Pest infestations
Pests in your rented home can be distressing, especially when they return after treatment. Record the signs, report possible entry points and understand how responsibility is assessed.
Understanding pest infestations
You may notice pests, droppings, gnawed materials or repeated activity in particular rooms. Note where these appear and whether the problem affects shared areas as well as your home.
An infestation may be connected to gaps, damaged drains or other property defects. Responsibility depends on the circumstances, including the cause and your tenancy or occupation contract. Neither treatment alone nor an assumption about the cause necessarily resolves a returning problem.
What to look out for
Signs of pests
Pests, droppings or other signs appearing in the home.
Gaps and damaged areas
Visible gaps around pipes, skirting or other possible entry points.
Problems returning
Signs of pests continuing or returning after treatment.
Avoid unsafe contact with pests and treatments
Do not handle droppings, nests, unknown substances or pest-control chemicals to collect evidence. Tell your landlord about children, pets or household health concerns that need to be considered when treatment is arranged.
Use a professional or your council’s pest-control advice for handling and treatment questions. Seek medical advice if you are concerned about illness or injury.
What you can do
You do not need a perfect set of evidence to make your first report. Start with what you know and add to your record as things change.
Describe what is happening
Record the type of signs you have seen, where they appear and how long the problem has continued. If you do not know the pest type, describe it without guessing.
- Keep dated photographs of signs from a safe position.
- Note visible gaps around pipes, damaged drains or other possible entry points.
- Keep dates of treatments and whether signs return afterwards.
Tell your landlord
Tell your landlord about the infestation and any visible property defects. Ask for an assessment of the cause, who is responsible and what treatment or repair work is proposed.
See an example of what to write
I am reporting signs of pests in [room / shared area] since [date]. I have noticed [droppings / pests / gnawed materials], and there is [a visible gap / damage / no known entry point]. Previous treatment was [details, if any].
Please confirm you have received this report, explain how it will be assessed and let me know the next steps and expected timescale. I can share any photographs I have taken safely.
Keep your report reference, replies and repair appointments. If you report by phone, note the date and follow up in writing where possible.
Keep a record of the impact
Keep a timeline of inspections, treatment and repairs. Record areas you cannot use, affected belongings and whether pest activity continues between visits.
Follow the treatment provider’s instructions and save them with your records. Let your landlord know if repeated treatment has not addressed the problem or possible entry points remain.
What should your landlord do?
Your landlord should take the report seriously and assess whether disrepair or shared areas are contributing. Ask for the responsibility decision and reasons in writing, rather than assuming every infestation is automatically a landlord or tenant responsibility.
Where repairs are needed to address an entry point or other defect, ask how those works will be coordinated with treatment. Repair and fitness duties in England and Wales may be relevant, depending on the circumstances.
Common questions
What if pests return after treatment?
Record the dates and affected areas, and ask whether the cause and entry points have been reassessed. Keep treatment and repair records together.
Is pest control always the landlord’s responsibility?
No single answer applies to every infestation. The cause, property condition and tenancy or occupation contract matter. Ask for an investigation and a written explanation of responsibility.
What if neighbours have the same problem?
Mention any shared areas or similar reports you know about without gathering other tenants’ personal details. Ask whether the wider building needs assessment.
Can I complain without using Tenant Help?
Yes. You can use your landlord’s complaints process yourself. Further routes depend on your landlord and country: the Housing Ombudsman covers relevant social landlords in England, while the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales considers relevant Welsh public-service landlords. You do not have to use a claims management company.
If the problem continues
If pest activity continues, follow up with treatment dates and any unrepaired defects. Ask for a coordinated plan and a written explanation of responsibility; use the complaints process if the response remains unresolved.
For council or housing association tenants, further complaint routes include the Housing Ombudsman in England and the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. Their procedures and scope differ; check the relevant guidance about when to bring a complaint.
Private tenants in England and Wales can ask their local council’s housing or environmental health team about conditions that may harm health or safety. Your tenancy or occupation contract and the circumstances will affect the options available.
Want to talk through your situation?
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Read how Tenant Help works before deciding whether to be introduced to a solicitor.