Responsibility can depend on the cause, condition at the start, building defects and the agreement. Prompt investigation is more useful than an immediate argument about payment.
Establish the problem
- Ask what was seen, where, when and whether several rooms or homes are affected.
- Use a competent pest-control professional where identification or treatment is uncertain.
- Check relevant hygiene, waste, drainage and building defects without assuming tenant fault.
Coordinate treatment
- Explain preparation, access and any temporary restrictions clearly.
- Repair gaps, drainage defects or other entry routes identified by the investigation.
- Coordinate with neighbouring properties or the building manager where treatment of one unit will be insufficient.
Check the result and responsibility
- Arrange the recommended follow-up and record whether activity continues.
- Review the cause and agreement before seeking payment.
- Keep any dispute separate from urgent work needed to protect health or the property.
Example: mice enter through damaged pipe boxing
A fictional treatment reduces activity, but an unsealed building opening remains. Repair the entry route as advised and monitor the result. Repeated baiting alone may not resolve the source.
What to do
- Identify the reported pest and extent through competent assessment.
- Arrange safe treatment and repairs to entry points where needed.
- Review recurrence and any evidence-based cost dispute separately.
Evidence to keep
- Report, infestation findings and condition history.
- Treatment, building repairs, safety instructions and follow-up.
Sources and guidance
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act: landlord guideUK Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Fitness of homes for human habitation: landlord guidanceWelsh Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Repairing Standard: statutory guidanceScottish Government · checked 20 October 2026