Rats in a rented home: what tenants and landlords should do

Fact-checked against 3 sources · Updated 20 September 2026

The law in short

Since 20 March 2019, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 has required rented homes to be “fit for human habitation”, meaning safe, healthy and free from things that could cause serious harm. In the government’s guide for tenants, the hazards listed include “domestic hygiene, pests and refuse”. If a home isn’t fit, the guide says tenants can take their landlord to court, and the court can order repairs or put right health and safety problems, and can order compensation.

If you are a tenant: what to do

1. Tell your landlord or letting agent straight away, in writing. The government guide says landlords must fix problems in your home but you need to tell them, and that it’s best in writing (an email or text is fine if you keep a copy as evidence).
2. Give details and evidence: when and where you have seen or heard rats, droppings, gnawing or damage, with dates and photos.
3. Allow reasonable time for the landlord to arrange treatment. The guide says landlords should usually give at least 24 hours’ notice for access to carry out repairs, at a reasonable hour.
4. Keep everything: messages, dates of visits, and what was done.
5. If nothing happens, contact the council. The government guide says councils have powers to take action on your behalf, at no cost to you. Newark & Sherwood District Council’s Customer Services number is 01636 650 000; see whether the council deals with rats.
6. Keep your own home unattractive to rats: sealed food, closed bins, and no food waste left out. See our prevention checklist.

The cause matters. Rats sometimes come from a neighbouring property or a shared bin area, so also see rats coming from next door.

If you are a landlord or letting agent: what to do

• Act promptly once told. Treat any report of rats as a health and safety matter, arrange an inspection, and keep records.
• Use a competent, insured technician and get the treatment plan and follow-up visits in writing. See how to choose a pest controller.
• Deal with the cause, not just the rats: entry points, waste storage, blocked or broken drains and outside clutter. See rat proofing.
• Give tenants notice before visits and explain what to expect, including keeping pets and children away from bait stations.
• Consider ongoing monitoring for blocks of flats, HMOs and shared bin stores. See commercial rat control.

The BPCA also notes that property owners have a legal obligation under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 to keep premises rodent-free or, where rodents pose a threat to health or property, to report the infestation to the local authority.

Who pays for treatment?

It depends on the cause and your tenancy agreement, and there is no simple rule. Tenants shouldn’t assume they have to pay for treatment themselves: report the problem to the landlord first and ask what they will arrange. If a dispute continues, seek advice.

Rats in rented homes: common questions

This site connects households and businesses in the Newark-on-Trent area with an independent local rat-control technician. We are not the servicing contractor and do not carry out treatment ourselves. See our terms & disclosure.