Pest Problems in Council Properties: What Are Your Rights?

Living in a council property should mean having access to safe, secure, and healthy housing. Unfortunately, for many tenants, pest infestations like rats, mice, cockroaches, or bedbugs are all too common. These unwelcome visitors bring more than just discomfort—they pose serious health risks and often point to deeper issues of property neglect or housing disrepair.

If you're dealing with pest problems in your council home, it's important to know that you have rights—and you don’t have to suffer in silence. This guide explains how pest infestations can signal disrepair, what your local authority’s responsibilities are, and how housing disrepair claims can help you get the repairs and compensation you deserve.

How Pests Affect Your Health and Home

Pests in council properties aren’t just an inconvenience. They can have serious implications for your health and well-being:

• Rats and mice carry diseases like leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonella.

• Cockroaches can spread bacteria and worsen asthma and allergies.

• Bedbugs and fleas cause itchy bites, insomnia, and mental stress.

• Birds and insects can cause property damage and increase the risk of infections.

Infestations often result in contaminated food, damaged furniture or electricals, and emotional distress. Over time, these problems can make your living conditions unfit and even dangerous.

Common Causes of Pest Infestations in Council Homes

Pest infestations usually happen because of maintenance issues or neglect, such as:

• Cracks or holes in walls, floors, or ceilings

• Leaky pipes and persistent damp areas

• Overflowing bins or poorly managed waste disposal

• Gaps in windows or doors

• Damp and mould problems

• Poor insulation and broken heating systems

If these problems exist in your council property and are attracting pests, then the infestation could be classified as part of a broader case of housing disrepair.

Your Council’s Responsibilities

Your local authority (council) is legally obligated to ensure that your property is safe, healthy, and free from hazards. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, the council must maintain the structure and exterior of the property and deal with any issues that make it uninhabitable.

This means your council landlord must:

• Investigate and confirm pest infestation reports

• Fix any defects that allow pests to enter or thrive

• Provide or pay for pest control services (if the problem is due to disrepair)

• Act within a reasonable time frame after being notified

If they fail to act and your health or quality of life is affected, you could be eligible to pursue housing disrepair claims.

What Are Housing Disrepair Claims?

Housing disrepair claims are legal actions taken by tenants when a landlord (in this case, the council) fails to maintain the property and resolve serious issues such as:

• Damp and mould

• Structural damage

• Faulty plumbing or heating

• Infestations caused by disrepair

If pests are entering your home due to maintenance failures—such as gaps in the walls, broken pipes, or leaking waste—you may be entitled to claim for repairs and compensation. You can also claim if the infestation has damaged your belongings or impacted your physical or mental health.

Steps You Should Take as a Council Tenant

1. Report the Infestation Immediately
   Notify your council in writing (email or letter) and describe the problem clearly. Attach photos or videos if possible.

2. Keep Records
   Save copies of all communication, take pictures of damaged property or pests, and log any medical symptoms or expenses related to the infestation.

3. Request Repairs and Pest Control
   Be specific about the repairs needed to eliminate the cause of the infestation.

4. Seek Legal Support if Ignored
   If your council fails to respond or resolve the problem in a reasonable time, contact a housing solicitor or claims specialist.

What Can You Claim For?

If your claim is successful, you may receive:

• Repairs: Your council will be legally obligated to fix the property.

• Compensation: For health issues, inconvenience, and damage to personal belongings.

• Reimbursement: For any costs you’ve paid out-of-pocket, including pest control services.

The amount of compensation will vary depending on the severity of the infestation, the duration of the problem, and the impact on your health or lifestyle.

No-Win, No-Fee Support is Available

Many legal firms and housing disrepair specialists operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning there’s no cost to you unless the claim is successful. These experts can handle the legal process, negotiate with the council on your behalf, and ensure you receive the support you're entitled to.

Final Thoughts

Living with pests in a council home is not just unpleasant—it’s unacceptable. Whether you’re dealing with cockroaches in the kitchen, rats in the walls, or a recurring infestation, you have the legal right to live in a safe and habitable home.

Don't let ongoing disrepair issues continue to affect your health and quality of life. If your landlord isn’t responding, it’s time to take action. Reach out to the Housing Disrepair Team today — we’ll help you understand your rights and support you through the claims process.