Rodents, such as rats and mice, are a common but unacceptable issue in UK social housing. These vermin infestations are often the result of disrepair (broken vents, holes in walls, or damaged brickwork) that your landlord should have addressed.
Council and housing association landlords have a legal obligation to ensure their properties are safe for residents to live in. If you've raised concerns about vermin and been ignored, you may be eligible for compensation.
Take the first step toward a cleaner, safer home; start your claim today. No win, no fee.
Find out if you are eligible to claim against your housing association or local authority landlord for vermin issues.
Based on the past 6 months' average settlement, the average compensation claim is worth £1,895 – start yours today!
Rodents are opportunistic and will exploit any weakness in a building’s structure. Vermin issues often stem from:
When landlords fail to address these issues, infestations quickly take hold.
Rats and mice are not just unsettling - they carry diseases and pose significant health risks:
The longer the infestation is ignored, the worse the health risks and damage can become.
We can help you:
Our expert legal partners have extensive experience dealing with social housing providers; they will guide you through your claim every step of the way.
If your reports of vermin have been neglected, your landlord may be breaking the law under:
Do I have a claim for vermin infestations in my social housing property?
Yes. If you’re dealing with rats, mice, or other vermin in your home due to your landlord's failure to keep the property in good repair, you could be entitled to compensation.
Common causes of infestations include broken drains, holes in walls, or unsealed bins, things your landlord is responsible for fixing. If they've ignored your complaints or carried out ineffective or short-term fixes, you may have grounds for a housing disrepair claim.
What is the process for claiming over vermin infestations?
It begins with a free initial consultation. After submitting a claim form, one of our advisers will contact you to discuss your situation.
We’ll gather details on when the vermin issue started, your landlord’s response (if any), and how it has affected your health, property, and peace of mind. We can also arrange for a property inspection and photos as evidence.
If your case is valid, a specialist housing disrepair solicitor will take over and handle all communication with your landlord. Most cases settle before going to Court.
What does it cost to make a vermin infestation claim?
There’s no upfront cost. Claims are handled on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis. This means you’ll only pay if your claim is successful, typically a portion (around 25%) of the compensation awarded to you.
You'll receive full details before proceeding, and cancellation terms are clearly set out in your documentation. If you cancel after the 14-day cooling-off period, some termination fees may apply.
What compensation can I claim for vermin issues?
You might be entitled to claim for:
The level of compensation depends on the duration and severity of the infestation, as well as its impact on your quality of life. If they take on your case, your solicitor will advise you further about what you can claim.
Why should I use Premier Legal Assist for my vermin infestation claim?
We work closely with experienced housing disrepair solicitors who understand the health risks and distress that vermin causes. Choosing us means you get access to:
Premier Legal Assist are a claims management company. You do not have to use a claims management company to make your complaint; you can approach your landlord or the Housing Ombudsman directly, free of charge.
How long does a vermin infestation claim take?
Every case is different. Factors include how long the infestation has lasted, how quickly evidence can be collected, and whether your landlord challenges the claim. Some cases are resolved within months; others may take longer. You'll be kept informed throughout.
What is the Housing Ombudsman, and how can they help?
The Housing Ombudsman looks into unresolved complaints about housing associations and councils. If your landlord hasn't adequately addressed a vermin issue after going through their complaints process, you can escalate it to the Ombudsman.
If you’ve been dealing with a vermin infestation from rats or mice and your landlord has failed to act, don’t wait. Our team of housing disrepair experts is here to support you.
Premier Legal Assist is a claims management company. You do not need to use a claims management company to make your complaint, you can complain to the organisation you are complaining about directly. If the issue is not resolved, you can refer it to the relevant independent Ombudsman service for free.
