Ants marching through your kitchen? You’re not alone.
If you’re renting and have spotted signs of an ant infestation, it’s natural to feel frustrated, especially if you’re not sure whether it’s your problem to fix or your landlord’s.
The truth is, you shouldn’t have to live with pests. And you shouldn’t be footing the bill for fixing an issue that wasn’t your fault.
At CEL Solicitors, we help tenants across the country hold landlords accountable for poor living conditions, including pest problems caused by disrepair. In this guide, we’ll break down:
- When a landlord is responsible for ants
- What your rights are as a tenant
- What to do if your home has been affected
- How to claim if your landlord refuses to act
We’re housing disrepair experts, and we know how stressful this situation can be. You deserve a clean, safe home. If your landlord isn’t delivering that, we’re here to help.
Who is responsible for ant infestations in rented properties?
Legally, landlords are responsible for keeping their properties fit for habitation, and that includes addressing problems like infestations that are caused by disrepair.
But things can get complicated when the cause of the infestation isn’t clear.
Did the ants move in because of cracked brickwork or damp?
Or was it down to poor hygiene during the tenancy?
Let’s look at when the landlord is responsible and when the tenant may be.
When is an ant infestation the landlord’s responsibility?
In most cases, a landlord is responsible for an ant infestation when it’s caused by issues with the property itself.
This includes situations such as:
- The infestation was already there before you moved in
Your home should have been clean and pest-free when you got the keys. If it wasn’t, that’s on the landlord.
- The ants are coming in through structural damage
Cracked walls, damp, broken seals or poor drainage are things your landlord should be maintaining.
- The problem affects communal areas or multiple units
In flats or HMOs, landlords are responsible for shared spaces, especially if more than one tenant is affected.
- The tenancy agreement puts pest control on the landlord
Some agreements clearly state that the landlord has to deal with pest problems.
If any of the above apply to you and your landlord isn’t acting, you could have a valid housing disrepair claim.
What about HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)?
If you live in a shared house or flat with communal kitchens, bathrooms or hallways, your landlord has extra legal responsibilities.
If ants are found in these shared areas, it’s almost always the landlord’s responsibility to deal with them, regardless of how the issue started.
When is the tenant responsible for an ant infestation?
Tenants can be responsible for an infestation if it happened due to poor upkeep during the tenancy.
You may be liable if:
- The ants were attracted by food, mess or rubbish
Leaving crumbs, unsealed food, or overflowing bins can bring ants indoors.
- You ignored the early signs of a problem
If you noticed ants and didn’t act or inform the landlord, they could argue you allowed the problem to get worse.
- Your tenancy agreement states pest control is your responsibility
While not all contracts do this, it’s worth checking the terms to be sure.
Even if you may have contributed to the issue, that doesn’t give your landlord the right to ignore it completely. If disrepair is a factor or your health is being affected, you might still have a case.
What to do if you have an ant infestation in a rented home
Here’s what you can do if you find yourself dealing with ants:
1. Check your tenancy agreement
Look for any mention of pest control responsibilities. It may clearly outline who is expected to deal with infestations.
2. Gather evidence
Take clear photos of the ants, any damage they’ve caused, and how they’re getting into your home. Keep a written record of when the problem began and how it has developed.
3. Report the issue to your landlord
Notify your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible. Even if you think they won’t respond, it’s important to give them the opportunity. Keep all communication in writing and ask for a reasonable timeframe for them to investigate.
4. Take temporary steps
If it’s safe to do so, use supermarket ant sprays or traps to help manage the issue in the short term. Natural remedies like lemon juice or vinegar can also help. However, if the infestation is ongoing or serious, a professional pest control service may be needed. If the landlord is responsible, they should arrange and pay for this.
Can I make a legal claim against my landlord?
Yes, if you’ve reported an ant infestation and your landlord has:
- Ignored the problem
- Failed to make necessary repairs
- Let the infestation impact your health or belongings
…you may be entitled to compensation through a housing disrepair claim.
That’s where CEL Solicitors can help.
Why choose CEL Solicitors?
We’re not just legal experts. We’re on your side. Our team specialises in helping tenants like you act when landlords fall short.
With CEL Solicitors, you’ll get:
- No-Win, No-Fee support
- A free, no-obligation consultation
- Compassionate, clear guidance every step of the way
- A legal team that gets results and cares about your case
We understand how frustrating this can be. You’ve asked your landlord for help, and they’ve let you down. We’ll help you hold them to account and get the outcome you deserve.
Speak to CEL Solicitors today
You shouldn’t have to live with ants, or any sign of poor conditions in your home.
Call us now on 0333 305 4982 or get in touch online for a free chat with our housing disrepair experts.
We’ll listen, we’ll advise, and if we can help, we’ll fight it for you.
