Japanese knotweed
If you have japanese knotweed in your home, your landlord must put it right by law. They must do this within a reasonable time. This is not something we take on as a housing disrepair claim, but your landlord may still be responsible for putting it right. The free steps below are usually the fastest way to get it sorted.
England: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 + Environmental Protection Act 1990. Wales: Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 repair and fitness duties.
How to get help with this, for free
- Report it to your landlord in writing and keep a copy. If it spreads from land they are responsible for, they may have to deal with it.
- A qualified surveyor can confirm the plant and the treatment needed.
- For free, independent advice on your options, contact Citizens Advice or Shelter.
Symptoms
- Bamboo-like green shoots in spring (April to June)
- Reddish-purple stems with zig-zag pattern
- Heart-shaped leaves up to 14cm long
- Growth pushing through paving, tarmac, or foundations
- Cream-white flowers in late summer
Health impact
- Reduces property value by 5% to 15%
- Can void mortgages and insurance
- Stress of long, expensive eradication process
Evidence to gather
- Photograph the plant from multiple angles + the source (boundary, fence line)
- Get a PCA-qualified surveyor identification, costs ~£150, recoverable
- Note how close it is to your home, garden, or shared boundaries
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation for japanese knotweed?
No, this is not something we take on as a housing disrepair claim. Your landlord may still be legally responsible for putting it right, and the free routes below are usually the fastest way to get it sorted.
What should I do about japanese knotweed?
Report it to your landlord in writing and keep a copy. If it spreads from land they are responsible for, they may have to deal with it. A qualified surveyor can confirm the plant and the treatment needed. For free, independent advice on your options, contact Citizens Advice or Shelter.
What is the law behind this?
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 + Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Read more about japanese knotweed
Put it in writing
A written record helps your case. Copy a free, plain-English template, fill in the brackets, and send it to your landlord.
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By: Support for Tenants editorial team
Last updated:
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 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, not a promise; every case is different.