Southern Housing Tenants Forced to “Pick Bed Bugs Off Their Mattress” as a Result of Long-Term Infestation

The tenants of Four Courts tower block in Hastings, Kent, have reported issues spanning several months, while Southern Housing claims that it has spent over £20,000 to try and resolve the problem.

Residents in a complex of tower blocks in Hastings, known as Four Courts, have reported ongoing issues with bed bugs in their flats which, in some cases, have lasted for over nine months despite assurances from their housing association, Southern Housing.

Bed bug infestation

In December 2024, a spokesperson for the Hastings Area Southern Housing Tenants Association, set up to represent the residents in the Four Courts, told the Big Issue that around 50 cases of bed bug infestations had been directly reported to them but that they were aware of around 100 and feared the actual number may have been even higher.

Some residents told the Metro in 2024 that the issue was so bad they could no longer stay in their home, with others claiming that the repeated infestations were affecting their health. One resident, Nicky Brown, who is immunocompromised and could become seriously ill just through bed bug scratches or bites, even got a letter from her GP warning Southern Housing that she needed to be moved as a result of the repeated infestations, the methods used to resolve it, and the effect on her health. Despite Southern Housing assuring her she would be moved within six months, she was still in Four Courts nine months later.

A spokesperson for Southern Housing told Property 118 that a six-week treatment plan across each of the four blocks at Four Courts is to be implemented to resolve the bed bug infestations and that: “before this long-term treatment began, we’ve continued to carry out individual bed bug treatments. We’ve treated 46 different flats at a cost of over £20,000 between November 2024 and June 2025.”

Residents of the Four Courts, which is due to undergo a demolition and regeneration programme, have also reported issues with mould and asbestos in their properties.

Housing associations’ duty to residents

Housing associations like Southern Housing have a legal responsibility to ensure that the properties they manage are safe, secure, and maintained to a reasonable standard. This includes making timely repairs to essential services such as heating, hot water, and electricity, as well as addressing issues affecting the structure and problems like vermin and insects.

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, tenants have the right to live in a property that is fit for human habitation. If Southern Housing, or any housing association, fails to carry out necessary repairs within a reasonable timeframe after being notified, tenants may be entitled to take further action. This could include making a formal complaint, contacting the Housing Ombudsman, or seeking legal advice to bring a housing disrepair claim.

Tenants may also be able to claim compensation for inconvenience, stress, and any damage to their belongings caused by unresolved repairs. Seeking early legal advice can help clarify what rights and remedies are available.

Premier Legal Assist can help

Premier Legal Assist works with a panel of specialist solicitors who have extensive experience in housing disrepair law in cases involving a wide range of housing associations and local authorities across the UK.

Our panel of solicitors are dedicated to our clients, ensuring the best possible outcome is achieved and support is provided every step of the way.

To find out if you may be eligible to make a housing disrepair claim, start by filling out our claims form and a member of our team will contact you to assess your case.