Who is responsible to move the tenant’s property so an extermanator can spray?
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Who is responsible to move the tenant’s property so an extermanator can spray?
I rent out a 4 bedroom house. My tenants advised me of a roach infestation in the kitchen. I agreed to pay for an exterminator to come and spray. Because of the problem mostly being in the kitchen, the exterminator is asking for the tenant to remove all the dishes from the cabinets so he can spray. The tenant is now saying that’s its my responsibility to move the dishes from the cabinet. I feel that I met my responsibility by paying for the exterminator and that its the tenants responsibility to move his own property. Who is right?
Asked on February 27, 2012 under Real Estate Law, California
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
The tenant must move those dishes and anything else like food items from the cabinet so that you can exterminate. It is not up to you as a landlord to move the personal belongings of the tenant. The tenant at this point is probably the cause of the roaches and a) doesn't want the blame to go to him or her and b) wants to put the blame for any damage on you.
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