Multifamily cockroaches issue
We recently acquired, fumigated, and remodeled a Duplex.
The first tenant moved in, looked clean at first.
The second tenant moved in and is saying there is cockroaches in their unit.
I'm assuming the cockroach issue is from the first tenant who has been there over a month before the second.
How is a situation like this usually handled?
It's been said at the end of the world, only styrofoam and cockroaches will survive. Who knows...but the problem being reported to you is common. Take a look at this: "It is normal for roaches to come out once they spray and for two weeks, you will see lots of them but don't be afraid. It is typical to see them wandering around since they have been sprayed so they will look for food sources or water for them to thrive." (Go-Forth Pest Control - and every other pest control company posting online). And, you can't prove that Tenant #1 is the cause...it's an assumption and one that you don't want to rely on. There are a couple of ways of handling this:
1. First and probably too late - is to have a lease clause that states that the property/unit is being turned over to them "free of insects/bugs/rodents." As such, any infestation thereafter will be the tenant's responsibility to cure/exterminate. If it's not in your lease, it's worth adding in the future to ensure that Tenants keep the units clean.
2. Treat the unit for cockroaches again and let the tenant know that the suckers might continue to be seen for up to 2 weeks afterwards.
3. Seal up the parameter of your property: "Roaches come into your home in search of three things: food, shelter, and water. They have also developed the ability to use even the smallest of openings as an entryway into your house. They can come in through cracks in the exterior walls, dryer vents, or even the gaps between walls and floors." We buy caulk in bulk and we seal the property up tight. It makes a huge difference.
I'm sorry you're having to deal with this; unfortunately, it's one of the joys of real estate ownership/investing. Hope this helps to know that we've all been there, done that, survived it. You're almost through it...
My lease states the rental was pest-free before they occupied and the Tenants are responsible for keeping it that way. If you know it was clean before they moved in, then there's reason to believe they brought the roaches in and should be responsible for treatment.
