Pest infestations can make living conditions unbearable for tenants, bringing health risks, property damage, and emotional distress. From rats and cockroaches to bedbugs and ants, pests are not just a nuisance—they are a serious problem that landlords must address under housing law. If you are renting a property and facing a pest problem, you need to understand your rights and what steps you can take to ensure your home is safe and habitable.

At Housing Disrepair Team, we specialize in helping tenants tackle pest infestations and other housing disrepair issues. Whether your landlord has ignored repeated complaints or failed to act fast enough, we’re here to help you get the repairs done—and secure compensation where appropriate.

The Impact of Pest Infestations on Tenants

Pest infestations can affect tenants in a variety of damaging ways, such as:

Health Hazards: Rodents and insects can spread diseases like salmonella, hantavirus, and allergies triggered by bites or droppings.

Contamination: Pests can contaminate food, water supplies, and surfaces with bacteria and pathogens.

Property Damage: Rats can chew wires and insulation, while bedbugs and fleas can ruin furniture and mattresses.

Mental Stress: Constant anxiety, poor sleep, and the embarrassment of infestation can take a toll on tenants’ mental health.

No one should have to endure these problems in their own home. The law supports your right to live in a safe and healthy property.

Landlord Obligations in Pest Infestation Cases

Landlords in the UK are legally responsible for keeping their properties fit for human habitation. This includes making sure there are no infestations at the start of a tenancy and taking action if infestations develop during the tenancy through no fault of the tenant.

Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and Environmental Protection Act 1990, landlords must:

Provide a pest-free property at the beginning of the tenancy.

Investigate and treat infestations when they arise due to structural issues (e.g., holes, dampness, waste build-up).

Maintain the property to prevent future pest access.

If a landlord fails to address pest issues, they could face legal action and be held responsible for compensation.

When Is the Tenant Responsible?

There are rare cases when tenants might be responsible for pest infestations, such as:

Poor hygiene practices (e.g., not cleaning or leaving food out)

Causing damage that lets pests in

Refusing access to pest control professionals

However, in most cases, especially when pests enter through building faults, landlords must act. If there’s any doubt, legal support can help establish responsibility.

What to Do If You Have a Pest Problem

If you’re currently dealing with a pest infestation, here are the steps to take:

Report it in writing to your landlord immediately. Be specific about the type of pests, locations, and how long the issue has been present.

Collect evidence such as photos, videos, pest control reports, and communication records.

Give your landlord reasonable time to investigate and treat the issue. Depending on the severity, this could range from 24 hours to a week.

Keep a record of any health issues, financial loss (e.g., ruined furniture), or distress caused.

Contact the Housing Disrepair Team if your landlord is ignoring or delaying repairs. We can step in and help enforce your rights.

What Can the Housing Disrepair Team Do?

At Housing Disrepair Team, we take infestation cases seriously. Our services include:

Free case reviews and legal advice

Help with gathering evidence and reporting the issue properly

Direct communication with your landlord to demand prompt action

Arranging pest control inspections if needed

Filing compensation claims if the problem has caused significant loss, stress, or harm

We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning there’s no risk to you if your claim doesn’t succeed.

Compensation for Pest Infestations

If your landlord has neglected their duty to deal with pests, you may be entitled to compensation. Tenants have successfully claimed damages for:

Destroyed furniture or belongings

Health issues caused by pest exposure

Psychological impact or distress

Uninhabitable rooms or disrupted living conditions

Inconvenience and time lost managing the infestation

Each case is different, and compensation is typically based on the severity, how long the problem lasted, and the landlord’s response time.

How Long Should Landlords Take to Resolve Pest Problems?

Pest problems should be treated as urgent—especially if the infestation involves rats, cockroaches, or bedbugs. Ideally, landlords should:

Respond within 24–48 hours to initial reports

Arrange pest control treatment within a week

Provide temporary accommodation or reduce rent if the infestation makes the property uninhabitable

Delays can result in further legal liability, especially if the problem worsens due to inaction.

Common Pest Types in UK Homes

Rodents: Mice and rats are common in older or poorly sealed properties, especially in urban areas.

Cockroaches: Thrive in warm, damp environments like kitchens and bathrooms.

Bedbugs: Usually brought in from other locations but spread quickly through soft furnishings.

Ants: Common in summer months and often invade kitchens.

Fleas: Typically associated with pets but can infest carpets and bedding even without animals.

All of these pests should be dealt with by licensed professionals.

Conclusion

No one should have to live with the stress and hazards of a pest-infested home. Landlords are legally bound to resolve these issues quickly and thoroughly. If your landlord fails to act, don’t suffer in silence. The Housing Disrepair Team is here to help you get your home back to a safe and comfortable condition—and hold negligent landlords accountable. Contact us today to learn how we can help you make a claim and live pest-free.