions. Both parties should communicate clearly to avoid unnecessary delays.
5. The Tenant Does Not Report the Problem Promptly
Early reporting can help prevent a small infestation from becoming more extensive. For example, a tenant who notices mouse droppings or repeated insect activity should notify the landlord rather than waiting until the problem becomes severe. Tenants should provide accurate information about where pests have been seen and whether the activity is continuing.
A delay does not automatically make the tenant responsible for all pest-control costs. Nevertheless, prompt reporting gives the landlord a reasonable opportunity to investigate and respond.
Who Pays for Pest Control: Landlord or Tenant?
The responsibility to arrange treatment and the question of who ultimately pays are related but separate issues. In Ontario, landlords generally have a maintenance obligation to address pest problems. Whether a tenant must reimburse the landlord for specific expenses depends on the circumstances and applicable law.
The following table summarises common situations.
| Situation | General responsibility |
|---|---|
| Pests existed before move-in | The landlord generally arranges remediation. |
| Mice enter through structural gaps | The landlord generally addresses the maintenance issue and pest problem. |
| Pests spread between apartments | The landlord or property manager generally coordinates the response. |
| Pests are found in shared areas | The landlord generally manages the relevant maintenance and pest control. |
| A tenant’s proven negligence contributes to the infestation | Tenant liability may be considered based on the evidence and applicable law. |
| Bed bugs appear, but the source is unknown | The infestation should be investigated before assigning blame. |
| A tenant refuses necessary treatment access | The tenant should cooperate with lawful access and reasonable treatment arrangements. |
These are general guidelines, not automatic legal determinations. The type of rental property, municipal requirements, evidence and circumstances may affect the outcome.
Tenants should not automatically deduct pest-control expenses from rent or withhold rent because a landlord has failed to respond. They should seek guidance through the appropriate legal or housing channels before taking action that could affect their tenancy.
What Should Tenants Do When They Discover Pests?
Tenants can take several practical steps to document the issue and help the landlord respond effectively.
Step 1: Identify the Signs of Pest Activity
Look for evidence such as:
- Droppings or gnaw marks near cupboards and food packages.
- Live or dead insects near baseboards, kitchens or bathrooms.
- Possible bed bug signs around mattress seams and bed frames.
- Scratching sounds in walls or ceilings.
- Damaged food packaging or repeated pest activity near rubbish areas.
These signs may indicate pest activity, but they do not always establish the species or source. If you suspect mice, Acme Pest Solutions provides a guide explaining what mice are and how to recognize them.
Step 2: Notify the Landlord in Writing
Send an email or written message describing the problem. Include the date, location and signs you have observed.
For example:
“I noticed mouse droppings inside a kitchen cupboard and signs of activity beneath the sink. Could you please arrange an inspection and let me know the next steps?”
Keep a copy of your message and any response. Written communication helps establish when the problem was reported.
Step 3: Photograph the Evidence
Take photographs of visible pest activity when practical. Record dates and locations, and note whether the problem is getting worse. If neighbours have reported similar activity, you can mention that information without making unsupported accusations about the source. These records may help a pest-control professional assess the problem and may be useful if a tenancy dispute develops.
Step 4: Prepare for Treatment
Ask the landlord or pest-control professional for clear preparation instructions. Depending on the pest and treatment method, preparation may include clearing cupboards, moving items away from walls or cleaning specific surfaces.
Follow the instructions provided and raise concerns about children, pets, food or personal belongings before treatment. Avoid applying additional pesticides without checking whether doing so is appropriate. Uncoordinated treatments may interfere with the planned approach or create avoidable exposure risks.
Step 5: Follow Up if the Problem Continues
Some infestations require follow-up visits. The appropriate treatment schedule depends on the pest, the severity of the problem and the property conditions. If pests remain after treatment, notify the landlord and ask whether further inspection or treatment is required.
If the landlord does not address the problem, tenants can contact the relevant municipal authority or seek advice about their options under Ontario tenancy law. Toronto tenants in covered apartment buildings can learn about RentSafeTO service requests and complaints.
What Should Landlords Do When Tenants Report Pests?
A prompt, documented response helps landlords meet their maintenance responsibilities and reduces the risk of a recurring infestation.
1. Respond to the Complaint
Acknowledge the tenant’s report and gather basic information about the pest, affected areas and timing. Ask whether the tenant has noticed activity in other rooms or common areas. This information can help establish whether the issue may involve one unit or a wider part of the building.
2. Arrange an Appropriate Inspection
The inspection should identify the likely pest, assess the extent of the activity and look for contributing conditions. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve checking plumbing openings, door gaps, waste-storage areas, wall penetrations and neighbouring spaces. The purpose is to understand both the immediate infestation and the factors allowing it to continue.
3. Address the Source of the Problem
Effective pest management may involve more than treating visible pests. Appropriate measures could include:
- Treatment suited to the identified pest.
- Sealing suitable entry points.
- Repairing relevant building defects.
- Addressing moisture or sanitation issues.
- Coordinating treatment across affected units.
- Arranging follow-up inspections when necessary.
The measures should be based on the inspection findings. Different pests require different approaches. Landlords seeking additional information can review Acme Pest Solutions’ professional pest control services to learn more about pest-management options.
