Wasp nest in a rented flat — who pays?
By Wespenprofis.ch · Reviewed by:Fachbewilligung Schädlingsbekämpfung VFB-S · Updated: 3 July 2026
At a glance
In rented flats, a wasp nest is normally treated as a defect of the rented property, and the landlord is responsible for having it dealt with. As a tenant, you must report the find immediately — anyone who hires a contractor on their own initiative often ends up paying the bill. So always agree on the next steps with the property management first.
A wasp nest on the balcony or in the roller shutter box of a rented flat quickly raises the question: do I have to deal with it myself, or is that the landlord’s job? We cannot give a blanket, legally binding answer here — but the following principles offer a first point of orientation.
Who is usually responsible?
A wasp nest on or in a rented flat is normally regarded as a defect of the rented property. Maintenance — and with it the cost of removal — therefore usually falls to the landlord. The details may differ depending on the tenancy agreement and the canton; if in doubt, it is worth checking your tenancy agreement or asking the property management.
Your duty as a tenant
Regardless of who pays, as a tenant you are obliged to report the find without delay. Anyone who hires a specialist firm on their own initiative, without informing the property management, risks having to bear the costs themselves. So report it in writing first, ideally with a photo and the location of the nest, and ask for prompt action.
What you can do until the nest is removed
- Keep windows and doors in the affected area closed.
- Keep your distance from the entrance hole and do not touch the nest yourself.
- If it is a common wasp or German wasp and there is a genuine risk to health, press the property management to act quickly.
- If it is a protected species such as a bumblebee or a wild bee, control measures are not permitted in any case — see species that must not be exterminated.
When it needs to happen quickly
If the property management fails to respond within a reasonable period and there is an acute risk to health — for example if someone in the household is allergic — you should set a deadline in writing. For a legal assessment of your individual case, we recommend seeking advice from the tenants’ association (Mieterverband). In technical terms, we are happy to help you assess the situation on site in any event — more on this under wasp nest removal. Our pillar article «Are wasps and hornets protected?» gives an overview of the legal situation.
Frequently asked questions
As a tenant, do I have to report a wasp nest myself?
Yes. Tenants are generally obliged to report defects of the rented property to the property management or the landlord without delay so that they can act on it.
Can I simply hire a specialist firm myself?
We advise against doing so without prior agreement. Without the landlord's consent, you may well be left paying the costs yourself. Discuss the approach with the property management first.
What if the landlord does not respond?
Where there is an acute risk to health, you should set a deadline in writing and point out the urgency. For any further legal steps, we recommend seeking advice from the tenants' association (Mieterverband) or a legal advice service.