Who Is Responsible for Pest Control in England Rental Properties?

If you’re renting your home in England and have discovered problems with mice, rats, cockroaches, or other pests, you might be unsure who is meant to handle pest control—landlord or tenant? This article explains pest control responsibilities in England rentals, sets out your legal rights, and outlines practical steps to follow if pests aren’t being dealt with in your rented home.

Who Is Responsible for Pest Control in a Rented Property?

In most cases, landlords are responsible for keeping their properties free from pests and vermin. This is because landlords are legally required to ensure the property is safe, healthy, and fit for human habitation.

If a pest problem is due to issues with the property, such as holes in the wall, broken drains, or faulty refuse storage, it’s usually the landlord’s job to fix the underlying cause and arrange pest control treatment. Tenants are responsible for keeping the property clean and reporting problems quickly.

Relevant Law: What Does the Legislation Say?

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 requires landlords to ensure properties are “fit for human habitation at the start and throughout the tenancy.” Pests like rats or cockroaches can make a home unfit, meaning the landlord must act.^[1]

Repairs and standards are also covered by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which states landlords must keep structure and exterior in good repair, which includes repairing issues causing pests.^[2]

When Might the Tenant Be Responsible?

If the pest problem is caused by the tenant’s actions—for example, failing to remove rubbish, not cleaning, or not reporting an issue—then the tenant may be required to pay for treatment. Always check your tenancy agreement, as some may include specific pest control clauses.

Practical Steps: What to Do If You Discover Pests

• Inform your landlord or letting agent in writing: Describe the pest problem and ask them to arrange treatment or repair.
• Take photos or videos: Gather evidence of the problem. This will help if you need to escalate.
• Check your tenancy agreement: Look for any clauses about pest control or required standards.
• Allow reasonable time for your landlord to respond: If nothing is done, consider the next steps below.

If Your Landlord Won’t Act

If your landlord does not take action within a reasonable time and the pests make the home unfit, you can:

• Contact your local council’s Environmental Health team. They can inspect and order your landlord to fix problems under the Housing Act 2004.^[3]
• Use Form EHO1 (Environmental Health Officers’ complaint form): This form is typically used to report serious hazards, including pest infestation, to your council. For example, if you report a cockroach problem making your flat unsafe and your landlord isn’t acting, you can submit EHO1 to your local council environmental health department. Learn more and find council contacts at GOV.UK.

If a landlord still refuses, the council can serve an improvement notice or, in extreme cases, prosecute the landlord or carry out the work themselves and recover costs from the landlord.

Which Tribunal Handles Disputes?

For England, residential tenancy disputes (such as rent, repairs, or landlord duties) can be handled by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). This tribunal hears disputes about property standards and landlord obligations.

FAQ: Pest Control Responsibilities in Rented Properties

1. Can my landlord make me pay for pest control?
   Landlords usually pay for pest control if the issue is due to the property’s condition or structure. If the infestation was caused by tenant neglect or poor cleanliness, the tenant may be responsible. Check your tenancy agreement for details.
2. How long should I wait for my landlord to deal with pests?
   Your landlord should act as soon as possible, usually within a few days for urgent problems. If they do not respond in a reasonable time frame, you can contact your local council’s Environmental Health team.
3. Will the council help if my landlord ignores pest problems?
   Yes. The council can force landlords to fix serious pest infestations and underlying issues by issuing an improvement notice. They can also prosecute landlords who fail to comply.
4. Can I withhold my rent if the landlord won’t fix pest issues?
   Withholding rent can be risky and may lead to eviction. Always seek legal advice before doing this. Try negotiation, reporting to the council, or using the tribunal before considering withholding rent.
5. What if the tenancy agreement says I'm responsible for all pest issues?
   Landlords cannot override their legal obligations through the tenancy agreement. If pests are caused by property defects, the landlord is still responsible under the law, no matter what the contract says.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• GOV.UK – Repairs in rented housing
• Find your local council for Environmental Health support
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for tenancy disputes
• Shelter England – Pests and vermin in rented homes

---

1. See Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 for the full legal duties on landlords.
2. See Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 for obligations around repairs and property structure.
3. For council enforcement powers and housing health hazards, see Housing Act 2004.

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation