Pest Control for Renters: Your Rights

Discovering a pest problem in rented accommodation raises an immediate question: whose responsibility is it to deal with it? The answer depends on the type of pest, the cause of the problem, and the terms of your tenancy agreement. Here's a practical guide to understanding your rights.

Landlord responsibilities

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of the property in good repair. This includes keeping the property free from defects that could allow pests to enter — such as holes in walls, broken airbricks, damaged roof tiles, and defective drains.

Your landlord is generally responsible for pest control when:

• The infestation was present before you moved in
• The infestation is caused by a structural defect the landlord should have repaired (e.g., holes allowing rats to enter)
• The problem originates in communal areas of a block of flats
• The pest issue relates to defective drains or sewers that the landlord is responsible for maintaining

Tenant responsibilities

Tenants are expected to keep the property in a reasonable condition. You may be responsible for pest control if:

• The infestation was caused by poor housekeeping — for example, leaving food waste uncovered or failing to dispose of rubbish properly
• You introduced the pests yourself (e.g., bed bugs brought in via second-hand furniture)
• Your tenancy agreement explicitly makes you responsible for minor pest issues

In practice, the line between landlord and tenant responsibility is often blurred. If there's a dispute, the key question is usually: could the landlord have prevented the problem through proper maintenance?

What to do first

If you discover a pest problem in your rented home, take these steps:

• Document everything. Take photos and videos of the pests, droppings, damage, and any structural defects that may be allowing entry. Note dates and keep a record.
• Report to your landlord in writing. Email or letter — not just a phone call. This creates a paper trail. Be specific about what you've found and ask them to arrange treatment.
• Give them reasonable time to respond. A few days for an urgent issue like rats or bed bugs. If they don't respond, follow up in writing and set a deadline.
• Keep the property clean. While waiting for treatment, minimise food sources — store food in sealed containers, clean up crumbs, and keep bins tightly sealed.

If your landlord won't act

If your landlord refuses to deal with a pest problem they're responsible for, you have several options:

• Contact your local council. The environmental health department can inspect the property and, if necessary, serve an improvement notice on the landlord requiring them to take action. This is a free service.
• Use the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Pest infestations are a recognised hazard under HHSRS, and councils can use it to compel landlords to act.
• Seek advice from Citizens Advice or Shelter for free, confidential guidance on your rights.

Council pest control services

Many local councils offer pest control services, sometimes free for certain pests (particularly rats) or at a subsidised rate. However, council services often have longer waiting times — sometimes a week or more — and may not offer evening or weekend appointments. For urgent problems, a private pest controller is usually faster.

Can I arrange pest control myself and deduct the cost?

In most cases, you should not pay for pest control and deduct it from your rent without your landlord's written agreement. Doing so without consent could put you in rent arrears. However, if you've reported the problem, given reasonable time, and the landlord still hasn't acted, Citizens Advice can help you understand your options for recovering costs.

Enter your postcode on Pest Control Review to find a trusted pest controller near you — whether you're a tenant or a landlord.