Rental property been infested by cockroaches?
An agent did a viewing with a new prospective tenant and noticed cockroaches.
Unfortunately, the agent didn’t inform us and told the previous tenants to treat it by themselves instead of being treated professionally and to receive some sort of guarantee to say the property is clear to be let out again.
The agency proceeded to move a new tenant in, who then complained of cockroaches in the property.
We were only alerted to the issue when a complaint had been made, and now we have had a treatment bill of £2,400.
Who is liable to pay for this and the rent refund that the new tenant has claimed because she never actually fully moved in?
Many thanks
Martin
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Member Since February 2022 - Comments: 203
7:24 PM, 10th October 2025, About 6 months ago
Unfortunately it’s all on you. Buck usually stops with the landlord I’m afraid. Think you need to put this down as an expensive learning event and review if you want to continue using this agent.
Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1144
12:11 PM, 11th October 2025, About 6 months ago
Formal complaint to the agency followed by the same to their redress scheme. The latter can award you compensation.
Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1506
8:52 AM, 13th October 2025, About 6 months ago
As the law stands the landlord is responsible for treating infestations. Yes you can argue it was the tenants living conditions that caused it but the landlord would have a hard job proving it.
It also applies to wasps nests, I had one at a property on the corner of the property by the eves. In this case it WAS the tenant who was responsible for treating it as it was clearly on the outside and not the fault of the landlord, had the nest been in the loft I would have to treat it (deemed the landlords fault as he should have ensured the property was ‘sealed’).