DIY · 10 June 2026
Pests in Melbourne rental properties: tenant or landlord responsibility?
Responsibility depends on timing, property condition, lease terms and whether the issue is caused by structure, cleanliness or prior infestation.
Rental pest responsibility in Victoria is fact-specific. If pests appear immediately after moving in, the issue may pre-date the tenant. If the problem relates to structural gaps, rubbish infrastructure or shared building areas, the owner or owners corporation may need to act. If poor housekeeping created the issue, the tenant may be responsible.
The practical answer is to document everything early: photos, dates, where activity is seen, entry points and any communication with the agent.
A treatment report helps because it records the pest type, likely harbourage and proofing recommendations. That gives everyone something more useful than blame.
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