Does Renters Insurance Cover Cockroaches?

They show up uninvited. Creeping out from cracks. Hiding under the bed, between appliances, inside your basement walls. Cockroaches. Just the word gives you the ick. 

If you’re facing an infestation right now, you’re probably wondering – Does renters insurance cover cockroaches? And if not, who pays for pest control? You didn’t sign up to live with vermin. You just want peace, safety, and a clean home. 

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about whether renters' insurance covers the cost of eliminating cockroaches and other infestations in your rental home. Now let’s get straight to the answer you need! 

Does Renters Insurance Cover Cockroaches? 

The short answer is no. Renters insurance doesn’t cover cockroach infestations.

Most renters insurance policies exclude pests like cockroaches, rodents, and termites from covered perils. These infestations are considered a result of poor maintenance, not sudden or accidental events. So, even if your apartment is swarming with bugs, your renters insurance will likely not cover the cost of extermination or property damage caused by roaches.  

One frustrated renters insurance policyholder shared a similar experience in a Reddit Discussion Forum. They lived next to a boiler room in a co-op unit and faced a severe infestation. Over 100 cockroaches swarmed their space in one day. Despite having renters insurance from a reputable insurance company, they were told loss of use coverage would not apply because pest infestations are not a named peril in the insurance policy. They had to move, pay out of pocket, and replace nearly everything. 

Understand the Fine Print to Check What Your Renters Insurance Actually Covers and Excludes

If you want to make sure what’s covered under your renters insurance coverage, you should read the fine print in detail. Most standard renters plans are based on either named perils or open perils (also called all-risk). Here’s the difference:

• Named perils policies only cover damages from specific events listed in your policy, such as fire, theft, smoke, or lightning. But cockroaches are not on that list. 
• Open perils sound broader but come with a long list of exclusions. And yes, pests like roaches and termites are typically excluded.  

Also, find the “exclusion” section in your fine print. Typically, exclusions include:

• Infestation from pests like cockroaches, bed bugs, termites, and rodents 
• Neglect or failure to maintain your living space 
• Gradual damage from mold, vermin, or wear and tear

Now, here’s what is typically included in your renters insurance coverage: 

• Personal property coverage for lost or damaged belongings from a covered event such as fire or smoke, lightning, explosions, certain water damage, theft, vandalism, and windstorm. 
• Loss of use to cover additional living expenses if your place becomes uninhabitable due to a covered peril 
• Personal liability coverage in case someone gets hurt at your place or sues for damages

Does Landlord’s or Homeowners Insurance Cover Cockroaches and Pest Control?

In most cases, homeowners insurance and landlord's insurance do not cover cockroach infestations or pest control. These infestations aren’t considered sudden disasters. They’re seen as slow, preventable problems. And insurance doesn’t like preventable. 

That means if cockroaches sneak into your attic, chew through your wood trim, or settle behind your mattress, don’t expect the insurance policy will pay you to eliminate them from your rental apartment. Just like flood and mold damage due to neglect, pest issues usually fall under policy exclusions. 

However, landlords might still be responsible for pest problems in some cases. If pests are caused by issues like leaks, cracks in walls, or broken vents, local laws usually say the landlord has to fix it. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) agrees, stating that landlords must provide safe housing. This includes keeping the place free of pests. 

If the tenant caused the problem (think: piles of trash, uncovered food, or pets not cleaned after), the cost of cleanup will fall on the renter.

How Do I Prevent Cockroaches in My Rental Space?

Prevention is better than a cure! It’s the best quote when it comes to cockroach infestation. Because once they get into your apartment, it will feel like they own the place. That’s why, in the first place, you shouldn’t do any such thing that may create a positive habitat for them. 

