📄 Template 1: Standard Residential Lease Clause
PEST CONTROL
Landlord shall maintain the premises in compliance with applicable housing codes and free from infestations of pests that affect habitability. Tenant agrees to:
(a) Maintain the premises in a clean and sanitary condition, properly store food in sealed containers, and promptly dispose of garbage;
(b) Report any pest sightings to Landlord in writing within forty-eight (48) hours of observation;
(c) Cooperate with and provide access for pest inspections and treatments upon twenty-four (24) hours written notice;
(d) Prepare the premises for pest treatment as directed in writing by Landlord or Landlord's pest control contractor.
Tenant shall be liable for the cost of pest control treatment necessitated by Tenant's failure to maintain sanitary conditions or by Tenant's introduction of infested items into the premises.
Landlord shall maintain the premises in compliance with applicable housing codes and free from infestations of pests that affect habitability. Tenant agrees to:
(a) Maintain the premises in a clean and sanitary condition, properly store food in sealed containers, and promptly dispose of garbage;
(b) Report any pest sightings to Landlord in writing within forty-eight (48) hours of observation;
(c) Cooperate with and provide access for pest inspections and treatments upon twenty-four (24) hours written notice;
(d) Prepare the premises for pest treatment as directed in writing by Landlord or Landlord's pest control contractor.
Tenant shall be liable for the cost of pest control treatment necessitated by Tenant's failure to maintain sanitary conditions or by Tenant's introduction of infested items into the premises.
📄 Template 2: Bed Bug Addendum
BED BUG ADDENDUM
Move-In Disclosure. Landlord represents that the premises have been inspected and, to the best of Landlord's knowledge, are free of bed bug infestation as of the commencement date of this agreement.
Tenant Obligations. Tenant agrees not to bring used mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture, or other secondhand items into the premises without first inspecting such items for bed bug evidence...
Reporting. Tenant shall report any suspected bed bug activity to Landlord within twenty-four (24) hours...
Treatment. Upon confirmed infestation, Landlord shall arrange professional treatment at no cost to Tenant unless infestation is determined to originate from Tenant-introduced items or Tenant's failure to report timely.
Move-In Disclosure. Landlord represents that the premises have been inspected and, to the best of Landlord's knowledge, are free of bed bug infestation as of the commencement date of this agreement.
Tenant Obligations. Tenant agrees not to bring used mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture, or other secondhand items into the premises without first inspecting such items for bed bug evidence...
Reporting. Tenant shall report any suspected bed bug activity to Landlord within twenty-four (24) hours...
Treatment. Upon confirmed infestation, Landlord shall arrange professional treatment at no cost to Tenant unless infestation is determined to originate from Tenant-introduced items or Tenant's failure to report timely.
⚠️ These templates are starting points only. Have a licensed attorney in your state review any lease language before use.
📄 Template 3: Tenant Preparation Notice
PEST CONTROL PREPARATION NOTICE
Date: [DATE] — Service scheduled: [DATE/TIME]
Please prepare your unit as follows before the scheduled service:
□ Remove all items from under kitchen and bathroom sinks
□ Pull refrigerator and stove 6 inches from wall
□ Remove items from closet floors in bedrooms
□ Bag and remove all food items from lower kitchen cabinets
□ Vacate the unit with all pets during treatment (return after 2 hours)
Date: [DATE] — Service scheduled: [DATE/TIME]
Please prepare your unit as follows before the scheduled service:
□ Remove all items from under kitchen and bathroom sinks
□ Pull refrigerator and stove 6 inches from wall
□ Remove items from closet floors in bedrooms
□ Bag and remove all food items from lower kitchen cabinets
□ Vacate the unit with all pets during treatment (return after 2 hours)
❓ FAQ
Are pest control lease clauses enforceable?
Yes, in most jurisdictions — with the limitation that landlords cannot use lease language to override their statutory habitability obligations. A clause that says 'tenant is always responsible for all pest control' would likely not be enforceable in states with strong habitability laws.
Should I include a bed bug addendum in every lease?
Yes — even if bed bugs aren't currently present. A bed bug addendum documents the condition at move-in (bug-free) and establishes clear obligations for both parties if bed bugs appear during tenancy.