Yes I guess it is potentially serious. Risk is related to frequency and intensity of exposure. It seems that most people taking average precautions and maintaining normal household cleanliness will be fine.Setting traps and cleaning up a bit doesn’t constitute a huge risk. That is why there is no panic in the streets. As far as real estate goes a rodent infestation would normally create the responsibility of a disclosure on the TDS. There is not a standard notice for risks and liabilities related to the topic that I know of.
As far as a landlord responsibility I would say that a landlord who did not respond to a written request to deal with a mouse could be liable in civil court for illnesses or death that resulted from a failure to act. I am not a lawyer it is just my perception that a court would favor the tenant.
I have been a landlord and if I were notified of discomfort a tenant had with a mouse I would intervene because I understand we don’t all have the same stomach for things. I think I would like to have the property sealed off, I know the house I live in won’t be a welcoming place for mice. I wouldn’t expect tenants to be easy targets. If I thought their habits were the cause of the infestation I would probably send them packing.
One area where rodents often get in is under the garage doors both the big one and the smaller side door. Weather stripping on the bottom of the doors can help prevent it. Many people leave the doors open for extended perios of times so they come in anyway.Once in the grage the find a way to the kitchen or pantry. Houses with crawl spaces are a little more difficult to keep pest free too. It is never a big deal if someone wants to get after it though.