Here's how you can prevent cockroaches in your rental home and stay a step ahead: 

• Seal food properly using airtight containers. Because roaches can sniff out snacks from miles away. 
• Wipe down surfaces every night, especially in the kitchen and dining areas. 
• Take out trash daily and always use bins with tight lids. 
• Declutter (the process of removing unwanted and unnecessary items from your space). It’s effective as roaches usually hide in paper piles, bags, and unused cardboard boxes. 
• Fix leaks right away. Cockroaches love moisture.
• Report dripping pipes or water around sinks to your landlord. 
• Check dark spaces like under sinks, attics, and behind appliances for early signs of pests. 
• Seal cracks in walls, baseboards, and around windows with caulk. Even tiny gaps are entry points. 
• Install door sweeps and repair torn screens to block outside access. 
• Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like the basement to reduce moisture. 
• Communicate with management. Your landlord may be responsible for pest prevention if the issue is structural. 

Tips to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Rental 

If it’s too late and you’ve already spotted a roach in your rental home, it’s time to take action fast. Here’s how you can exterminate them effectively: 

• Use cockroach baits under sinks, behind the fridge, and in cabinets. This targets nests at the source. 
• Apply insecticidal gel in cracks and crevices. But be cautious around pets and kids. 
• Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in dry, hidden areas. It dehydrates and kills roaches naturally. 
• Spray essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus around baseboards and windows. They act as natural repellents. 
• Vacuum regularly to eliminate roach eggs and food crumbs. 
• Don’t rely on sprays alone. They kill what you see, not what’s hiding. 
• Monitor actively using sticky traps, and you’ll know where they’re coming from. 
• Document the problem (take photos or videos if it gets serious) 
• Contact pest control services if the infestation worsens or spreads across units 
• Check your lease agreement. In many cases, the landlord may need to cover the cost.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Pests Besides Cockroaches? 

The answer is the same. It’s a simple no. Standard renters policies usually won’t cover any pest infestation, including bed bugs, mice, rats, or termites. Renters' insurance is designed to cover unavoidable, accidental, or sudden disasters. And pest infestation is considered preventable/avoidable. For instance, you can’t stop a windstorm from hitting your apartment, but you can prevent or minimize the chances of pest infestation. Let’s discuss a little more about it. 

Bed Bugs 

Does renters insurance cover bed bugs? Nope! As has been said, renters insurance coverage excludes bed bugs, even when they damage your personal belongings or force you out of your unit. Most insurance policies view bed bug issues as gradual and preventable. So, it’s not a covered peril. 

Preventing and Treating Bed Bugs 

• Vacuum floors, beds, and baseboards regularly. Bag and toss the vacuum contents in the outdoor trash. 
• Avoid used mattresses and furniture. They’re often hidden bug highways. 
• Use protective mattress encasements. They can block bugs from nesting. 
• Seal cracks and gaps in walls, baseboards, and outlets to cut off hiding places. 
• Launder clothing and bedding on the hottest setting if you suspect exposure. 
• Call pest control if the infestation spreads. Some landlords may be responsible if multiple units are affected. 
• Check lease terms and local law, especially in cities like New York, which have clear guidelines on landlord responsibility for bed bugs.

Rodents (Mice and Rats) 

Does renters insurance cover rodent infestation? No, it does not. Rodent damage and infestation are almost always excluded from tenant insurance and homeowner insurance. Since your insurance won’t cover it, you should be aware of how you can prevent and exterminate it.  

Eliminating Mice and Rats from Your Rental Home

• Seal all gaps around pipes, walls, and doors.
• They squeeze in through holes the size of a dime. 
• Use steel wool or metal mesh to block entry points.
• They’ll chew through foam or plastic. 
• Place traps in quiet, dark areas like the attic, under the sink, or behind appliances. 
• Use natural deterrents like peppermint oil to repel mice from nesting zones. 
• Store food properly and clean up crumbs. This is the best long-term strategy. 
• Report any signs (dropping, sounds in walls) to your landlord immediately. 
• Call in professionals if traps don’t solve the issue, especially if your lease puts pest control on the landlord’s to-do list.

Interesting Fact: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York are the top three rodent-infested cities in the U.S.   
Termites

Does renter's insurance cover termites? No again. Like cockroaches, termites are not included in renters' or homeowners' insurance unless secondary damage occurs from something sudden (like a fire caused by chewed wires). 

