Pest Infestation Specialists
We are SRA Regulated Solicitors
We cover all of England & Wales

What are pest infestation claims?

Pest infestation claims typically arise when a property becomes infested with pests such as rats, mice, bedbugs and cockroaches. Different pests carry different dangers, which may include both physical damage to the property and potential harm to the health of the occupants.

Your landlord is required to ensure that your home is fit for human habitation and in proper working order, it is your landlord’s responsibility to ensure a reasonable living standard is met.

There are legal procedures you must follow and we will advise you on what your next steps should be.

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Excellent

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Based on 103 reviews

Star Rating

Great service

I had been dealing with a pigeon infestation in my flat for months, so I turned to a solicitor for help. Thanks to their hard work, my landlord was held accountable and required to address the infestation properly.

Florence

Star Rating

Successful legal action

I’d been living with a cockroach infestation in my flat that my landlord failed to address. My solicitor was supportive from the beginning, they helped build a strong case for court. I’m extremely grateful for the outcome.

Kieran W

Star Rating

Highly recommend SLS

My solicitor represented me in court and throughout the entire process, my landlord was prosecuted for failing to resolve the infestation in my property which also began to affect my neighbours. I highly recommend.

Kirsty

Star Rating

Insect infestation treated

After getting no where with my landlord, I contacted this company after a recommendation, they acted straight away and kept me updated throughout, the infestation was removed thanks to all their help.

Nathan F

Star Rating

Very professional firm

I contacted SLS after the council ignored my complaints for months, they acted quickly and sent a surveyor to view my property and the infestation. My case was brought to court, and my solicitor won. Highly recommend.

Suzanne

Star Rating

Thank you for the help

My solicitor guided me through the whole legal process and brought my case to court, my complaints were ignored for months until the court hearing forced my landlord to treat the rats which took over my house.

David

Star Rating

Great service thank you

SLS helped me claim against my landlord as he constantly ignored my complaints about the mice infestation in my house. This caused a lot of stress, my solicitor ensured the infestation was removed very quickly.

Gary

Star Rating

Landlord treated infestation

My landlord would not remove the wasp’s nests in my property, even though I am allergic, my house also had an ant infestation. My solicitor handled my case from start to finish, the infestation was finally treated.

Andy

Star Rating

Compensation received

I contacted SLS as the council wouldn’t treat the cockroach infestation in my kitchen, SLS helped with this and a housing disrepair claim, they ensured the cockroaches were removed and I received compensation. Thank you.

Georgia

Star Rating

Rat infestation removed

My house had a rat infestation which damaged furniture, clothing, electrics etc, the housing association did not respond to my complaints. My solicitor helped me with a claim, the housing association treated the infestation.

Lisa D

Star Rating

Helpful and understanding team

The wasp infestation in my house was treated in time for my child’s birth and I received compensation due to also having a housing disrepair case. The team were very helpful and understanding of my situation.

Lucy H

Star Rating

Mice infestation removed

I had been waiting for 12 months for the housing association to treat the mice infestation in my garden but got nowhere. A friend recommended this company and within 2 months the mice were gone. I recommend.

Paul

Star Rating

Excellent legal guidance

They offered excellent guidance and assisted me in claiming against my landlord due to her ignoring the cockroach infestation in my property, the problem began to affect my mental health until my solicitor stepped in.

Sarah B

Star Rating

Thank you for all your help

The council ignored my complaints about the pigeons nesting in my flat, even though they had damaged my property and also caused extreme distress to my children. SLS helped me claim for this and they were removed.

Mark

Star Rating

Infestation treated

My solicitor assisted me from start to finish with my pest infestation claim, she ensured the infestation was treated quickly after my landlord ignored me for months. I highly recommend to anyone in a similar situation.

Richard

Star Rating

Highly recommend SLS

This company helped with the rat infestation in my house as I wasn’t getting anywhere with the housing association, they acted promptly to get the case rolling, and the infestation was removed in a matter of weeks.

Claire

Start your infestation claim today

We are National Solicitors specialising in pest infestation, we will assist you with legally claiming for the nuisance. Contact us now before the situation worsens.

Start your infestation claim

We explain the claim process below, including the legal steps we’ll take—such as serving the required 21 day warning notice and applying to court—to help you bring a case against your landlord in line with the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Assess your eligibility for an EPA claim

We will determine whether you meet the specific criteria required to make a claim under the Environmental Protection Act, this involves evaluating if the issues you are experiencing fall within the scope of your landlord’s responsibilities.

Serve the required notice

We will serve the required 21 day warning notice, the notice informs your landlord that they have 21 days to take action and resolve the matter, or they will face legal action.

Instruct environmental surveyor

If the landlord has failed to resolve the infestation, we instruct an environmental surveyor to carry out an assessment of the infestation. This includes identifying the source and extent of the infestation and determining if the landlord’s failure to maintain the property has contributed to the issue.

File the claim at Magistrate's Court

Should the landlord not resolve the matter within 21 days, we will draft and file the claim at the Magistrate’s Court. We will prepare the legal documents and submit those to the court.

