Pest Infestations in Rental Properties: How Tenants Can Claim Compensation
Rats in the kitchen, bedbugs in the bedroom, cockroaches in the cupboards — pest infestations are not only distressing but can also be dangerous to your health. Sadly, many tenants across the UK are forced to live with infestations because their landlords fail to act.
If you’ve reported a pest problem to your landlord and nothing has been done, you may be entitled to make a housing disrepair claim. At Housing Disrepair Claims, we help tenants secure urgent repairs, eradicate infestations, and win housing disrepair compensation claims for the inconvenience, damage, and health risks they’ve endured.
Why Pest Infestations Are a Serious Housing Disrepair Issue
A pest infestation in a rental property can lead to:
- Health risks from contaminated food, droppings, and bites
- Damage to personal belongings from gnawing, nesting, or droppings
- Psychological distress from living in unsafe, unhygienic conditions
- Spread of disease, including salmonella and hantavirus
Common pests in UK rental homes include:
- Rats and mice
- Cockroaches
- Bedbugs and fleas
- Ants
- Wasps or other insect nests
Landlords’ Legal Responsibilities for Pest Control
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are responsible for keeping rental properties safe, habitable, and free from hazards — which includes dealing with pest infestations when they’re caused by disrepair.
This could mean repairing:
- Holes or gaps in walls, floors, or roofs
- Broken windows or doors that allow pests entry
- Damaged drains or pipes
- Defective bins or waste storage areas
If they fail to act after you’ve reported an infestation, you may be able to start a compensation claim for housing disrepair.
When to Make a Housing Disrepair Claim for Pests
You should consider taking legal action if:
- You’ve reported the pest problem in writing to your landlord or housing association
- They have failed to deal with the root cause (not just temporary extermination)
- The infestation is affecting your health, belongings, or quality of life
A housing disrepair compensation claim can cover:
- The cost of replacing damaged items
- Health problems caused by the infestation
- The inconvenience and stress of living in infested conditions
How Housing Disrepair Claims Can Help
At Housing Disrepair Claims, we are housing disrepair experts who know how to build strong cases for tenants dealing with pest infestations. We work with the best housing disrepair solicitors to ensure you get both urgent repairs and fair compensation.
Our process is straightforward:
- Free Case Review – We check if you have a valid claim.
- Evidence Gathering – We help you document the infestation, the damage, and your landlord’s inaction.
- Legal Representation – We connect you with expert solicitors who can take your case forward.
- No Win, No Fee – You only pay if your case succeeds.
The Compensation You Could Receive
The amount of compensation depends on:
- How long you’ve been living with the infestation
- The severity of the problem
- Any health issues you’ve suffered
- Damage to your belongings
Many tenants receive thousands of pounds through housing disrepair compensation claims, as well as court orders requiring the landlord to fix the cause of the problem.
Why You Need Housing Disrepair Solicitors
Pest infestation cases can be complex because landlords sometimes try to blame tenants. Having the best housing disrepair solicitors on your side ensures your rights are protected. Our legal partners know how to:
- Prove that the infestation is due to property disrepair, not tenant behaviour
- Force landlords to carry out proper repairs, not just temporary exterminations
- Maximise your compensation payout
What to Do If You Have a Pest Infestation
If you’re a tenant facing a pest problem, follow these steps:
- Report It in Writing – Always inform your landlord by email or letter.
- Take Photos and Videos – Capture clear evidence of the pests and the damage.
- Record Health Problems – Keep any medical reports if the infestation has affected your health.
- Contact Housing Disrepair Claims – We’ll help you start your housing disrepair compensation claim and get urgent action.
Act Quickly — Don’t Let the Problem Get Worse
Pest infestations spread quickly and become harder to eradicate over time. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be.
Final Word: You Don’t Have to Live with Pests
No tenant should have to share their home with rats, cockroaches, or bedbugs. If your landlord won’t act, Housing Disrepair Claims can help you take legal action, secure repairs, and claim the housing disrepair compensation you deserve.
