A UK tenant has ignited fury online after revealing how her landlord attempted to blame her for a mice infestation in her rental property, accusing her of poor hygiene instead of addressing the structural issue.
The Tense Exchange Over Pest Control
The conversation, shared by property strategist Jack Rooke on TikTok, shows the tenant, named Sarah, contacting her landlord, Colin. She calmly reported hearing mice behind the kitchen cupboards at night and finding droppings on her counter, requesting that he arrange professional pest control.
Colin's reply shifted responsibility squarely onto Sarah. He suggested the infestation was "usually caused by hygiene issues or food left out" and instructed her to seal bins and cover food. While he said he would check pest control costs, he warned that the bill might fall under tenant responsibility.
Debunking the 'Dirty Home' Myth
This is a common misconception. Pest experts clarify that mice are primarily attracted to warmth, shelter, and small entry points. They frequently nest in clean, dry properties before venturing out to scavenge for food. As mice groom themselves often and seek cosy indoor spaces, even spotless homes can fall victim if there is a structural gap.
Sarah firmly rebutted the cleanliness claim. "I keep this flat spotless," she insisted, explaining that bins were emptied daily and food was never left out. She identified the source: "The mice are coming through the gaps under the sink. That's not something I caused... It's a structural one. The responsibility lies with you."
Landlord's Reluctance and Tenant's Ultimatum
Colin doubled down, stating he'd never had pest problems with previous tenants and suggested the old building was not an issue if kept clean. He advised Sarah to try supermarket traps first.
Sarah then revealed the severity of the problem, stating the hole under the sink was "big enough to fit my hand through." She declared, "I'm not paying rent to live with rodents," and warned she would report the issue to Environmental Health if it was not resolved.
Colin accused her of making "threats" and said he would send someone the following week. However, he warned that Sarah would be billed for the callout if the technician found the issue was due to "crumbs or waste." Sarah ended the exchange by stating the pest controller would see the proof and that she would direct them to Colin for payment.
Understanding Landlord Responsibilities in the UK
Commenting on the case, Jack Rooke emphasised a landlord's duty, saying, "He should be responding to that immediately because that could be a serious health problem."
Under UK housing law, specifically the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must ensure their properties are fit for human habitation. This includes maintaining the structure and exterior and keeping installations for sanitation in good repair. If an infestation is caused by structural defects like holes in walls, gaps under sinks, or damaged pipework, it is unequivocally the landlord's legal responsibility to fix the problem and arrange necessary pest control.
Tenants are typically only liable if the infestation is proven to be a direct result of their own actions, such as consistently poor hygiene or leaving food exposed. Sarah's clear documentation and communication helped establish that this was not the case.
Renters facing similar issues are advised to:
- Document the problem thoroughly with photos and notes.
- Notify the landlord in writing, keeping a record.
- If the landlord fails to act within a reasonable time, contact the local council's Environmental Health department.
- Seek further advice from organisations like Shelter or Citizens Advice.
