New poll by Tenancy Deposit Scheme reveals common pest issues faced by landlords
A recent poll conducted by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme has shed light on the most common pest-related problems experienced by landlords, tenants, and agents. Here, TDS share the key findings and a new guide for landlords, which provides an in-depth look at the issue of pest infestations.
Pest Infestations and Causes
Our poll found that 47% of respondents identified mouse infestations as the primary issue, followed by rat infestations at 39%. The remaining percentages were attributed to various other pests, such as wasps, fleas, bed bugs, and cockroaches. Additionally, several participants in our poll had experienced multiple pest problems, indicating that this is a widespread concern.
In many cases of pest infestation, pinpointing the exact cause can be difficult. However, when identifiable, the top five contributing factors to pest infestations as revealed in our poll include:
1. Dirty environments
2. Tenants bringing pests in after a holiday
3. Neighbouring infestations
4. Building works
5. Pets in the property
TDS recommends performing regular property inspections to help prevent infestations. By identifying problems early and addressing any issues such as gaps in walls or food waste, it can help to avoid pest problems in the future.
Responsibility for Pest Control: Landlord, Tenant, or Shared?
There will be cases where pest infestations are neither the landlord’s fault nor the tenants. However, landlords may be held accountable for dealing with infestations under certain circumstances, such as when the tenancy agreement states that they are responsible for maintaining the rental property in a "good and habitable state," or when the infestation is caused by a lack of necessary repairs.
The tenants also have a legal responsibility to act in a ‘tenant-like manner’ and excessively dirty living conditions, or bringing an infestation back from holiday would be down to the tenant to resolve.
The majority of landlords positively noted that their tenants (61%) reported the issue to their letting agent or landlord as soon as they discovered the problem. And in response to these complaints, 86% of landlords chose to handle the infestation themselves. Early notification from your tenants and good communication throughout is key here in resolving pest problems before they escalate.
Documenting Pest-Free Properties to Protect Landlords from Deposit Disputes
Our survey also revealed that 44% of landlords include a clause about pests in their tenancy agreements, while 56% do not. To avoid potential deposit disputes over pest infestations, make sure there’s clear guidance over who is responsible for what regarding infestations within the tenancy agreement, leaving your tenants knowing exactly where their responsibility lies. This will make sure there is no confusion and help to maintain a good relationship between both parties.
Likewise, 75% of landlords fail to record the lack of pest problems at the start of a tenancy. In the absence of comprehensive and regularly updated inventories, it can become challenging to establish instances where tenants are responsible for introducing pests to the property. Landlords should ensure they have a recorded inventory - signed by the tenants - as evidence of a pest-free property at the start of the tenancy.
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme's poll highlights the importance of clear communication, regular inspections, and prompt action in preventing and resolving pest issues in rental properties.
Free Guide to Pests in Rented Properties
In response to these findings and in partnership with the NRLA, we have released a comprehensive guide to pest infestations in rented properties, aimed at assisting landlords and letting agents in effectively tackling these challenges.
The guide reveals further poll statistics, common pest problems, frequently asked questions, and effective ways to handle pest infestations.
We cover pest control responsibility, what to do when you’re informed of an infestation, and pest prevention techniques.
To download your free guide, click below.
Tenancy Deposit Scheme: Guide on pest infestations
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