Do Landlords Have to Provide Pest Control in New Zealand? Answered

When it comes to pest control responsibilities in New Zealand, things can get a little tricky. The short answer? Yes, landlords are often responsible—but not always. It depends on the cause of the infestation and the condition of the property.

Under the Residential Tenancies Act and the Healthy Homes Standards, landlords must ensure the property is in a reasonable state of repair. That includes making sure it's warm, dry, and free from issues that might lead to a pest problem.

When Landlords Are Responsible for Pest Control

There are several scenarios where the responsibility clearly falls on the landlord:

• Structural issues: If pests are getting in due to gaps around windows, a poorly sealed subfloor, or unmaintained roof space, that’s on the landlord to fix—and they may also need to pay for pest treatment.
• Pre-existing infestation: If the pest problem was already present when the tenant moved in, the landlord needs to handle it.
• Health and safety risks: If the infestation poses a health or safety risk (and many do), the landlord may be obligated to act under the Residential Tenancies Act. This one can be a bit of a grey area, but most pest issues—especially rodents, cockroaches, or wasps—can be argued to fall under this clause.

When Tenants Are Responsible

Tenants also have responsibilities when it comes to keeping the property pest-free. If the infestation is a result of poor hygiene or neglect, it’s typically not the landlord’s job to fix it.

Examples include:

• Leaving food out regularly, which can attract ants or cockroaches.
• Not managing rubbish properly, such as leaving bags outside for weeks, which could lead to a rat or mouse problem.
• Lack of general cleanliness, especially in kitchens or bathrooms, can invite unwanted pests.

Not Sure Who's Responsible?

If you're still unsure whether your landlord is responsible for pest control—or you’re a landlord wondering if it's on you—there are two things you can do:

1. Review your tenancy agreement. It may outline specific responsibilities around pest control.
2. Give us a call. At Total Pest Control, we’ve helped tenants, landlords, and property managers across Wellington, Lower Hutt, and beyond figure out the next steps. We can also provide professional pest control with eco-friendly products and expert advice.

Keeping your property pest-free is a shared responsibility, but landlords must ensure the home meets Healthy Homes standards. If you need help dealing with pests—or just want clarity on your rights and responsibilities—reach out. We’re happy to help.

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