If you’re preparing to move out and had pets during your tenancy, you’re probably wondering whether you need to arrange a pest spray, especially if your property has no carpets, just floorboards or tiles. Many tenants in Queensland face this dilemma when real estate agents insist on pest treatments, even when the lease only mentions professional carpet cleaning.
Through this post, you will get to know if you really need a pest spray if there are no carpets in the rented home.
What Does the Lease Actually Say?
The most important thing is to check your lease agreement. In many cases, if you are in Brisbane or Gold Coast, the lease will specify professional end of lease carpet cleaning in Gold Coast or end of lease carpet cleaning in Brisbane, if required, or a general obligation to keep the premises free from pests and vermin. If there are no carpets in your property, a carpet cleaning clause doesn’t apply to you.
Some lease agreements include a special “pet rider” that explicitly requires pest or flea treatment at the end of the tenancy if you kept pets. It’s important to distinguish between an agent’s standard policy and what’s actually written in your lease.
When Is a Pest Spray Actually Needed?
In these specific conditions you may need a pest spray. These are:
- If the lease specifically requires a flea or pest treatment because of pets (often in a pet clause), you’ll need to comply regardless of the type of flooring.
- If the lease only mentions carpet cleaning, and there are no carpets, you generally aren’t required to do anything extra unless there’s evidence of pests like fleas, in which case the general obligation to leave the premises pest-free may apply.
- Many real estate agents request a pest treatment as a precaution, especially after pets, even if there’s no evidence of infestation. While this is common practice, tenants have successfully pushed back if the lease doesn’t specifically require it.
Dealing with Agent Requests
If you’re being asked for pest control beyond what’s in your lease, you can always ask your property manager or real estate agent to show the exact lease clause that requires it. If they can’t, you may be within your rights to decline. Remember, it’s the lease agreement not agency policy that decides your obligations. For further support, Queensland’s local tenancy authority can offer guidance.
Quick Solutions & Cost
- Many tenants opt to do a simple pest treatment or bug bomb as a precaution. It is inexpensive (typically $70–120 for a basic spray) and can save you time and hassle.
- Always mop the floors afterward and obtain a dated invoice if you choose to get a pest spray, especially if your agent insists on a receipt for the bond refund.
Final Recommendations
- Always read and understand your lease. If in doubt, seek advice before agreeing to extra treatments.
- If pest treatment is required, book it with your bond cleaning for convenience. Most end of lease cleaning companies in Brisbane and end of lease cleaning companies in Gold Coast offer this service at a small additional cost.
- Leaving the property pest-free is good practice, not just for your bond, but for the next tenants especially those with pets or allergies.
This approach reassures tenants they are not automatically liable for pest treatments unless lease clauses require it, while also explaining common practices and how to avoid unnecessary costs or disputes.
