Good housekeeping does not guarantee a pest-free apartment—especially in multi-unit buildings—but it can reduce food, water, and hiding places and make it harder for a landlord to blame an infestation on tenant conditions.
- Keep food and trash controlled Store food in closed containers, wipe food residue from counters, take trash out regularly, and clean under appliances when practical. Pet food should not sit out unnecessarily.
- Reduce water sources Report leaks and standing water. Roaches and rodents need water, and damp cabinets or wall cavities can support both pests and mold.
- Reduce clutter near walls and sleeping areas Cardboard, paper piles, and crowded storage create hiding places. Keep enough space to inspect baseboards, under sinks, and around beds.
- Inspect secondhand furniture and travel items Bed bugs can hitchhike on luggage, clothing, mattresses, and furniture. Inspect used items carefully and check luggage after travel.
- Look for early signs Watch for droppings, gnaw marks, roach egg cases, shed skins, live insects, bed bug spotting, or new activity around plumbing and wall penetrations.
- Report building-level problems quickly Pests moving between units often require coordinated treatment. If you see pests entering from wall gaps, pipe openings, shared halls, trash rooms, or adjacent units, report the building condition in writing.
Where to Get Help
Important: Bed bugs are not proof of poor housekeeping. CDC notes that cleanliness does not determine whether bed bugs are present.
RentalFacts.online: You can also document the property problem publicly through Report a Rental on RentalFacts.online.
This guide provides general U.S. rental-housing information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant law, notice rules, repair deadlines, entry rules, deposit rules, and tenant remedies vary by state and locality.