AMES (Altek Midlands Environmental Services)
Landlords Obligations Regarding Pest Control in Rental Properties July 2009
Both tenants and landlords often experience some confusion regarding where responsibility lies as far as pest control is concerned on domestic rental properties. This can sometimes lead to unnecessary friction between landlord and their tenants, particulary if the pest problems take longer than is reasonable to resolve, due to confusion over where responsibilities lie. Tenants of properties run by Housing Associations also often seem unsure over where they stand in terms of the provision of pest control.
This News Article is To Help Tenants and Landlords Understand The Following:
- Who is responsible for Pest Control in privately rented property?
- Where do the Council fit in?
- What If My Property is Managed By a Housing Association?
Pest Control in Privately Rented Property
Landlords, including Housing Associations (RSLs) are responsible for dealing with pest problems (including rats, mice, cockroaches, bedbugs, textile moths, pigeons, tropical ant species and garden ants) in or on their property. The Council has no statutory obligation to provide pest control treatments to tenants of private landlords or Housing Associations (RSLs), regardless of whether they receive Council Tax Benefit or Housing Benefits.
Tenants Of Housing Associations
Tenants of Housing Associations and private sector landlords must inform their landlord (or the landlord’s representative) of any problems they have with pests. Whereupon the landlord (or their representative) must immediately take appropriate action to ensure the infestation is eradicated and any causes of the infestation (inadequate pest-proofing, hygiene and housekeeping etc.) are rectified.
The Council’s Pest Control Officers will investigate most pest complaints and if necessary, take enforcement action to ensure landlords, including Housing Associations (RSLs) comply with the requirements of the various pieces of legislation relating to pest infestation, and the storage and disposal of household or commercial waste.
All tenants who are advised by their landlord to contact Environmental Health in relation to matters of pest infestation will be referred back to their landlord for pest treatment.
