Mice and rats are rodents that often live in walls. They are generally grey or brown in colour and have long tails. Rats are much bigger than mice and require different-sized traps. You may have a mouse or rat infestation even if you have not seen them. Instead, listen for sounds in the walls and look for droppings and food packages that have been gnawed through. It is important to get rid of them, as they can carry disease and damage property.
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-tips/rats-mice.html
Prevention
- Place all food in sealed containers and do not leave food out overnight
- Mice can fit through cracks as small as a dime, and rats can fit through holes as small as a quarter, so make sure all cracks are blocked off. Both these rodents can chew through insulation, paper, and cardboard, so use steel wool to fill cracks in your walls. Depending on the location and size of the holes, you can also use caulking to block them
- Certain scents, such as peppermint and cloves, can act as deterrents to rodents
If you already have mice or rats
- Notify the owner immediately of the issue, even if you’ve only seen one. Do not wait until you have seen multiple rats or mice. Be sure to also notify your landlord if you see evidence of rodents, such as droppings or scratching in the walls
- You must grant access to the landlord and/or exterminator in order to eliminate vermin
- Landlords must preserve the peaceable enjoyment of the apartment. Therefore, they must do everything necessary to prevent an infestation, and if such infestation occurs, do everything to eliminate the presence of bugs or vermins
- EXCEPTION: if the infestation is because of your actions or inactions, you may need to pay the cost of the extermination
- If the owner doesn't take action, send them a formal notice by registered mail, with the notice of delivery. This notice must mention that if the building owner fails to take the appropriate steps, a copy of the letter will be sent to the Division des permis et des inspections of the borough concerned.
- If the owner doesn't take action within a reasonable time (up to 10 days), contact your borough (call 311) or linked city to file a complaint.
- You can also get in touch with the Tribunal Administratif du Logement
- You can ask your neighbourhood’s housing committee for help at any time during this process
IMPORTANT: In all cases, be sure to keep documented proof of everything that has happened. This includes all photos of the issue, communications with the landlord, and proof of the formal notice.
https://schneiderlegal.com/real-estate-law/infestations-landlord/
http://likehome.info/actions/vermin/rats-you-gotta-be-kidding-me/
See also:
Tenant Rights and Things to Know
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