Pest issues in strata and body corporate properties are common, particularly in warmer months. Rodents, cockroaches and ants are the most frequent problems reported in apartment complexes, townhouses and shared residential developments across Victoria.

One of the biggest points of confusion is responsibility. When pests appear, who is required to act - the owner, the tenant, or the body corporate? Understanding where responsibility sits is essential for fast resolution, compliance and maintaining a liveable property for all residents.

Why Strata Properties Are More Prone to Pest Problems

Strata buildings naturally create conditions that allow pests to spread quickly. Shared walls, roof voids, plumbing lines and common areas mean a small issue in one area can affect multiple units.

Common risk factors include:

  • Shared bin rooms and waste areas

  • Underground car parks and storage cages

  • Gardens and landscaped common property

  • Older plumbing and building penetrations

  • High resident turnover

Rodents, cockroaches and ants can move easily through these spaces if professional pest control is not in place.

Who Is Responsible for Pest Control in Strata Buildings?

Responsibility depends on where the pest issue originates and which areas are affected.

Body Corporate Responsibility

In most cases, the body corporate or owners corporation is responsible for pest control when pests are found in:

  • Common areas

  • Roof voids

  • Bin rooms

  • Car parks

  • External building structures

  • Shared gardens and pathways

If rodents, cockroaches or ants are accessing units via common property, the body corporate is generally required to organise and fund pest control services.

Lot Owner Responsibility

Lot owners are typically responsible when pest activity is confined to their individual unit and is not linked to common property issues. This may include:

  • Ants entering through internal food sources

  • Cockroaches introduced via personal belongings

  • Hygiene-related infestations contained within one unit

However, determining the source is critical, as pests often spread beyond one apartment before being noticed.

Tenant Responsibility

Tenants may be responsible if:

  • Poor hygiene has caused or worsened the infestation

  • Food waste is not being managed correctly

  • The issue is isolated and not structural

In many cases, responsibility still falls back to the owner or body corporate depending on tenancy agreements and building structure.

Common Strata Pest Scenarios Explained

Rodents

Rodents almost always involve body corporate responsibility. Rats and mice typically enter through building exteriors, basements, bin areas or roof voids - all common property zones.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches often travel through shared plumbing and wall cavities. Even if spotted in a single unit, the infestation usually extends into common areas, making it a body corporate issue.

Ants

Ant infestations can vary. If ants are trailing from gardens, building edges or shared pathways, responsibility usually sits with the body corporate. If the issue is purely internal and food-related, it may fall to the lot owner.

Why Professional Strata Pest Control Is Essential

Disputes over responsibility can delay treatment, allowing infestations to spread. Ongoing professional pest control helps strata properties avoid these issues altogether.

Professional strata pest management provides:

  • Regular inspections of common areas

  • Early detection of rodent and insect activity

  • Coordinated treatments across the building

  • Clear reporting for owners corporations

  • Reduced complaints from residents

It also ensures compliance with health, safety and property management obligations.

Strata Pest Control Services Across Victoria

Rossy Pest Services provides reliable strata and body corporate pest control across Geelong, Ballarat, Melton, the Surf Coast, the Bellarine Peninsula and North & West Melbourne.

We work closely with:

  • Body corporate managers

  • Strata management companies

  • Property managers

  • Owners corporations

Our services are tailored to shared residential environments and include clear documentation and scheduled service programs.

Prevent Pest Issues Before Responsibility Becomes a Dispute

The most effective way to avoid confusion over responsibility is to prevent infestations in the first place. Ongoing pest control protects residents, buildings and management teams alike.

If your strata property is experiencing rodent, cockroach or ant issues, or you want to put a preventative program in place, contact Rossy Pest Services to discuss a professional solution tailored to your building.