Mouse damage in rented house - whose responsibility?

Wings

During a tenancy the tenant is responsible for pest control, mice etc., unless there is a disrepair issue with the property, mice entering the property through holes in the fabric of the property, then the LL becomes responsible.

Also in the case of the OP's rented property, if the tenancy is a furnished property, and infestation was at the outset of the tenancy, then again the LL could be held responsible, where the tenant may be able to declare the tenancy repudiated.

Geenie

merlinthehappypig wrote: »

House was built in 1668, but they had probably never heard of London out here in the sticks......

It did occur to us that the concrete mix might have been a little soft, but I did mix granite chips in with it. They breed the rats tough up in Scotland!

I have, unfortunately, had to resort to poison which seems to have worked. No visits last night anyway. I find it difficult to feel any sympathy for rats, but don't like using poison for any number of reasons, including the wildlife.

We have never had any luck with traps either and, like you, have only ever caught very young or sick rats. Whatever else they are, rats aren't stupid. I have three traps set up at night. All of them were sprung the other morning with the food gone, but no catches.

I've thought about the humane traps, the cage type where the door closes behind, but they are quite expensive if they don't work.

Thanks for your advice anyway.

I let properties out in the sticks, and as a LL I have annual inspections by pest control to lay bait where necessary, and also call them out at my expense if tenants experience anything at other times, like rats, hornets etc. I have assumed it is my responsibility if the tenants are clean, looking after the place but happen to live in listed and old buildings out in the country that can attract vermin through no fault of the way they live.

My AST states in terms of the tenants responsibilities " Use reasonable endeavours to keep the Premises free from pests and vermin, and to advise the Landlord promptly of any infestation of insects, vermin......"

I interpret "endeavours" as the tenant not leaving debris/mess around.

Renting a place with holes in floors, walls etc out in the country is an impossible situation.

I would get legal advice on your AST and the interpretation in this situation, as aside from getting the council to deal with it, I don't think you as a tenant should be paying for pest control which is down to the poor condition and upkeep of the building by the LL. You could chuck all the bait and traps at the place, but if holes and the structure are not being repaired, then the pests will still get in.

All the properties I let are of a similar age to yours and listed, but there are still things you can do and the council will allow. Sounds like a lazy LL to me.

Good luck OP and hope you get it sorted, if not move and get something better.