Landlords are usually responsible for dealing with mice in rental properties if the mice infestation is a pre-existing issue or comes from disrepair or structural issues. However, tenants should keep properties clean and report any infestations as soon as they can.
Though only small, mice can bring big problems – from contaminating food to damaging wiring. If there are mice in a rental, the main priority should be getting them dealt with as quickly as possible.
While landlords have the responsibility to keep the structure of the house safe and make sure there are no mice at the start of a tenancy, tenants must keep their living space clean and hygienic to prevent attracting mice or other pests.
Having a clear tenancy agreement in place will clear up any confusion. At J Property Management London, we are experts at drafting watertight tenancy agreements so that both landlords and tenants understand their responsibilities and any issues can be dealt with swiftly and without any drama.
Why Do Mice Infestations Happen?
Mice infestations in homes are not uncommon with mice often seeking out warmth, shelter and food. Due to their small size, they can squeeze into any little gaps in the walls and, once inside, are on the lookout for any food or crumbs that may be lying around.
They can be exacerbated by poor hygiene and cleanliness in the home or any disrepair or structural flaws, offering them an entry point into the house. Mice infestations are also more common during cold periods.
Not only can they cause property damage, they can also spread diseases making them a real risk.
Regular property maintenance, quickly addressed repairs and clean, hygienic living spaces will all reduce the risk of mice infestations in the home.
How Can You Know Who Is Responsible For Mice In A Rental Property?
If you’re trying to know who is responsible for mice in a rental property, your first stop should be the tenancy agreement. A good tenancy agreement will state whether pest control falls within landlord responsibilities or is something that the tenant is responsible for.
It will also depend on where the mice infestation came from in the first place. If the infestation came from structural issues or disrepair, or if it is a long-standing condition, it is likely the responsibility of the landlord. However, if mice appeared due to poor cleanliness or hygiene in the property, it may be the tenants’ responsibility to deal with them.
If the mice were in the property before the tenancy agreement began, the landlord is not providing a safe and habitable place to live which they must provide by law.
When Are Landlords Responsible For Dealing With Mice?
The landlord may be responsible for dealing with mice in the case of:
Pre-Existing Condition
If the mice were already there before tenants moved in, the landlord has not kept their promise to provide a safe, habitable home.
Structural Defects
Mice may be entering through gaps in the walls or roof, damaged brickwork or poorly maintained drains. Any structural damage is the landlord’s responsibility to fix as soon as possible.
Disrepair
Landlords must carry out regular maintenance and repairs. If the property is in poor condition and mice have entered as a result, it is their responsibility to carry out repairs and deal with the mice issue immediately.
Tenancy Agreement
If the tenancy agreement says that the landlord is responsible for pest control, they must follow the agreement.
When Might Tenants Be Responsible For Dealing With Mice In A Rental?
If the property was in good condition when the tenancy agreement began and the mice infestation stems from poor hygiene or lack of cleanliness, tenants would be responsible for dealing with this. Tenants agree to keep the property in good condition including not leaving food lying around and taking the rubbish out. If they don’t do this, they are not keeping up with their part of the agreement.
However, unless the tenancy agreement specifically states that the tenants are responsible if they’re at fault, it could be contested. This is why it’s always so important to get everything in writing at the beginning of the tenancy so that both tenants and the landlord are clear of their responsibilities.
What Can Tenants Do If They Find Mice?
If tenants find mice in the rental property, they should tell the landlord immediately and, in the meantime, make sure that the property is clean and any food is sealed.
The landlord should then take action as soon as possible – either by visiting the property themself or sending someone to investigate the situation. Depending on how the issue was caused, this may involve bringing in professional pest control services or contracting a handyman to seal any entry points or make any repairs.
In the case that the landlord fails to take action, it is within the tenant’s rights to get in touch with their local council to carry out an inspection and implement pest control measures.
What Happens If You Don’t Deal With Mice As A Landlord?
If your tenant notifies you of a mice infestation and you don’t take action, tenants could contact the local council to carry out an inspection. The council could deem the property unsafe or inhabitable for tenants which could lead to expensive and stressful legal action. It’s always in the landlord’s best interests to address any tenant issues as soon as possible.
Making Landlord Responsibilities Easier With J Property Management
Mice infestations can happen easily with the wrong tenants or by failing to carry out regular maintenance or repairs. At J Property Management London, we stay on top of landlord responsibilities so that you don’t have to. From sourcing tenants who will look after your property properly to carrying out regular repairs with trusted contractors, we’ll make sure that your home is free from mice infestations.
We’ll also help you draft a watertight tenancy agreement so that everyone is on the same page from the offset.
Contact us today to get your landlord duties in check.