Represent you in court

Upon filing the claim, our solicitors will represent you in court. We will present your case to the court and  handle all formal court procedures to support your claim from start to finish.

Pest infestation removed

The pests will be abated from the property using appropriate control measures. The underlying cause of the infestation will be addressed by sealing entry points, repairing any structural defects, and removing waste. Ongoing prevention will be supported through follow-up measures, including regular inspections and monitoring.

Landlord Responsibilities.

By law, your landlord is responsible for maintaining and repairing your home to ensure it is safe, habitable, and free from infestations.

You may be entitled to make a claim if pests or vermin are entering your property due to poor maintenance or disrepair. If the infestation is linked to your landlord’s failure to act, they are legally required to treat it as a health hazard and take immediate steps to resolve the issue.

Some landlords fail to meet their legal responsibilities or deny liability altogether. If your landlord refuses to carry out the necessary repairs and you’ve been significantly affected as a result, our team can help you pursue a claim.

For more information about our services, or to find out exactly where you stand and the range of options available call us today on freephone
0333 090 6001

Tenant Responsibilities.

While landlords have legal duties, tenants also have responsibilities, if pests have entered your home due to your actions, the responsibility of dealing with the issue may fall to you.

Tenants are expected to keep their homes clean and hygienic, failing to dispose of food waste properly or maintaining an unclean environment can attract pests and may be considered a breach of tenancy, tenants may be partly liable if their behaviour contributes to a pest infestation.

It is your duty to report signs of infestation to your landlord promptly, delayed reporting can worsen the problem and affect your ability to hold the landlord accountable. Maintaining a clean home and communication with your landlord helps prevent issues and protects your rights.

Start your infestation claim today

We are National Solicitors specialising in pest infestation, we will assist you with legally claiming for the nuisance. Contact us now before the situation worsens.

Frequently asked questions

What is a pest infestation?

A pest infestation occurs when insects, rodents or other creatures invade a space and cause damage, spread disease or become a nuisance. Common signs of an infestation include droppings around the home, chewed wires or walls and evidence of nesting areas. If you notice any of these signs and an infestation is confirmed, your landlord is legally obligated to take appropriate action to address the problem.

How are pests dangerous to your health?

Different pests carry different dangers. The dangers they represent include damage to the property and damage to your health. Rodents like rats and mice carry diseases, leave droppings, and contaminate food areas, they can also cause structural damage by chewing through wires and walls. Flies and insects also seek out food and bring in germs. Certain insects, such as the masonry wasp or termite, can eat away at the structure of your house. The UK Government warns that pests can transmit serious illnesses, including Zika virus, Lyme disease, rabies, plague, typhus, and rat-bite fever.

Who is eligible to claim?

A tenant is eligible to make a claim for a pest infestation if they have reported the issue to their landlord and the problem persists due to the landlord’s failure to take appropriate action. Once the landlord is aware of the issue, they are legally responsible for providing a solution. If they fail to act, you have the right to pursue a legal case.

Why do you need a pest infestation solicitor?

Dealing with pest infestations can be challenging, especially when landlords fail to meet their legal obligations. Under the Pest Control Act 1990, landlords are required to ensure that residential properties remain safe and free from infestations. If your landlord fails to act after being notified of a pest problem, you may be entitled to bring a case against them. Our solicitors specialise in holding landlords accountable and ensuring that legal duties are met to maintain a clean, pest-free living environment.

Can my landlord evict me for making a claim?

It is important to note that under no circumstances can a landlord legally evict a tenant for making a pest infestation claim. Such eviction would be considered illegal and render the landlord liable to pay compensation. Please be advised that our services are available to private, council and housing association tenants.

How much can you claim for pest infestation, compensation wise?

You can claim compensation if you’re also claiming for housing disrepair, the compensation that you could be entitled to depends on how severe the pest infestation is and how long the infestation in the property has persisted. Our solicitors can let you know how much compensation you could receive due to landlord negligence, get in touch with us to find out more.

Can I claim compensation for a rat infestation?

Yes, it is possible to claim compensation for a rat infestation if you are claiming for housing disrepair at the same time, particularly if your landlord has failed to address the issues after being informed. You could be entitled to compensation if the infestation has damaged your belongings, affected your health, or disrupted your daily life.

What if my landlord blames me for the infestation?

If the infestation stems from poor maintenance or disrepair in the property, your landlord is legally responsible for dealing with it, even if they try to place the blame on you. We will support you in gathering evidence to show that the issue isn’t your fault and help you assert your rights.

Is my landlord responsible, or am I?

The first step is to determine the extent of the problem and identify the likely cause of the infestation. We will visit your property to carry out a thorough assessment of the situation. If the infestation has resulted from issues such as failing to dispose of rubbish or leaving food waste exposed, you will be responsible for addressing and removing the pests.

What are the different types of pest infestations?

Claimable nuisances include a range of pest infestations, involving both insects and animals. Common examples are rodents, insects and bird related pests. These pests can pose health risks and may require professional treatment, especially when they appear in or around living areas.