Rats - who's responsible?

Musico

I live in a flat as the leaseholder/owner which is part of a development of 6 new flats above a mini supermarket, with an existing pub at one end. Recently, the flat next to the pub has had a rat problem in their loft. The rest of us flat owners are worried it might/may have spread to the other flat lofts. We've been in touch with the freeholder and he says that, because all the flats have their own self-contained loft spaces (i.e. sectioned off) it's the owner of each individual flat's responsibility to treat their own lofts. However, I think the freeholder should be responsible as he owns the whole development, including the supermarket and pub. We think the rats may have come from the pub. Any advice?

Doozergirl

If the freeholder were responsible then you'd still be paying for it with their fees added. Best to deal with it directly from a MSE perspective anyway.

You can all have separate contracts with a pest controller if you're worried about who pays.

The pub and the supermarket should have their own people. Anyone dealing with food on a commercial basis will/should have.

Even social landlords put the responsibility on their tenants.

Spender£

I would check your loft with a torch and motar any gaps in the breeze block wall, i did this after finding out the council neighbour had a wasp nest in the loft.
Surely though the Pub is the likely cause and the Environmental Health Dept must be checking it.

Fire_Fox

Welcome to MSE.

Are your loft spaces connected or are they separate 'fire compartments'? Are there any food sources within, or accessible from, your apartment's loft space?

Your rights and responsibilities as regards the loft spaces should be set out in your long lease, so this is well worth reading.

Be aware that whenever the freeholder or their agent maintains or repairs communal areas this may be chargeable to the leaseholders. Do read the summary of rights and obligations that accompanies your service charge demands.