Roaches spread through walls, pipes, and shared spaces — so stopping them requires both your unit and coordination with your building
Roaches in an apartment are not a sign you are dirty. They travel through walls, under doors, along pipes, and through vents from neighbouring units and common areas. Stopping them means sealing entry points in your own space, removing what attracts them, and reporting infestations to your landlord — because your neighbour's roach problem becomes yours through the building's structure.
Your lease almost certainly requires your landlord to maintain the building in a pest-free condition. That means they must treat infestations, seal gaps around pipes, and fix holes in walls. You handle prevention inside your unit; they handle the building itself. If roaches keep returning after you have sealed and cleaned, the problem is likely in the walls or a neighbouring unit, and that is a maintenance issue your landlord must address.
Key Takeaways
- Seal gaps around pipes, under doors, and along baseboards with caulk or weatherstripping — roaches need only a crack the width of a credit card to enter.
- Remove food sources by storing dry goods in airtight containers, taking out trash daily, and not leaving pet food or dirty dishes out overnight.
- Report roach sightings to your landlord in writing and request pest treatment; most leases make this their responsibility, not yours.
- If roaches return after treatment, the infestation is likely coming from walls or neighbouring units — document this and ask your landlord to treat the building.
- Do not throw away infested items without telling your landlord first; they may need to inspect or treat them before removal.
Seal entry points so roaches cannot move between units
Roaches move through the smallest openings. Check around water pipes under your sink, behind your toilet, and where pipes enter walls. Caulk any gap larger than a hairline crack. Use silicone caulk (not acrylic, which roaches can chew through) and a caulk gun — it costs a few dollars and takes minutes per gap.
Check the gap under your apartment door. If you can see light, roaches can enter. Install a door sweep or weatherstripping on the bottom of the door. These cost $5 to $15 and stick on without tools. Do the same for closet doors and any interior doors that lead to shared spaces.
Look along baseboards for cracks or gaps where the wall meets the floor. Caulk these as well. Check around electrical outlets, light switches, and cable entry points. Roaches hide in these spaces during the day and use them as highways at night.
Remove food and water sources that attract roaches
Roaches need three things: shelter, water, and food. You cannot eliminate shelter (they live in walls), but you can remove the other two. Store all dry goods — cereal, flour, sugar, pet food — in airtight containers with locking lids. Open boxes and bags are invitations. Transfer food from opened packages into containers as soon as you bring groceries home.
Take out trash daily, even if the bag is not full. Roaches eat crumbs and grease. Rinse food containers before putting them in the bin. Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight — wash them or put them in a closed dishwasher. Wipe down counters and stovetops before bed. Roaches are nocturnal and hunt for food when you sleep.
Fix leaky pipes and wipe up standing water. Roaches need water more than food. A slow drip under the sink or condensation on pipes is enough to sustain them. Check under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances. Dry these areas daily if you find moisture.
Report the infestation to your landlord in writing
Send your landlord a written notice — email is fine, but keep a copy. State that you have seen roaches, give the date and location (kitchen, bedroom, bathroom), and request pest treatment. Do not wait to see if they go away. Most state housing codes require landlords to maintain premises free of pests, and the longer you wait, the harder the infestation becomes to treat.
Your landlord will likely hire a pest control company. They may ask you to prepare your unit — clearing cabinets, moving items away from walls, or staying out during treatment. Follow these instructions; they make treatment more effective. Ask your landlord what pesticide will be used and whether it is safe for pets or children. You have the right to know.
Keep records of every report you make and every treatment. Write down the date, what you reported, who you reported it to, and what happened next. If roaches return within a few weeks, this record shows the problem is ongoing and your landlord has not solved it — which matters if you need to pursue a repair claim later.
Understand when the problem is in the building, not your unit
If you have sealed gaps, removed food sources, and your landlord has treated your apartment, but roaches keep returning, the infestation is likely in the walls, pipes, or a neighbouring unit. This is a building-wide problem that requires your landlord to treat common areas and coordinate with other tenants.
