bees nest on rental property?

Question

I have a tenant complain about a bees nest on the property . whos responsibility is it to tale care of that considering it wasn't there when we signed a lease ?

thanks for any insight 👍

Scott Mac · Answer

Hi Pedro,

Well you could always charge them "Pet Rent" of 10 cents per bee (just kidding).

Probably you should apologize for the bees and scheduled a Bee removal service to come and get them out ASAP.

Hopefully they are not "Killer Bees", and just the normal honey bees.

Good Luck!

Scott M. · Answer

I get what everyone is saying about the lease, that is the go-to to look at for sure.  That said, there is a difference between pests like ants/roaches and a squirrel getting into the attic.  Most leases cover the first and not the later.  Even though our leases make tenants responsible for pests unless there is a clear indication that the owner/manager is responsible, we would always take care of a bee issue for the tenant.  And call a company that will save the bees VS kill them, do nature and the planet some good while you are at it : )

bottom line, we take care of this for tenants.

Joe Martella · Answer

What does your lease say and what type of property is this?  Is it a multi-family or a SFH?  I have SFH rentals.  Pest issues are on the tenants.  I give it to them pest free, they return it pest free.  Simple as that.  If it is a multi-family where all the tenants enjoy a yard, then it falls on you to handle.

Then there is always the good-will factor.  How long have the tenants lived there, are they good tenants and is it worth spending a couple hundred to keep them happy?

Mary Smith · Answer

@Pedro Bartolomei I'm not sure whose responsibility it is but it could turn into a liability soon. I recommend calling a professional service to help remove them. There are a lot of local bee keepers who would be happy to do this for free!

Colleen F. · Answer

Aside from what the lease says you have a reasonable expectation that they should take action when they see something happening, Notifying you  and discouraging the activity if  possible.  If a hornets or birds nest is being built on the front porch I have had tenants say oh I noticed when they started but I didnt think to tell you. Duh... So for me if it is in or on the building I still try to do something if  they don't take care of it. Things in the yard if it is their responsibility per lease, it is their problem.

Michael Plante · Answer

What does your lease say about pests?

most say you are.

bees nest on rental property?

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