Yes – you’re allowed to bring in a licensed extermination company if you’re dealing with an active infestation in a rented suite. But there’s a catch. Before you reach out to anyone, check your lease. Some rental agreements require tenants to notify the property manager first, especially in multi-unit buildings where the issue might affect neighbouring spaces.
If the problem involves health risks – say, mice in the kitchen or biting insects in your bedroom – and management delays action, you’re well within your rights to take initiative. Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act holds landlords responsible for maintaining safe living conditions. If you’ve given notice in writing and nothing happens, documenting the situation and hiring professionals might be your only option. Keep receipts. Take photos. That paper trail matters.
I’ve seen cases where a unit was treated without informing the building, and within days, the insects simply moved next door. That’s not solving the issue – it’s pushing it down the hall. The better approach? Make sure whoever you hire understands shared dwellings. Reputable Calgary firms (like ours) will usually recommend coordinating treatments across adjacent units if needed.
One thing people often overlook: some services use products that require temporary evacuation. If you’ve got pets, kids, or sensitivities, ask upfront about what the process involves. And don’t just rely on online reviews – speak to someone on the phone. A brief call can tell you a lot about how the company treats its clients and whether they understand how to work within apartment regulations.
When and How to Call Pest Control Services for Your Apartment
If you’re seeing droppings, hearing scratching behind the walls, or waking up with bites–don’t wait. Book a licensed exterminator the moment there’s clear evidence of infestation. Waiting too long often leads to larger colonies, higher costs, and unnecessary stress. Early action matters more than most people think.
For rodents, for example, a technician can use targeted methods. Here’s a resource on whether they spray for mice or prefer baiting and sealing approaches. It’s not always straightforward, and treatment depends on how bad the intrusion is and where the activity is concentrated.
Who’s Responsible?
This often trips people up. If you’re renting, check your lease or local tenant laws. In Calgary, landlords typically cover treatment unless you’ve created the conditions that caused the issue–like storing food improperly or refusing access during visits. In condos, management may handle common areas, but individual units are often the owner’s problem. Ask, but don’t assume.
What to Do Before and After
- Clear the baseboards and move furniture away from walls if possible. Technicians need space to inspect and treat.
- Put away pet food, cover aquariums, and follow any prep instructions given during booking.
- After treatment, don’t clean everything right away–especially treated surfaces. Here’s a guide on whether to clean after an extermination.
Sometimes, a single visit is enough. But more often, follow-ups are scheduled. Especially with insects that lay eggs in cycles–one spray won’t catch them all. It’s frustrating, but normal. Keep in touch with your technician, document what you’re seeing, and don’t hesitate to ask questions mid-process. That feedback actually helps them adjust their approach.
Understanding Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities for Pest Management
If you’re renting and there’s an issue with insects or rodents, your first step should be reviewing your lease. In Alberta, the Residential Tenancies Act places some of the responsibility on the property owner–but not all of it. If the issue stems from structural issues, like gaps in walls or poor insulation, it’s typically on the landlord to take care of it.
That said, if the source of the infestation is connected to how the unit is being kept–say, leftover food, trash buildup, or poor sanitation–then the tenant might be held accountable. It’s not always black and white, and in some cases, both parties may need to take action.
Communication helps. Notifying your property manager or landlord in writing, with details and dates, can protect you and also get things moving. Waiting too long, especially if the situation gets worse, might make it harder to resolve or shift blame.
Some leases will specify who handles what, and others leave it vague. If there’s nothing in writing, default legal expectations apply. In Calgary, many property owners are already partnered with professionals like The Pest Control Guy, which can speed things up. But if they aren’t–or they delay–you might have to step in and book a service yourself, especially if health or safety is affected.
There’s also a grey area with shared spaces. For example, if the issue originates in a hallway, attic, or laundry room, it’s usually the building owner’s responsibility. Inside your own unit? Depends on the cause. That’s why documenting everything early helps, especially if compensation or cost-sharing becomes part of the conversation.
Whether you’re dealing with mice, cockroaches, or something less common, knowing who’s responsible before scheduling treatment matters. If you’re unsure, this guide on how mouse treatments are handled in rentals may clarify next steps.
Signs That Indicate You Should Contact Pest Control Professionals
If you’re spotting droppings under the sink, near baseboards, or inside cabinets, that’s not something to ignore. Even a few small dark specks could mean rodents or cockroaches are active nearby – and probably at night when you’re not watching.
