Finding pests like rats, mice, cockroaches, or bedbugs in your home can be distressing and even dangerous. Pest infestations in rental properties are more than just unpleasant—they can pose significant health risks, damage your belongings, and make your home uninhabitable. If you're dealing with an infestation and your landlord is ignoring the problem, you may have legal rights to enforce repairs or claim compensation.
In the UK, landlords are legally obligated to ensure that rented properties are safe and fit for human habitation. That includes preventing and resolving pest infestations when they arise due to structural disrepair or poor property maintenance. And if your landlord refuses to act, you don’t have to handle the problem alone pest infestation claim like Housing Disrepair Team can help.
When Is a Pest Infestation the Landlord’s Responsibility?
Responsibility for dealing with pests depends on the cause of the infestation. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords are responsible for:
- Keeping the structure of the property in good repair
- Ensuring doors, windows, walls, and roofs are intact and secure
- Fixing water leaks or damp issues that encourage pests
- Ensuring there are no holes, gaps, or entry points for vermin
- Repairing broken drains or pipes that attract rodents or insects
If an infestation results from any of the above issues, your landlord is legally required to resolve the problem and fix the underlying cause.
For example, if rats are entering your flat due to broken air bricks or gaps in external walls, that’s the landlord’s duty to repair. Likewise, if cockroaches are thriving due to damp or mould caused by poor ventilation or leaks, your landlord is responsible for both eliminating the infestation and addressing the root issue.
Common Types of Pest Infestations in Rented Homes
Some of the most frequent pest problems tenants report include:
- Rodents (rats and mice) – often caused by poor external maintenance, leaking pipes, or food waste
- Cockroaches – thrive in warm, damp environments and spread quickly
- Bedbugs – may be carried in on clothing or furniture, but can become a widespread issue if not treated
- Fleas – particularly problematic in properties previously occupied by pets
- Ants, wasps, or flies – usually seasonal but can indicate larger issues like decay or gaps in the building
These pests not only make your living conditions intolerable but can also carry disease, trigger allergic reactions, and damage your possessions.
Your Legal Rights as a Tenant
As a tenant, you are entitled to live in a home that is:
- Free from serious hazards
- Structurally sound and secure
- Free from health risks such as pest infestations
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act gives tenants the power to take legal action if their rental property is not up to standard. If your landlord ignores repeated complaints about pests, you can:
- Report them to the local council’s environmental health department
- Begin a legal claim with the help of housing disrepair experts
- Seek financial compensation for the disruption, distress, and damage
Landlords who fail to deal with infestations can be forced to carry out repairs, cover extermination costs, and even pay compensation to tenants affected by the disrepair.
What Should You Do If You Discover a Pest Problem?
- Notify Your Landlord in Writing
- Report the issue to your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible. Always do this in writing—email is ideal—so there is a clear record.
- Document the Infestation
- Take photos or videos of the pests, droppings, or damage caused. Note the dates and any correspondence with your landlord.
- Allow Time for Response
- Give your landlord a reasonable amount of time to respond—typically 14 days, but sooner for more serious infestations. If they fail to act, you can escalate the issue.
- Contact Your Local Council
- The council’s environmental health team can inspect your property and issue an enforcement notice if they find that your home is unsafe.
- Seek Legal Help from Housing Disrepair Experts
- If your landlord continues to ignore the issue, it’s time to speak to professionals. Housing Disrepair Team specialises in helping tenants like you make legal claims and get the compensation and repairs they’re entitled to.
You Could Be Entitled to Compensation
If pests have caused damage to your belongings, disrupted your daily life, or affected your health, you could be entitled to:
- Compensation for inconvenience and distress
- Reimbursement for damaged property or furniture
- Costs of any temporary accommodation
- Repairs to the property to prevent future infestations
You don’t have to suffer in silence or pay out of your own pocket to deal with a problem that’s your landlord’s responsibility.
Why Choose Housing Disrepair Team?
At Housing Disrepair Team, we understand how overwhelming and stressful it is to live in a home infested by pests. That’s why we’ve built a trusted team of housing disrepair experts who specialise in fighting for tenant rights across the UK.
We offer:
- Free case assessments
- No win, no fee representation
- Fast, effective claims handling
- Support with inspections and documentation
Our mission is simple: to make sure your home is safe, clean, and legally compliant—and to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you’re living with a pest problem that your landlord refuses to fix, don’t wait. Contact the Housing Disrepair Team today and speak with trusted housing disrepair experts ready to help.