4. Communicate Preparation and Access Requirements
Tenants should receive clear information about treatment dates, preparation steps and any necessary access arrangements. Landlords must follow the applicable entry rules and should explain what residents need to do before treatment. Where a tenant has a disability or another barrier that affects preparation, the parties should discuss reasonable arrangements.
5. Maintain Treatment Records
Landlords should keep relevant records of complaints, inspections, treatment dates, recommendations and follow-up actions. For covered Toronto apartment buildings, RentSafeTO includes additional pest-management requirements concerning inspections, treatment, prevention and records. Good documentation helps management determine whether the treatment is effective and whether further action is necessary.
Common Pest Problems in Rental Properties
Different pests require different inspection and treatment approaches.
Mice and Rats
Rodents may enter through gaps around pipes, doors, foundations and other openings. Droppings, gnaw marks and damaged food packaging can indicate activity. Management may involve appropriate control measures, sanitation improvements and repairs to reduce access.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches often hide in narrow spaces around appliances, cabinets, plumbing and wall openings. In apartment buildings, they may spread between units. Treatment may require careful inspection, appropriate control methods and cooperation from residents. If activity occurs in several apartments, a wider assessment may be necessary.
For more information, see Acme Pest Solutions’ guide to the signs of a cockroach infestation.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can be introduced through luggage, furniture and other belongings. They may also spread through certain shared-building conditions. Their presence does not automatically establish that a tenant has been careless.
An inspection should determine the extent of the infestation and guide the treatment plan. Tenants should report suspected bed bugs promptly and avoid moving potentially infested belongings through shared areas unnecessarily.
Acme’s guide explains how to protect yourself from bed bug infestations.
Ants
Ants may enter through small gaps while searching for food or moisture. Sealed food storage, regular cleaning and appropriate repairs can help reduce activity. If ants continue to appear, the landlord may need to investigate entry points, moisture conditions or a possible nest.
Wasps and Other Outdoor Pests
Pest concerns can also involve balconies, roof spaces, outdoor areas and building exteriors. The appropriate response depends on the species and location. Tenants should report nests or recurring pest activity to management instead of attempting hazardous removal themselves.
How Can Landlords and Tenants Prevent Pest Infestations?
Prevention works best when both parties understand their responsibilities and communicate early.
Landlords can:
- Maintain doors, windows, foundations and plumbing openings.
- Keep shared rubbish and storage areas properly maintained.
- Investigate recurring complaints rather than relying only on temporary treatments.
- Arrange appropriate inspections and professional pest management.
- Communicate treatment schedules and preparation requirements clearly.
Tenants can:
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Clean up food crumbs and spills promptly.
- Empty rubbish regularly and use designated waste areas.
- Report leaks, damaged screens and gaps that could allow pests to enter.
- Inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it indoors.
- Follow treatment preparation instructions and report continuing activity.
These measures reduce conditions that attract pests, but they cannot guarantee that an infestation will never occur. Even well-maintained homes can experience pest problems, particularly when pests spread from neighbouring properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a landlord responsible for pest control in Ontario?
Generally, yes. Ontario landlords must maintain rental properties in a good state of repair and comply with applicable housing and maintenance standards. The exact response depends on the circumstances and relevant local rules.
Can a landlord charge a tenant for pest control?
A landlord should not automatically charge a tenant simply because pests have been found. Tenant liability may be considered where the evidence and applicable law support it. The circumstances should be investigated before responsibility for costs is assigned.
Are tenants responsible for bed bugs?
Not automatically. Bed bugs can enter a property through different routes. Their presence alone does not establish that a tenant caused the infestation.
What if a landlord refuses to arrange pest control?
Tenants should report the issue in writing, keep records and request a clear response. If the problem remains unresolved, they can contact the appropriate municipal authority or seek guidance from Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board.
Does a tenant have to prepare an apartment for treatment?
Tenants should generally cooperate with reasonable treatment preparations and lawful access arrangements. Landlords should provide clear instructions and comply with applicable entry requirements.
Can a landlord ignore pests if the tenant keeps the unit clean?
No. A tenant’s cleanliness does not remove the landlord’s general maintenance obligations. The landlord should assess the problem and determine the appropriate response.
Do pest-control responsibilities differ across Canada?
Yes. Rules vary by province, territory, municipality and property type. This article focuses on Ontario and should not be treated as a universal legal rule for all Canadian rental properties.
Conclusion: Who Should Arrange Pest Control?
In Ontario, landlords are generally responsible for arranging pest control and maintaining rental properties in accordance with applicable housing standards. Tenants also have an important role in maintaining ordinary cleanliness, reporting infestations promptly and cooperating with appropriate treatment.
When pests appear, neither party should assume responsibility based solely on their presence. The source of the infestation, the condition of the building, the parties’ conduct and the applicable law all matter.
Prompt reporting, a proper inspection and a coordinated treatment plan can help resolve the issue and reduce the risk of recurrence.
If you are dealing with mice, cockroaches, ants or another pest in a rental property, explore Acme Pest Solutions’ professional pest control services to learn more about inspection and treatment options.