If you’ve ever tented your home, you probably remember signing more paperwork than expected. Not quite as much as when you bought your home, but still a stack. Some of the forms are required by the California Structural Pest Control Board and your county’s Agricultural, Weights and Measures Department. Others come from the fumigation company to ensure everything goes smoothly. Termite fumigation is by far the most lethal termite treatment available, and it’s crucial that everyone involved understands their role.

Here are the types of documents homeowners are typically asked to sign before a fumigation:

Occupants Notice
This form lists key details about the fumigation: the structure type, the gas being used, and whether there are any pipes or conduits that could allow the gas to travel to another structure. It outlines the symptoms of exposure and where to seek help. All parties must sign. If a representative from the county’s agriculture department visits the property on the day of the fumigation, this is the form they’ll ask to see.

Fumigation Checklist
This checklist covers everything that must be done beforehand, such as bagging or removing food, making sure electricity and water remain on, and shutting off natural gas service. It also includes general homeowner responsibilities and safety reminders.

Access Instructions
Will you be there to meet the fumigator, or are you leaving a key? Where should the key be left when the job is done? This form lays out all the logistics for property access.

Gas Shut-Off Notice

If your home has natural gas, it must be shut off prior to fumigation. The pilot light can react with the fumigant, and there’s also a risk of gas leaks leading to dangerous accumulation inside the tent. The fumigation company will arrange the shut-off with the gas provider, but it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to schedule the gas restoration once the tent is removed. This step is often overlooked, so it’s important to clarify—many homeowners assume we’ll take care of it, which can leave them without hot water or heating longer than expected.

Vandalism and Break-In Waiver
Despite what you might have seen on Breaking Bad, break-ins during fumigations are rare. Out of hundreds I’ve managed, I’ve only had one incident—a stolen Apple Watch and iPad, likely an inside job. I stopped using that fumigator. Still, it’s smart to alert your local police department that your home is being tented, just in case.

Plant Damage Waiver
Any plants up against the structure will be affected. I once had to tent over two palm trees. I watered the soil around them heavily the day the tent went up. They looked haggard afterward but bounced back. Small plants under the tent—or any left inside—probably won’t survive.

Roof Damage Waiver
Fumigators must walk on your roof to install the tent. That’s usually fine with composition shingles but can be an issue with tile roofs. Most fumigators offer tile insurance: if a tile breaks, it’s replaced at no cost. Without the insurance, you’re responsible for repairs. Some fragile roofs, like double-stacked clay, are excluded from coverage altogether.

Cat Waiver
Yes, there’s a cat-specific waiver. Enough cats have been left behind that this form exists. A determined cat can find a way into a tent—and wouldn’t survive long inside. Moral of the story: don’t leave pets behind.

Neighbor Release
If your home is very close to a neighbor’s—or if a structure like a patio cover or deck extends to the property line—you’ll need a signed release from your neighbor allowing the tent to temporarily sit on their property.

The Bottom Line
Fumigation waivers aren’t just paperwork—they clearly outline what will happen, who’s responsible for what, and what to expect. Not everyone reads them closely, so it’s important to walk your customer through the key points. For example, if I didn’t tell someone to call the gas company for restoration, they might assume we were handling it—and end up without hot water for a few days. Taking the time to explain these details avoids confusion and keeps everything on track.