Pests & Infestations
At a Glance
Discovering mice in the loft, ants in the kitchen or bed bugs in the bedroom can be stressful and upsetting.
While some pest problems can be resolved quickly, others may require repairs to the property or professional pest control.
Whether your landlord or you are responsible will depend on how the infestation started, when it was discovered and whether the property has defects that allowed pests to enter.
This guide explains the most common types of infestations, who is usually responsible and what steps you should take if you discover pests in your rented home.
Common Types of Pests
Pests can affect any home, regardless of how clean or well maintained it is.
Common examples include:
- Mice
- Rats
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Fleas
- Bed bugs
- Wasps
- Bees
- Moths
- Silverfish
Some pests are simply a nuisance, while others may damage the property or pose a risk to health.
Who Is Responsible?
There isn’t one simple rule.
Responsibility depends on what caused the infestation.
Questions that often need to be considered include:
- Was the problem already present when the tenancy began?
- Is there a defect in the property allowing pests to enter?
- Has the infestation resulted from poor maintenance of the building?
- Has the tenant’s behaviour contributed to the problem?
The answer will vary depending on the circumstances.
Your Landlord's Responsibilities
A landlord will usually be responsible where the infestation is linked to the condition of the property or a repair they are responsible for.
Examples include:
- Rats entering through damaged drains.
- Mice accessing the property through holes in walls or broken air bricks.
- Birds nesting because of damaged roofing.
- nsects entering through defective windows or doors.
- Pest problems caused by unresolved damp or structural defects.
- An infestation that existed before you moved into the property.
In these situations, your landlord should investigate the cause, arrange any necessary repairs and, where appropriate, organise professional pest treatment.
Simply treating the pests without fixing the defect that allowed them to enter may only provide a temporary solution.
Your Responsibilities as a Tenant
As a tenant, you’re expected to take reasonable care of your home.
This includes:
- Storing food properly.
- Disposing of rubbish regularly.
- Keeping the property reasonably clean.
- Reporting pest problems promptly.
- Avoiding behaviour that could attract pests.
If an infestation has been caused by your actions or neglect – for example, allowing rubbish to accumulate or failing to report a problem until it becomes severe – you may be responsible for the cost of treatment.
However, the presence of pests does not automatically mean the tenant is at fault.
What Should You Do If You Discover Pests?
1. Confirm the problem
Look for signs such as:
- Droppings
- Gnaw marks
- Nests
- Damage to food packaging
- Bite marks
- Live insects or rodents
If it’s safe to do so, take photographs.
2. Report it promptly
Tell your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible.
Explain:
- What you’ve found.
- Where you’ve found it.
- When you first noticed it.
- Whether the problem appears to be getting worse.
Where possible, report the issue in writing.
3. Keep evidence
Keep:
- Photographs.
- Emails.
- Messages.
- Pest control reports.
- Receipts if you’ve purchased traps or treatment.
4. Allow access
If your landlord arranges inspections, repairs or pest control, cooperate with reasonable requests for access.
What If Your Landlord Doesn't Take Action?
If you believe your landlord is responsible and they fail to respond:
Step 1
Follow up in writing and ask for an update.
Step 2
Continue gathering evidence.
Step 3
If the infestation is linked to disrepair or is creating a serious risk to health, contact your local council’s Private Sector Housing Team.
The council can inspect the property using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). If they identify serious hazards, they may require your landlord to carry out repairs or take other enforcement action.
Step 4
If the problem remains unresolved, seek independent legal advice.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to bring a claim if your landlord has failed to meet their legal responsibilities.
Preventing Future Infestations
Although not every infestation can be prevented, these simple steps may help reduce the risk:
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Dispose of rubbish regularly.
- Keep food preparation areas clean.
- Report leaks or damp promptly.
- Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
- Report holes or gaps around pipes, vents or doors.
- Keep external bins closed where possible.
Preventing pests is often easier than dealing with an established infestation.
Frequently Asked Questions
My property had mice when I moved in. Who is responsible?
If the infestation existed before your tenancy began or is linked to defects in the property, your landlord will usually be responsible for investigating and resolving the issue.
I think my rubbish attracted rats. What happens?
If the infestation has resulted from your actions or failure to take reasonable care of the property, you may be responsible for the cost of treatment.
Can I arrange pest control myself?
If the problem is urgent, you may choose to arrange treatment yourself, but it’s generally best to notify your landlord first if you believe they may be responsible.
Unless you’ve agreed otherwise, you shouldn’t assume you’ll be reimbursed.
Can I stop paying rent because of pests?
No.
You should continue paying your rent while the issue is being investigated or resolved unless you’ve received independent legal advice stating otherwise.
Can I claim compensation?
Possibly.
If your landlord has failed to deal with an infestation they were responsible for, and you’ve suffered loss or inconvenience as a result, you may have grounds to bring a legal claim depending on the circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- Responsibility depends on what caused the infestation.
- Landlords are usually responsible where pests are linked to defects, disrepair or an existing infestation.
- Tenants should report pest problems as soon as they are discovered.
- Keep evidence and photographs from the beginning.
- Continue paying your rent while the issue is being addressed.
- Contact your local council if a serious infestation linked to housing conditions is ignored.
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