Landlord or tenant responsible for wasp nest removal ?

claire111

Hi

My tenant has found several small nests (probably wasp but I haven't been to look at them yet) in their loft space, which weren't there when they moved in. There hasn't been a wasp problem previously. I imagine they are getting in through a crack in the joins of the soffit board somewhere.

Who should be responsible for the cost of removal ?

I am guessing me as it is my responsibility to make sure they can't get in ?

Many thanks

davidmcn

Are the nests occupied? They're not usually reused. I doubt it's a landlord issue anyway.

Davesnave

I'd be surprised if there is anything in your contract with the tenant which makes it your responsibility to prevent or deal with insects entering the loft.

MrWB

Habitability is the landlord's responsibility, and so responsibility vermin/pest control when natural causes are, therefore, the landlord's responsibility.

If pest/vermin issues are caused by the tenant's behaviour (eg maintaining unclean areas that end up attracting mice and ants) then the tenant would pay. Obviously some mice and ant infestations aren't caused by uncleanliness.

Therefore, when it comes to wasps in attics it would almost certainly be a landlord's responsibility.

hazyjo

MrWB wrote: »

Habitability is the landlord's responsibility, and so responsibility vermin/pest control when natural causes are, therefore, the landlord's responsibility.

If pest/vermin issues are caused by the tenant's behaviour (eg maintaining unclean areas that end up attracting mice and ants) then the tenant would pay. Obviously some mice and ant infestations aren't caused by uncleanliness.

Therefore, when it comes to wasps in attics it would almost certainly be a landlord's responsibility.

Probably only at the start of a tenancy though if the wasps' nest was already in situ. Not if the tenant has been there a while.

FBaby

I had a nest of wasps in my roof years ago and they came in through the bathroom window. It happens and it's nothing to do with the building. It can happen to anyone. As such, I don't think it's the LL's problem.

In my case, I called the Council for advice and they said not to call pest control as they would be likely to be back anyway but to wait for the cold front and watch for them in the meantime. I went with their advice and indeed, no-one got stung and they suddenly disappear, have not come back for over 10 years. Saying that, if indeed it takes a cold front for them to go, it could be many months for these tenants.

Pixie5740

I don't think that legally you are responsible (assuming this is England or Wales).

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/pests_and_vermin_infestations_in_rented_homes

badmemory

How have the wasps accessed the loft? Mine did it through the hole left when a cold water tank was removed & the hole for the overflow in the fascia was not sealed. That would have been landlord if I had rented. How else would the wasps have accessed the loft? It isn't as if we leave our lofts open all the time to allow them to go back & forth at will.

Landlord / property maintenance problem.

Slithery

badmemory wrote: »

How have the wasps accessed the loft? Mine did it through the hole left when a cold water tank was removed & the hole for the overflow in the fascia was not sealed. That would have been landlord if I had rented. How else would the wasps have accessed the loft? It isn't as if we leave our lofts open all the time to allow them to go back & forth at will.

A properly designed void in a roof needs airflow to stop any damp issues, that's how they get in

Surely you're not saying that your loft is airtight?

theoretica

If these are indeed small nests in an accessible loft are they really worth the discussion? A few pounds for a can of poison is all it need cost.

https://www.fixmyroof.co.uk/best-wasp-killer/

ognum

I am a LL and I paid to have a wasp nest removed, £50, happy to pay to maintain goodwill even if not my responsibility.

Not a big deal, just get it sorted!