Termites Prevention and Treatments 

• Elevate furniture off the floor, especially wooden pieces. 
• Inspect regularly for hollow-sounding wood or visible mud tubes. 
• Store books and paper in plastic containers (termites love cellulose). 
• Use borate wood treatments in high-risk areas to prevent nesting. 
• Report moisture problems to your landlord. Because wet wood attracts termites. 
• Keep plants and mulch at least a foot away from your unit’s foundation. 
• Schedule professional inspections if you live in high-risk termite zones like Florida or California.

Who Is Actually Responsible for Treating the Pest Problems: Landlord Vs. Tenant 

Who is responsible for pest control depends on your lease, your habits, and how the pest problem started. Usually, landlords must handle pest control if the infestation comes from structural issues. This includes problems like leaks, holes in walls, or poor ventilation that let pests in. In buildings with multiple units, landlords are often required by law to take care of pest issues that affect the whole building. 

If a tenant causes an infestation by leaving food out, not cleaning, or letting trash build up, they might have to pay for extermination. Each situation is different. Knowing who is responsible can help you save money and reduce stress. The following table shows a few situations and who is likely to cover them: 

Pro Tip: Always document infestations. Take photos, videos, write down dates, and report issues in writing. That paper trail could protect you in a renters insurance claim or legal dispute.

What State Law Say About Pest Control? 

Every state handles pest issues a little differently. But most follow a common principle: the landlord must provide “habitable living conditions.” That usually includes a home free of vermin, roaches, rats, or other pest infestations that threaten health or safety. 

Here’s how some states approach it: 

• California: Landlords must address pest problems unless the tenant caused the issue. Pest control is part of habitability under California Civil Code §1941.1. 
• Texas: The Texas Property Code requires landlords to fix conditions that “materially affect the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant.” That could include infestations. 
• New York: NYC housing code makes landlords responsible for eradicating pests like bed bugs, mice, cockroaches, and rats. Failing to do so can result in legal penalties.
• Florida: For multi-family buildings, landlords are required to provide routine pest control under Florida Statute §83.51. Tenants in single-family homes may be responsible. 

Tip: Your city may also have local ordinances that override or add to your state law. Always check with your local housing authority or tenant union. If you face any legal issue and want to take legal action, you can contact a certified tenant attorney (only if it’s necessary). 

Interesting Fact: Do you know that California, Texas, and Florida are the top three states when it comes to cockroach infestations? If you’re living in one of these states, make sure to keep your surroundings clean and pristine to prevent roach infestations. 

If you need renters insurance, contact L.A. Insurance today. We offer free renters insurance quotes online for anyone living in Michigan, Texas, Colorado, Florida, Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada. L.A. Insurance has been serving thousands of tenants in these states with reliable and affordable renters insurance for more than 32 years. Call us (800) 893-9393 or contact our insurance agent for more info. The most affordable insurance agency is just a few clicks away from you!

Does Renters Insurance Cover Pest Infestation: Wrapping Up

In short, no, renters insurance won’t cover pest infestations. Cockroaches, bed bugs, mice, and termites are all excluded as they’re seen as preventable. Landlords may be responsible if pests result from structural issues. However, if your habits caused the problem, you may cover the cost. In the end, we’d suggest reading your insurance policy closely, especially the exclusions. And always act early, stay clean, and report issues fast.  

Related Readings: 

• Does renters insurance cover personal injury? 
• Does renters insurance cover moving? 
• Does renters insurance cover broken windows? 
• Does renters insurance cover storage units?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does renters insurance cover bug infestations?  

No, renters insurance typically excludes pest infestation, including bugs like cockroaches, bed bugs, and carpenter ants. These are seen as a maintenance issue, not unexpected disasters. In contrast, covered events usually include theft, fire, vandalism, or water damage (excluding flood-related damages).   

Does a landlord have to tell you about roaches?  

Yes, in many cases, they do. Although disclosure laws vary by state, most require landlords to inform new tenants about known infestation problems (if any), especially if they’re ongoing or building-wide.  

How many roaches are considered an infestation?  

Honestly saying, even one can be a warning sign. Seeing one cockroach especially in daylight can indicate many are hiding. But in most cases, an infestation means they’re visible, consistent activity: droppings, egg casing, strong odors, or multiple sightings over time.