The presence of rodents in a dwelling can cause considerable material damage and health risks. In this situation, prompt action for rodent extermination is necessary to eliminate these pests. However, the question often arises as to who should bear the costs related to this operation: the landlord or the tenant ? This article provides answers regarding the distribution of responsibilities between these two parties.

The legal obligations of the landlord and the tenant regarding rodent extermination

The French Civil Code clearly establishes the respective obligations of the landlord and the tenant concerning the maintenance and repair of a dwelling. Regarding rodent extermination, it is important to distinguish between situations where there is an initial problem present at the time the tenant takes possession of the premises, or an infestation that occurs during the rental period.

Rodent extermination at the landlord’s expense during the property condition report

When a tenant takes possession of a dwelling, they are required to check the general condition of the premises and equipment by conducting a property condition report. If, during this inspection, they notice the presence of rodents or signs of their passage (droppings, gnawed materials, etc.), they must inform the landlord immediately. In this case, it is the landlord’s responsibility to bear the costs of rodent extermination, as this falls under the landlord’s repair obligations.

The landlord therefore has the responsibility to ensure that a dwelling is free of pests before the tenant moves in. If the problem persists despite an initial extermination intervention, the landlord must continue to cover these costs until the issue is fully resolved.

Rodent extermination at the tenant’s expense during the rental period

During the rental period, the tenant is obliged to ensure the routine maintenance of the dwelling and to carry out small repairs. This includes extermination work when necessary. Therefore, it is the tenant’s responsibility to cover the costs related to a rodent infestation that occurs during the rental period.

However, if the infestation arises from external causes unrelated to the dwelling (work in the building, health issues in the common areas, etc.), the landlord may be required to contribute to the extermination costs. The tenant must then send a written request to the landlord to report the issue and request their financial participation.

The distribution of extermination costs among co-owners

When it comes to a condominium, the distribution of extermination costs can be more complex. Indeed, rodents can move between different common and private areas, making it difficult to determine the source of the problem.

In this context, it is generally accepted that the extermination costs for the common areas are the responsibility of the condominium, which must take this expense into account in its annual budget. Specific extermination work for each dwelling, however, remains the responsibility of the landlord or the tenant, depending on the cases described previously.

Prevention solutions to avoid rodent infestations

To avoid the inconveniences associated with rodent infestations and the potential disputes regarding the coverage of extermination costs, it is essential to adopt preventive measures. Here are some useful tips:

• Maintain strict cleanliness in the dwelling and common areas: eliminate food waste, regularly clean floors, avoid leaving food out, etc.
• Check and seal any openings through which rodents can enter: cracks, holes, ducts, etc.
• Install rodent-proofing devices such as grills, repellents, or suitable traps
• Maintain green spaces and trim trees to prevent rodents from settling and reproducing
• In case of suspected infestation, act quickly by contacting a professional exterminator

In summary, the responsibility for extermination costs depends on the situation and the timing of the infestation’s discovery. The landlord is responsible during the property condition report, while the tenant must bear these costs during the rental period. In any case, effective prevention is the best solution to avoid problems related to rodents.