Pests
Any home can have a problem with pests or vermin, no matter how clean your home is, but you can reduce the chances of infestation, by:
- not leaving food or rubbish lying around;
- keep your garden tidy; and
- asking your landlord to block up any holes in the brickwork, roof, skirting boards and floorboards to prevent pests getting into your home.
Your landlord is responsible for dealing with infestations of pests and vermin if:
- pests can get in because of disrepair such as a hole in the wall or badly fitted pipes; or
- you live in a furnished home and the pests were there before your tenancy started.
If you think your landlord is responsible, report the problem to them as soon as possible. Make it clear why you think they are responsible. Allow your landlord reasonable time to do the work once you have reported the problem. They should:
- pay for pest control specialists;
- fix any holes in the wall or floor that allow rats, mice or other pests to enter; and
- fix any problems the pests have caused, such as damage to electrical wiring, pipes or brickwork that have been chewed through.
If they won’t sort it out, report it to the council. If the infestation is a serious risk to your health or safety, the council can:
- get rid of the pests and charge you or your landlord for the work;
- serve a notice ordering your landlord to deal with the problem;
- warn your landlord that they are aware of a problem; or
- advise you of the best way to deal with the problem.
You may also be able to take your landlord to court and obtain a court order:
- requiring them to remove the pests; and
- pay you compensation.
If the problem is coming from a neighbour’s home:
- ask your neighbour to deal with pests;
- report the problem to their landlord or freeholder, if they rent their home too;
- report it to the council.