Document this pattern. Take photos if you can. Note the dates you see roaches, where they appear, and how long after treatment they return. Send this to your landlord in writing and ask them to inspect the walls, treat the building's common spaces, and check neighbouring units. Some landlords will not do this without pressure — your documentation makes it harder for them to ignore.
If your landlord refuses to treat a building-wide infestation, you may have grounds to withhold rent, break your lease, or file a complaint with your local housing authority. The rules vary by state and city, so check your local tenant rights before taking action. Many areas have a "repair and deduct" rule that lets you pay for treatment yourself and deduct the cost from rent, but you must follow the exact procedure your state requires.
Do not throw away infested items without landlord approval
If roaches have infested furniture, bedding, or other items, do not throw them away without telling your landlord first. They may need to inspect the items, treat them, or document the infestation. Removing evidence can hurt your case if you later need to prove the building has a pest problem.
If your landlord approves disposal, wrap infested items tightly in plastic bags before putting them in the trash or taking them to the curb. This prevents roaches from spreading to other units or the building's dumpster. Some landlords will arrange for professional disposal or treatment; ask before you act.
Use roach baits and traps as a temporary measure, not a solution
Over-the-counter roach baits and sticky traps can help you monitor the problem and kill some roaches, but they do not solve an infestation. Baits work best when combined with sealing entry points and removing food sources. Sticky traps let you see where roaches are moving and how many there are — useful information to share with your landlord.
Do not rely on sprays or foggers. Sprays kill roaches you can see but miss the ones hiding in walls. Foggers are even less effective and can spread pesticides throughout your apartment. Your landlord's pest control company has stronger treatments and knows how to use them safely.
If you use baits, place them along walls where you have seen roaches, under sinks, and behind appliances. Keep them away from children and pets. Check them regularly and replace them as directed on the package. Report what you find to your landlord — a high number of roaches in traps is evidence the problem is serious.
Prevent roaches from returning after treatment
After your landlord treats the apartment, keep up the prevention steps: seal gaps, store food in containers, remove water sources, and take out trash daily. Roaches can return from neighbouring units or the building's walls if conditions are right. Your sealed entry points and clean space make your unit less attractive to them.
If you see roaches again within a month of treatment, contact your landlord when ready. Most pest control companies offer a may provide — if roaches return within a certain period, they will treat again at no extra cost. Your landlord should push back on the company or hire someone else if the problem persists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I break my lease if my landlord will not treat roaches?
This depends on your state and local laws. In many places, a pest infestation is a breach of the landlord's duty to maintain the apartment in habitable condition. You may be able to break the lease, withhold rent, or pursue other remedies, but you must follow your state's exact procedure. Check your local tenant rights or contact a legal aid office before taking action.
What if roaches are coming from my neighbour's apartment?
Tell your landlord in writing that roaches are entering from a neighbouring unit. They have the right to enter that unit to inspect and treat it. You cannot force your neighbour to cooperate, but your landlord can. If your landlord refuses to address the neighbouring unit, document this and escalate to your local housing authority.
Are roaches a sign the building is unsafe?
Roaches are a sign of a maintenance problem, not necessarily a safety hazard. However, a severe infestation can indicate poor building conditions overall. If you see roaches alongside other problems — mold, water damage, rodents — report all of them together to your landlord and your local housing authority.
Do I have to let the pest control company into my apartment?
Yes, if your lease requires it. Your landlord can enter to treat pests, though they must usually give notice (typically 24 hours). You can ask to be present during treatment and can request that the company use pet-safe products. If you refuse entry without a valid reason, your landlord may have grounds to evict you.
Will caulking and weatherstripping damage my apartment?
Caulk and weatherstripping are standard maintenance and do not damage walls or doors. When you move out, you can remove weatherstripping easily. Caulk is permanent, but landlords expect it — it is a normal repair. If you are unsure, ask your landlord before sealing gaps.