Pests in a rental property: who pays
Pests in a rental property in Belgium. Landlord or tenant liability, pest control and extermination.
Sommaire · 4 sections Reduire ▴
- 01 Who is responsible
- 02 Types of pests
- 03 Treatment and costs
- 04 Remedies
Who is responsible
Responsibility for pests depends on the origin of the infestation and when it appeared.
| Situation | Responsible party |
|---|---|
| Pests present before entry | Landlord |
| Structural defect (cracks, holes) | Landlord |
| Infestation of common areas | Landlord / Building manager |
| Tenant’s lack of hygiene | Tenant |
| Pests introduced by the tenant | Tenant |
| Infestation from a neighbour | Neighbour / Landlord |
The entry property inventory is crucial in determining whether pests were present before the tenant’s arrival.
Common types of pests
| Pest | Risk | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Cockroaches | Hygiene | Professional pest control |
| Mice / rats | Hygiene + structural | Rodent control |
| Bed bugs | Hygiene | Heat or chemical treatment |
| Ants | Low | Localised treatment |
| Pigeons | Health | Anti-pigeon devices |
| Wasps / hornets | Safety | Nest removal |
Bed bugs are a special case: they are often introduced by the tenant (travel, second-hand furniture) but can also be present in the dwelling.
For neighbour-related pest problems, see our guide on good neighbour rules.
Treatment and costs
Intervention costs
| Treatment | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| Pest control (cockroaches) | 150 - 400 EUR |
| Rodent control | 200 - 500 EUR |
| Bed bug treatment | 300 - 1,000 EUR |
| Wasp nest removal | 80 - 200 EUR |
| Ant treatment | 100 - 250 EUR |
Prevention
- Seal cracks and holes in walls and floors
- Install grilles on ventilation openings
- Maintain strict hygiene (sealed bins, no accessible food)
- Inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it in
Remedies
For the tenant
- Report the infestation to the landlord by registered letter
- Request treatment within a reasonable deadline (15 days)
- If no action: contact the regional housing service
- As a last resort: justice of the peace
For the landlord
- Check the source of the infestation
- If structural cause: treat and seal
- If tenant cause: send a formal notice to treat
- In co-ownership: alert the building manager for collective treatment
Document everything in writing and keep treatment invoices. See our guides on the landlord’s obligations and the rental deposit.