Unfortunately, pests can sometimes find their way into homes, which can be extremely frustrating and lead to various safety risks. In this blog, we’re looking into who is responsible for pest infestations.
What is a pest infestation?
A pest infestation describes a situation where an animal of some kind enters the home and causes a nuisance. Pests require prompt attention to avoid the situation getting worse.
Not only can pests be irritating to see daily, but they can cause other issues in the home or even cause diseases. Ultimately, it’s not nice having them around, so it’s important to rectify the issue quickly.
It’s vital that both the tenants and landlords are aware of their legal responsibilities regarding pest infestations.
What kind of pests might you find in a UK home?
Common pests found in UK homes can include:
- Rats
- Mice
- Bed bugs
- Moths
- Ants
- Flies
These are just some of the most common pests, there can be others.
Signs of a pest infestation
- Animal droppings
- Unusual noises, such as scurrying or scratching in the walls or flooring
- Damage to household items, such as scratches or gnaw marks
- Strange smells
- Nests, which may be made up of paper or other materials
- Seeing the pests throughout the day or evening
- Noticing trails
So, are tenants or landlords responsible for pest control?
There isn’t usually a simple answer as to who is responsible for pest infestations, as it depends on the root cause of the issue.
A common reason why tenants can find themselves responsible is failing to remove rubbish properly from the property, often enticing pests to enter the home and cause issues.
Landlords can be responsible for the pest infestation if it is caused by elements such as leaks, structural issues or property defects. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act, they are also responsible for pest control if it began before the tenancy agreement.
Ultimately, it is a shared responsibility between tenants and landlords to ensure that the property remains pest free. Tenants must ensure that the property is kept clean to reduce the risk of infestation, and landlords must ensure the property remains in good condition, fixing any points of entry that may be causing the pest issues.
Landlords are also legally required to investigate the cause of the infestation if there is no obvious reason for it. This may involve seeking help from pest control services, making any necessary repairs and taking any preventative measures.
This highlights the importance of regular property inspections for both landlords and tenants. These help to ensure that tenant negligence or structural defects are identified quickly.
What should tenants do if they suspect a pest infestation?
If you are a tenant and you suspect a pest infestation, it’s really important that you take prompt action as part of your own pest control responsibilities.
- Report the pest problem to your letting agency (this should be outlined in your tenancy agreement)
- Take photos and videos if necessary to show the issue
If a pest infestation is found in rented accommodation, the landlord must rectify the situation. It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the home is fit for human habitation and is free from any health hazards. If a tenant reports a pest problem which is ignored, tenants can report the issue to the local council’s Environmental Health department. Tenants must do what they can to prevent pest infestations, such as keeping the property clean and taking out rubbish.
The most important thing is to ensure that the situation is rectified as quickly as possible, so it doesn’t lead to further issues in the home.
At Intus Lettings, we ensure a seamless renting experience for both our landlords and tenants. We ensure that all tenants know how to effectively report maintenance issues and pass these on to landlords in a timely manner.
Are you looking for a trusted letting agent to support you? Contact us to see how we can help with managing your rented property.
