How to Prevent Pests Into Your Residential Rental Property
As a tenant, it is your responsibility to take care of the property you are renting. This includes, as part of your Tenancy Agreement, maintaining and undertaking minor repairs, and keeping it clean and free of pests. Pests not only damage property, but they can also pose a risk to your health.
As a tenant you may think keeping your washer in good working condition seems like too much trouble but it is easy to do. Of course, you can call a contractor to do it but this will likely cost £80 upwards.
The tips below are guides on how to prevent rats and other pests from taking up residence in your home.
Cleaning And Keeping Your Property Pest-Free
Keep Your Home Clean
Another way to discourage pests is to keep your home clean. Sweep and mop regularly, particularly in the kitchen where food preparation takes place. Wipe down surfaces after cooking and eating, and take out the trash regularly.
Store food in airtight containers, and if possible, keep it off the floor. crumbs and spills attract pests, so by keeping your home clean you'll also help prevent them from appearing.
Don't Provide a Welcome Mat
Discourage rodents and other pests from finding nesting spots by cleaning up clutter. Although we don't like to think about it, rats and other pests are looking for places to nest and raise their young just like we are. Don't provide them with an easy opportunity by leaving clutter around your home for them to hide in.
Store items such as boxes, paper bags, and newspapers in plastic bins with lids that fit snugly. Take out the garbage regularly, and don't leave pet food out overnight.
Seal Up Entry Points
The first step in preventing pests is to make sure they can't get into your home in the first place. Inspect the exterior of your rental property for any cracks or holes that could be providing access to rats and other pests. If you see any, seal them up with caulk or another appropriate material. In addition, make sure that doors and windows fit snugly in their frames and that there are no gaps around pipe entries.
Clean Your Outdoor Areas
Do not keep food or water out overnight. Trim vegetation away from your home's structure, and clean and clear the outside of debris and leaves. Secure and make sure your garbage bins are tightly sealed. Then, set out rat and mouse traps outside your property to keep them from trying to get into your home. Safety first.
Simple Tips To Help Prevent Rats And Other Pests From Entering Your Residential Property
By following these simple tips, you can help prevent rats and other pests from taking up residence in your residential rental property.
But if you find that doing routine checks on your boiler has not been successful in keeping it in working condition, please contact us on 02071508844 and we will be able to send out a contractor. However, if the maintenance or repair needed falls under your responsibility as a tenant then you will be charged for the work.
Reminder That You May Be Charged - Where our contractor has arranged a time with you to attend and you postpone, cancel, or don't show up or where it is your fault for the appointment not proceeding you will be responsible for paying the call-out charge for the contractor and potentially any restocking fee for parts. Where the fault, issue or damage, is put down to your or other tenants, permitted occupiers, or guests' actions, you will be responsible for paying for the repair. These terms are already part of your Tenancy Agreement