Unwelcome Guests: A Brief Guide to Pest Problems for Tenants

Hearing scuttling and scratching in your walls at night? Pests can be a nightmare for any tenant, disrupting homes and damaging furniture. If your landlord is responsible for the removal of pests but has not taken action, you may need to hire a legal representative for assistance. In this article, we’ll cover the essentials of eradicating pests from your home properly.

Pest Types

When it comes to pests, several species can cause problems and disturbances in your home. Rodents are a common form, for example, and often one of the most difficult kinds to get rid of. Rats and mice can enter through unseen holes in the home, which means they cannot be properly stopped from entering your home unless these holes are filled, making it difficult for renters to do so. 

Dangers of Pests

Unfortunately, pests bring along more issues than simply creating noise. Rodents, for example, can have an impact on human health, from carrying diseases to causing allergic reactions. Their droppings can be found throughout the home too, creating an unsightly mess that any visiting guests will spot. Similarly, poisoned bodies left unfound will eventually decompose, leaving an unpleasant smell. 

The effects of pests on mental health can be detrimental and therefore should not be undervalued. Living in an environment where sleeping becomes difficult due to phobias and the sounds of pests can lead to serious mental health problems, so pests must be removed promptly. 

Chewing away at walls and thriving on dampness, pests can also have impacts on the property itself. Pests like woodworms cause structural damage from infesting wood with larvae, leading to serious structural issues. Likewise, rodents are known for chewing into loose cables, leading to risks like electrical fires and electrocution. 

Landlord Responsibilities

If you have a pest problem, the first thing you should do is refer to your tenancy agreement. This should inform you which types of pests your landlord is responsible for removing, and which species are your responsibility, if any. Largely, the landlord should be responsible for making sure the property is not in a state of disrepair that will encourage pests. Disrepair could include holes in external walls, damaged structures, damp problems, water leaks and subsidence. If this is the case, you may be able to take legal action against your landlord. 

Tenant Responsibilities

As mentioned, it is not always the landlord’s responsibility to monitor and exterminate pest infestations. Besides the rules listed in the tenancy agreement, tenants should discourage the invasion of pests by caring for the property adequately. This includes frequent cleaning, proper disposal of waste or leaving food out to rot. In these situations, the tenant may be to blame for the infestation and therefore liable. 

Legal Matters

If you have reason to believe your landlord has not been meeting their obligations, this could be a breach of contract. Luckily, our local law firm specialises in landlord and tenant disputes, meaning we can ensure you get the justice you deserve.

Visit our website to learn more about us at DJP Solicitors. Alternatively, get in touch with our friendly team directly for further support.