I Have Pests or Other Unhealthy Conditions in My Rented Home
Mice in a kitchen cupboard, cockroaches around food, sewage smells or repeated pest infestations can make a home feel contaminated rather than safe.
Mice in a kitchen cupboard, cockroaches around food, sewage smells or repeated pest infestations can make a home feel contaminated rather than safe.
People can become embarrassed and stop inviting others in. Children may avoid rooms. Food gets thrown away. Sleep can be disrupted by noises or bites.
Do not assume that the presence of pests automatically proves either landlord or tenant fault. The cause and the condition of the property matter.
Try to identify how the problem is entering or persisting
Pests may be associated with gaps in the building, defective drains, communal areas, waste arrangements or neighbouring properties.
They can also be affected by how food and waste are stored.
Report where you are seeing the problem, how often, signs such as droppings or damage, and any structural defects that may be allowing access.
Responsibility can depend on the cause
A landlord may be responsible where infestation is linked to disrepair or where the property was already affected at the start of the tenancy.
The tenant may have responsibilities where their own actions caused the problem.
In blocks or social housing, communal conditions can also matter. Avoid accepting or making a blanket statement about blame before the source has been investigated.
Unhealthy conditions can affect daily life
Record contaminated food, damaged possessions, rooms that cannot be used normally, cleaning costs and pest-control visits.
If bites, respiratory symptoms or other health concerns arise, seek healthcare advice where appropriate.
The mental impact matters too. Feeling unable to prepare food safely or relax in your own home can produce persistent stress and disgust.
What does Awaab’s Law mean for pests?
As at September 2026, Phase 1 of Awaab’s Law is focused on all emergency hazards and significant damp and mould hazards in English social housing.
From 30 November 2026, Phase 2 is due to extend significant-hazard protection to additional categories including domestic hygiene. Government Phase 2 material specifically identifies pest infestations among the dangers to be dealt with more quickly.
The legal timetable depends on the hazard meeting the relevant threshold; the mere sighting of a pest does not automatically establish a significant hazard.
What if the landlord does not act?
Keep the report history and use the formal complaints process.
Depending on the tenancy and severity, local-authority environmental health or housing enforcement may be relevant.
For social tenants, the Housing Ombudsman may also provide a route after the landlord’s complaint process. From the relevant Phase 2 commencement date, Awaab’s Law may add specific rights where the conditions meet its tests.
Could unhealthy conditions form part of a housing claim?
Potentially.
England’s Housing Conditions Pre-Action Protocol covers unresolved poor housing conditions and can include claims based on repairing duties, fitness for human habitation and other legal grounds.
The effect on the household, financial losses and a related personal-injury issue can all be relevant in an appropriate case.
A housing-law adviser can assess the cause, landlord responsibility, notice and evidence rather than assuming that every infestation creates a compensation claim.
Last reviewed
6 September 2026
Important informationThis guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal, medical or other professional advice. Housing rights and legal remedies depend on the type of tenancy, landlord, location, the condition of the property and individual circumstances. Check current official guidance and consider advice from an appropriately qualified housing adviser, healthcare professional or legal professional where needed.