Is Pest Control The Landlord’s Responsibility?

Pest problems can quickly become serious in rental properties. Therefore, knowing who should deal with them is essential. Tenants often ask if pest control is the landlord’s responsibility and it is something that landlords need to understand. The answer depends on the cause of the issue and the tenancy agreement.

When is pest control the landlord’s responsibility?

In many cases, pest control is the landlord’s responsibility by law. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must keep homes in a safe, liveable condition. That includes dealing with pests if the problem results from structural faults.

For example, if rats enter through broken drains or gaps in the brickwork, the landlord must arrange pest control. If there are holes in the roof or damaged vents allowing birds or squirrels in, these must be fixed. Likewise, infestations linked to rising damp or poor waste disposal in communal areas fall under landlord duties. Is pest control the landlord’s responsibility in these cases? Yes.

Local councils also expect landlords to act if pests are a health hazard. This includes cockroaches, rats and mice. Environmental Health Officers can issue enforcement notices if landlords fail to take action.

 However, it is still important for tenants to check your tenancy agreement. Some agreements include clauses about pest control. Still, legal responsibilities usually take priority in serious cases. Landlords should make sure they are happy with their agreement.

When might tenants be responsible for pest control?

Sometimes, tenants may need to deal with pests themselves. This applies if the infestation results from tenant behaviour or lifestyle. Leaving food out, failing to clean regularly or not reporting maintenance problems can all lead to pests.

For instance, flies or ants attracted by overflowing bins might be the tenant’s responsibility. If bed bugs arrive from second-hand furniture or luggage, tenants may also have to pay for treatment.

However, even in these cases, we always recommend notifying the landlord. It helps create a record and shows the tenant acted quickly. Also, if the landlord arranges pest control, the cost can be discussed clearly.

Where shared spaces are involved, things get more complex. Is pest control the landlord’s responsibility in these cases? Landlords usually handle pests in hallways or shared kitchens. However, tenants might share the cost depending on the cause.

We often work with letting agents to clarify responsibilities. We provide written reports that help landlords and tenants understand the cause of an infestation. This is especially useful when the blame is unclear.

Is pest control the landlord’s responsibility? is a common concern. That is why we always offer advice that matches UK housing law. Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, we can help with fair and fast pest solutions in Surrey.