Can a Landlord Charge for Pest Treatment?

Pest issues can be caused by many factors, and landlords often try to charge tenants automatically. To charge a tenant, the landlord generally needs evidence tying the infestation to tenant-caused conditions.

When the charge can be legitimate

• Pest treatment was necessary due to tenant-caused unsanitary conditions
• Vendor documentation supports the scope and need for treatment
• Treatment is targeted to tenant-caused issue (not building-wide problem)

Red flags

• No vendor invoice or details about the infestation
• Charging for routine preventative pest control
• Building-wide issues blamed on a single unit without proof

What to ask for

• Pest control invoice and report describing findings
• Photos or inspection notes documenting conditions
• Evidence the issue was unit-specific vs building-wide

How to dispute

1. Request the vendor report and invoice.
2. Dispute charges that look like routine building maintenance.
3. Ask for evidence tying cause to tenant actions (not just presence).

Start with the dispute template, then escalate to a demand letter if the landlord won't correct it.