Do You Need Pest Control for An End of Lease Clean

We often hear from renters who’ve owned pets and aren’t quite sure where pest control fits in when it’s time to move out. Some people assume a standard end of lease clean will cover everything, while others are surprised with a last-minute request for fumigation.

The reality sits somewhere in between. Pest control isn’t automatically required, but there are situations where it can come into play. Things like what’s written in your lease, whether pets were approved, how long you lived there, and whether pests were ever an issue can all factor in. This is why advice from agents, landlords, and even friends often sounds inconsistent.

Follow along as we share how pest control is usually handled at the end of a lease, from responsibility and inspections through to resolving disputes if they come up.

Who’s typically responsible for pest control

Pest control can feel like one of those things that automatically lands on the tenant. But who it actually applies to isn’t always as clear as it first seems, especially once pets, property condition, and tenancy history come into play.

Understand the different roles tenants and landlords play

Under NSW Fair Trading guidance, responsibility for pest control is tied closely to whether an issue affects the habitability of the property and when it occurs during the tenancy. At the start of a lease, landlords are generally responsible for ensuring the home is free from pests and in a condition that’s fit to live in, which includes dealing with any existing infestations.

Once a tenancy is underway, responsibility can shift. Tenants are expected to keep the property reasonably clean and avoid actions that could contribute to pest problems. If pests appear because of how the property is used, tenants may be responsible for addressing the issue. This distinction is reflected in NSW guidance around pest issues, which focuses on cause, timing, and overall property condition.

See how pets can influence responsibility expectations

Pets are one of the most common reasons pest control is raised at the end of a lease. Even when animals have been approved, some agents and landlords assume fumigation is needed, particularly if pets were kept indoors.

Having a pet doesn’t automatically make a tenant responsible for pest control. What matters is whether a pest issue can reasonably be linked to the tenancy itself. Practical guidance around pest control responsibility in NSW shows responsibility is usually assessed based on cause, not pet ownership alone. This is why pets tend to shape expectations rather than obligations. Checking the lease wording and condition reports together helps separate assumption from requirement before pest control is organised.

What happens when responsibility isn’t clear

When responsibility isn’t clearly set out in the lease, pest control is usually assessed based on context rather than a simple yes or no. Factors like when the issue appeared, how the property was used, and whether pests were noted at the start of the tenancy all help shape what’s considered reasonable.

Guidance around pest control responsibility in NSW shows that responsibility is often linked to cause rather than assumption. If a pest issue can’t reasonably be connected to tenant behaviour, it may not automatically fall on the renter.

If things still feel unclear, speaking directly with the real estate agent can help clarify how the lease is being interpreted and what the landlord is actually asking for. Getting that confirmation early often prevents confusion or disputes closer to handover.

Pest control for an end of lease inspection

Once it feels like pest control responsibility has landed on you, the focus shifts to resolving it properly. This usually means understanding what’s expected before the final inspection and what steps actually need to be taken.

Check what your lease requires

Lease clauses around pest control usually fall into a few clear patterns. Understanding which type applies to your agreement helps clarify whether pest control is genuinely required or simply being assumed.

Lease clauses that mention pest control often sound similar but work very differently in practice. Some apply only in specific situations, while others are commonly misunderstood as automatic requirements when no pests are present.

Perform pest control for an end of lease

When pest control is genuinely required, it’s usually arranged as one of the final steps before handing back the keys. This is typically done after an end of lease clean, so the home is presented in its best possible condition at inspection.

In most cases, pest control should be carried out by a professional pest control company. Using a licensed provider ensures the treatment meets industry standards and comes with a receipt or treatment certificate, which agents commonly ask for as proof that the work was completed properly.

How to resolve pest control disputes

Disputes around pest control usually come down to differing expectations rather than serious problems. Keeping things practical, calm, and well documented gives you the best chance of resolving the issue without unnecessary stress.

Clarify what issue is being disputed

Most pest control disputes start because different parties are talking about different things. One side may be questioning whether pests are present at all, while the other is relying on lease wording, inspection timing, or assumptions tied to pets. Narrowing the discussion down to the exact point of disagreement helps keep the conversation practical and prevents it from drifting into unrelated expectations.

• Whether pests are actually present
• Whether responsibility is being disputed
• Whether timing of treatment is the concern
• Whether proof or documentation is being requested

Know what to do if pest control affects your bond

If pest control is raised as part of a bond claim, it usually follows the same process as any other bond dispute. The focus is on what’s being claimed and why, whether that’s a missing receipt, a lease condition, or a pest issue noted at inspection. From there, the claim can be checked against the lease, condition reports, and any evidence from the tenancy.

Unfortunately, disputes regarding rental bond refunds are not uncommon, with final outcomes sometimes decided at an NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) hearing. In many cases, disputes can still be resolved without escalation by clearly responding to the claim and providing supporting documentation. 

If agreement can’t be reached, the bond dispute process follows a set pathway, similar to what’s outlined in guides on getting your full bond back. Understanding this process early helps you respond calmly, avoid missed deadlines, and protect your bond if pest control is being unfairly disputed.