A pest infestation can quickly ravage any home, yet dealing with them while residing in a condo, raises several questions regarding how it should be dealt with and who should do it. Regardless of infestation, problems like these need to be addressed immediately to avoid it spreading and getting out of control. While states have their laws on who is responsible for eradicating pest infestation, many consider it to be the condo associations' job since they need to ensure the infestation does not spread to other units and common areas. You, as a resident, need to help reduce the risk of infestation, ensuring all safety guidelines are in check and immediately informing the condo authorities to deal with the issue. If infestation arises due to your actions, you may be asked to cover expenses for pest fumigation. Here’s what you need to know about pest control in condominiums:
The Responsibility of Condo Residents
So, are condo associations responsible for pest control? It goes both ways. When faced with a pest infestation in your unit, you need to check your state's laws and what they say about the issue. Some states and condo associations may believe it is the condo owner's responsibility to deal with the problem since they may be possibly its cause. Infestation can spread quickly and may even affect other units and common areas. Some condo residents may stubbornly refuse to deal with the complaints even after the condo board sends them notices of warnings. However, often, the infestation cause cannot be traced to one neighbor, thus making it difficult to resolve the issue immediately. Associations may hold whoever caused the infestation responsible and ask them to deal with the problem for the entire condo.
State Policies for Condo Authorities
Many states staunchly believe the authorities are responsible for the well-being and livelihood of the condo residents and have governing documents that require the condo is appropriately maintained. HOA is usually accountable for common areas like the lobby, gym, and swimming pool, but state laws may extend their responsibility to all residing units. A pest infestation would require them to fumigate the entire condo units and not only the common areas. Many states allow condo associations to enter their property forcibly if residents refuse pest extermination in their unit. Residents allergic to chemicals will need to be accommodated with other alternatives. In contrast, a temporary shelter may need to be arranged for all residents while the pest fumigation is carried out. The relocation expenses may also depend on state laws.
What You Can Do
You can always take precautionary measures to ensure the problem never arises by hiring professionals to regularly check your unit and ensuring your neighbors do so as well. Neighbors can sometimes engage in hazardous activities that may cause pest infestation for all the condo units, and thus, should be reported to the association and warned. You can collect pictures and other evidence, with a complaint to the association detailing the problem you are facing, so it can be dealt with. A pest infestation can affect anyone at any time, and while prevention and caution are necessary, you should know how to deal with this problem if faced with it. Living in a condo with different people will mean more issues like these, but they can be dealt with easily with your association and neighbors' support.