Often yes. If pests get in because of disrepair, like holes or damp, it is your landlord's job to fix the cause. Here is the law and what to do.
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Direct Answer
Often yes. If mice, rats, or insects get in because of a problem with the building, like holes, gaps, damp, or broken drains, it is your landlord's job to fix the cause. A bad infestation can make a home unsafe to live in.
What the law says
Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 makes your landlord responsible for the structure of the home and the drains. If pests get in through a fault like a hole in the wall or a broken drain, fixing that is their job. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 also says the home must be safe to live in.
If you rent from a council or housing association, Awaab's Law applies. Since 27 October 2025, a serious hazard must be looked at within 10 working days, with a written summary 3 working days after that, and the work begun within 5 working days of the investigation (a 12-week backstop applies to larger jobs). A serious infestation can be an emergency, which must be made safe within 24 hours.
Are the council responsible for mice and rats?
If you are a council or housing association tenant and the mice or rats are getting in because of the building, like holes, gaps, or broken drains, then yes, dealing with it is usually your landlord's job. Report it to them in writing and ask them to find and block where the pests are getting in, not just lay bait. If they will not act, you can also report it to your local council's environmental health team.
What to do
- Report it to your landlord in writing. Say where the pests are getting in if you know.
- Take photos or a video of the pests and any damage.
- Keep a copy of what you sent, with the date.
- See your doctor if anyone has become ill, and ask for a short note.
If your landlord does nothing
A no-win-no-fee claim is one route open to you.
- A no-win-no-fee claim: a panel solicitor takes your case. If you do not win, you pay nothing. If you win, you pay an agreed fee out of your compensation, never out of your own pocket, and we explain it clearly before you start.
Support for Tenants is a regulated company, not a solicitor. Panel solicitors run the cases.
Read more about pest infestations or your rights.
Talk to someone
If pests are getting in and your landlord will not act, call us free on 0800 030 4669.
Sources
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Environmental Protection Act 1990, Section 82 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (legislation.gov.uk)
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 20 May 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.
Related guides
What are your rights as a tenant? Landlord obligations under UK law
Plain-English guide to your rights as a tenant in England and Wales. Section 11, the Fitness for Human Habitation Act, Awaab's Law, repair timeframes, and what to do if your landlord ignores you.
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What is Section 11? (Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, plain English)
Section 11 is the law that makes your landlord responsible for repairs to the structure, exterior, and key services of your home. Plain English explainer.
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What is Awaab's Law? (plain English)
Awaab's Law sets strict legal deadlines for social landlords to fix damp, mould, and emergency hazards. Here's what it means for tenants.
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