What to Do If Your Wales Rental Has Mice or Pest Infestations

Living with mice or bug infestations in a rented home in Wales can be distressing. As a renter, your health and safety are legally protected. This guide explains what your landlord is responsible for, what steps you should take, and how to get help if the problem isn’t fixed—using clear, up-to-date Welsh housing law and government resources.

Common Landlord Responsibilities for Pests in Wales

Under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, landlords must provide and maintain homes that are safe, secure, and fit for human habitation. This means they must:

• Make sure the property is free from serious hazards, including pest infestations like mice, rats, cockroaches, or bedbugs.
• Deal with infestations that occur from the property’s structure, poor maintenance, or existing issues when you move in.
• Respond promptly when you report a pest issue, and arrange necessary treatment or repairs.

If mice or bugs are present because of problems with the building (such as gaps, broken pipes, or damp), the landlord is almost always responsible for taking action.

What Should Renters Do If They Discover Mice or Bugs?

To resolve a pest infestation in your rented home, follow these steps:

• Document the problem: Take photos or videos of pests, droppings, or damage.
• Notify your landlord in writing: Explain the problem clearly and ask for repairs or pest control.
• Allow access: Arrange suitable times for inspection or treatment.
• Keep all communication: Save emails, texts, and records of conversations.

If your landlord does not take action within a reasonable time (usually within 14 days for urgent health issues), you should escalate the matter.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

1. Fitness for Human Habitation (FFHH) Complaint

If your rental is unfit due to pests, you can complain to your local authority. Councils use a 'Fitness for Human Habitation' test under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, section 91 to assess your home's condition.

• Form Name: Typically called ‘Housing Disrepair Complaint Form’ or similar (varies by council)
• When to Use: If your landlord has not fixed an infestation, submit this to your local council’s environmental health or housing department.
• Find your local council and complaint form

Example: Jane notices mice after moving in. Her landlord delays action, so Jane fills out the complaint form on her council’s website, triggering an official inspection.

2. Renting Homes Tribunal (Residential Property Tribunal Wales)

If repairs aren’t completed, you may escalate your case to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. This independent body hears disputes about rented homes, including fitness and landlord obligations.

• Form Name: RHW2 - Application to determine fitness for human habitation
• When to Use: If your landlord or council doesn’t resolve the issue, you can apply to the Tribunal for a legally-binding decision.
• Official tribunal application forms and guidance

Example: If council action stalls or the landlord refuses repairs, you complete the RHW2 form and submit evidence to the Tribunal. They can order your landlord to fix the problem.

What If the Infestation Was Caused by the Tenant?

If evidence clearly shows the infestation was caused by the tenant’s neglect (for example, not cleaning or storing food properly), the landlord may not be responsible for the cost of treatment. However, you cannot be evicted without due process, and the landlord must prove the cause.

Timeline: How Long Should It Take to Resolve?

Pest infestations affecting health or safety are considered urgent. Landlords should respond within 14 days to arrange an inspection or treatment. If there is no response, escalate as above.

What the Law Says: Key Legislation in Wales

• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016: Sets conditions for rental property safety and fitness, including being free from vermin and pests.
• Housing (Wales) Act 2014: Establishes legal standards for letting and management.
• Gov.uk private renting repairs guidance

These laws specifically protect renters from unsafe living conditions in Wales, and are enforced by local councils and the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do first if I find mice or bugs in my Wales rental?
   Record evidence (photos or videos), notify your landlord in writing, and keep a record of all correspondence. Give your landlord reasonable time to fix the issue.
2. How long does my landlord have to deal with a pest infestation?
   They should respond and arrange treatment within 14 days for urgent health and safety issues.
3. Can I stop paying rent if my property is infested?
   No, you should not stop paying rent. Instead, use official complaints procedures to resolve the issue or seek advice from your local council.
4. What if my landlord refuses to act?
   Report the problem to your local council’s environmental health team. If unresolved, you can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for a formal decision and order.
5. Am I responsible for pests if I caused the problem?
   If you caused the infestation (for example, by not keeping the property reasonably clean), you may be responsible for the cost of pest control. Disputes can be reviewed by the Tribunal.

Key Takeaways: Keeping Your Home Safe

• Landlords in Wales must provide pest-free, habitable rental properties.
• If infested, quickly report the problem—if unresolved, escalate to your council and, if necessary, to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
• Official Welsh housing law, including the Renting Homes (Wales) Act, protects your health and safety as a renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Gov.uk: Repairs in Rented Housing
• Find Your Local Council in Wales (for environmental health complaints)
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales (for formal applications)
• Shelter Cymru (free specialist advice for renters in Wales)

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – Full Text
2. Housing (Wales) Act 2014
3. Residential Property Tribunal Wales
4. Find your local council in Wales
5. Gov.uk: Repairs for private renters

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