A can of spray and a closed work order may not solve an infestation. Serious pest problems often require professional identification, treatment, follow-up, sanitation of common areas, and correction of entry points or leaks.

  1. Request professional inspection and a treatment plan Ask management to identify the pest, inspect the affected areas, schedule treatment, and provide preparation instructions. Ask whether adjoining units or common areas need inspection where pests may be spreading between units.
  2. Follow reasonable preparation instructions and document compliance Treatment often fails when preparation is incomplete. Follow the written instructions you receive and take photos showing compliance.
  3. Ask for building defects to be corrected too Request repair of holes, pipe gaps, damaged screens, door gaps, leaks, trash-room problems, or other owner-controlled conditions contributing to the infestation.
  4. Demand follow-up when activity continues Send a short post-treatment summary with dates and new evidence. Ask for the next professional visit rather than restarting the entire complaint from scratch.
  5. Escalate serious sanitation problems Local health departments or housing/code offices may inspect severe infestations. Assisted housing may also have HUD or PHA complaint channels.
  6. Get legal advice before paying for major extermination yourself Some states may allow reimbursement or other remedies in certain circumstances, but rules vary. A legal-aid office can help you avoid spending money you cannot recover.

Where to Get Help

Important: If you are dealing with heavy rodent contamination, follow CDC safety guidance rather than dry sweeping or vacuuming droppings.

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.