Unexplained bites, especially on arms or legs after sleeping, are another red flag. It might be worth checking the seams of your mattress and behind your headboard. If you find tiny black spots or even live insects, it’s time to act. Bed bugs multiply fast, and waiting just makes things worse. Here’s more on how professionals can remove bed bugs effectively – because DIY methods rarely do the trick.
Noises, Smells, and Structural Clues
Hearing scratching in the walls or ceiling? Especially at night? That’s probably not just the building settling. Mice or squirrels could be nesting inside. A musty odour in a closed-off room or crawlspace is also a warning sign, especially if it lingers despite cleaning. It could signal a hidden infestation or nesting area.
Gnaw marks on wires, holes in food packaging, grease smudges along baseboards – these details often go unnoticed until they pile up. But even one or two should raise concern. Most residents don’t wait for visual confirmation of insects before reaching out. They act on patterns, like repeat sightings in the same corner or one-too-many traps going off overnight.
When Sightings Become Routine
If you’re seeing the same kind of insect more than once in a week, especially during daylight, there’s likely a colony nearby. One ant? Okay, maybe just a wanderer. But ten around your kitchen sink every other morning? That’s not coincidence.
Same goes for spiders – they show up where there’s food. So if they’re building webs in corners or under appliances, it’s usually because something smaller is living there too. It’s not just about the spiders; it’s about what they’re feeding on.
Steps to Arrange Pest Treatment in a Rental Unit
Notify the property manager as soon as you notice signs of insects or rodents. Document what you’ve seen–droppings, bite marks, odd smells, scratch sounds at night–whatever it is. Snap photos or videos if needed. The more details you provide, the quicker they can respond.
If the lease states that the landlord handles infestations, follow up with them in writing. Some leases have timelines or specify approved service providers. It’s worth double-checking before booking anything on your own. That said, if the situation is urgent–like an active wasp nest indoors or suspected bed bugs–you might want to act faster and coordinate directly with a local specialist. Here’s where experience matters. Teams like The Pest Control Guy have handled countless similar cases across Calgary rentals.
If you’re hiring someone yourself, choose a company that’s fully licensed and insured. Ask about tenant prep sheets–they’ll usually send you a list of what needs to be done before and after treatment. That might include moving furniture, laundering fabrics, or vacating for several hours. Don’t skip these steps; skipping prep makes treatment less effective.
Once the service is scheduled, let your landlord know the date and type of treatment. Some provinces require landlords to be informed of chemical applications, even if they weren’t the ones to book it. In multi-unit buildings, neighbours might need notice too–especially if shared walls are involved. Containment is key.
After the visit, request a report from the technician. It should outline what was done, what products were used, and whether a follow-up is recommended. Keep that on file. If problems return, it helps prove the timeline and shows that you acted responsibly.
Q&A:
Can I contact pest control directly if I rent an apartment, or do I need to ask my landlord first?
In many rental agreements, tenants are required to inform the landlord about pest problems before calling an exterminator. In some cases, the landlord is responsible for arranging and paying for the service. However, if the infestation poses a health risk or the landlord fails to respond, tenants may be allowed to arrange treatment themselves. Always check your lease and local tenancy laws.
Who pays for pest control services in a rental unit?
Responsibility depends on the cause of the infestation and the terms of the lease. If pests are present due to structural issues or occurred before move-in, the landlord is typically responsible. If the problem results from the tenant’s actions (such as improper food storage), the cost might fall on the tenant. Some landlords include routine pest management in the rent.
What types of pests should I report to my landlord immediately?
Report any signs of bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents, or termites without delay. These pests can multiply quickly, damage property, or cause health issues. Prompt notification helps prevent the spread to other units and may speed up the treatment process.
Is it legal for me to hire my own pest control company without notifying the landlord?
This depends on where you live. Some provinces or states require tenant-landlord coordination for any maintenance work, including pest treatment. In other cases, tenants can act independently, especially if there is an urgent infestation and the landlord hasn’t taken action after being notified.
What should I do if my landlord refuses to deal with an infestation?
Document the problem with photos and written communication. Send a formal request for treatment. If there is no response within a reasonable time, contact your local health or housing authority. In some regions, you may be allowed to pay for treatment and deduct the cost from rent, but you should get legal advice before doing so.
Am I allowed to contact pest control services directly for my apartment, or should I notify my landlord first?
Generally, tenants should inform their landlord or property manager before arranging pest control treatment. In many rental agreements, the landlord is responsible for coordinating such services to ensure proper handling and to avoid duplicate treatments. However, if pests pose an immediate health risk or the landlord is unresponsive, contacting a professional directly might be necessary. It’s advisable to review your lease terms and local tenant laws to understand your rights and obligations.