VIC Removal of bee swarm from rental property

[fotog]

A bee swarm has turned up on a rental property and been there for a few days on an outside wall of the residence. The estate agent has sent us a quote to have it removed.

Are the property owners or the people renting the property responsible for the paying the costs to remove the swarm? Looking at close to a weeks rental in costs to remove it.

 

[Atticus]

Here’s the general rule as it applies under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) and the Renting Guidelines (Consumer Affairs Victoria):

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🐝 Responsibility for bee swarms (Victoria)​

1. If the bees were already present or arrived naturally (not caused by tenants):

• The property owner/landlord is responsible for arranging and paying for removal.
• Bee swarms are generally considered a maintenance issue, not damage or negligence by tenants.
• The owner is responsible for ensuring the property is safe and habitable — a swarm poses a safety risk.

2. If the tenants did something that attracted or caused the bees (e.g., left out honey, nesting materials, or damaged walls allowing entry):

• Then the tenant could be held responsible for costs.
• But this is rare — bee swarms are almost always spontaneous and not due to tenant behavior.

 

[fotog]

Thank you for your response.

So on this basis, does this also apply to other vagrant animals such as snakes that visit a property, and they too would be the responsibility of the owners to have removed?

 

[Atticus]

Same principle generally applies in Victoria, but there are some nuances depending on the type of animal and the risk it poses.

Here’s how it breaks down:

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🐍 Vagrant or wild animals (snakes, bats, birds, possums, etc.)​

1. Animals that appear naturally and are not caused by tenant behaviour:
   • Landlord is responsible for removal or mitigation.
   • Example: A snake enters the yard, or a possum takes up residence in the roof. These are considered maintenance and safety issues, and it’s the owner’s obligation to keep the property safe and habitable.
2. Animals attracted by tenant actions:
   • If a tenant is leaving food outside, dumping rubbish, or doing something that attracts pests, the tenant may be responsible for the removal costs.
3. Dangerous animals:
   • For dangerous animals like venomous snakes, the owner still has a duty to ensure the property is safe.
   • Sometimes local councils or wildlife rescue services are called in, but the cost is still generally considered the landlord’s responsibility.

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📘 Relevant guidance​

From Consumer Affairs Victoria on “Pests, vermin and infestations”:

“Rental providers are responsible for ensuring the property is maintained and safe. This includes pest control for infestations or wild animals that may enter the property naturally. Tenants must notify the landlord or agent as soon as possible if such animals appear.”

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✅ Key takeaway​

• Natural occurrences of wildlife (bees, snakes, possums) = owner pays for removal.
• Tenant-caused infestations = tenant may pay.
• Notification is crucial: tenants should report immediately to avoid liability.

 

[fotog]

That is very interesting. Thank you for your responses Atticus.