Can i withhold rent for mice

There are a number of steps that you must follow if you want to use your rent to pay for repairs. This procedure is only likely to be of use to you for more minor repairs which you can afford to pay for if required.

If you're a local authority tenant and you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs you won't be able to use this procedure. If you're a tenant of another social housing landlord such as a housing association, or a tenant of a private landlord, your landlord may be paid Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs directly.

You're responsible for the quality of the work, which is why it's important to get quotes from properly qualified contractors. If you arrange repairs that are done badly, you'll be responsible and will have to put it right. A term in a tenancy agreement which says that you can't use rent to pay for repairs is likely to be unfair and could be challenged. In some cases, a private landlord may decide to evict a tenant rather than do repair work. Make sure you know whether you're at risk of eviction if you're thinking about using the procedure to use future rent to pay for repairs.

Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer. Top links Housing benefit. Top links Template letter to raise a grievance at work. When tenants are determined to be the reason for pests in the property, they must cover the expenses for pest control services and treatment as well as additional costs for accommodation, as the property will likely need to be fumigated. Image source. This article is provided as a guide.

Any information should be used for research purposes and not as the base for taking legal action. The Tenants' Voice does not provide legal advice and our content does not constitute a client-solicitor relationship. We advise all tenants to act respectfully with their landlords and letting agents and seek a peaceful resolution to problems with their rented property. For more information, explore the articles in our Repairs and safety category.

For more ways to reach us, please visit our contacts page. When is the landlord responsible? Here are a few examples for reasons of pest infestations related to disrepair or lack of maintenance: Holes or gaps in external walls — If there is any hole or gap where pests can come in the property, rest assured they will. How to make your landlord fix the problem When the landlord is determined to be the cause, this issue should be treated just like any health hazard in the property.

When are tenants responsible? Image source Disclaimer This article is provided as a guide. Moving in? Tell your landlord about the pest problem and any:. Some private landlords would rather evict their tenants than carry out repairs. Tell your landlord about any pest problems in communal areas, such as shared hallways or stairs in a block of flats.

The landlord may be responsible if they own the whole building. If not they, they should report the problem to the owner. If the landlord is responsible for the pest problem they should:. They could use a pest control company or contact the council. If you want to pay for pest control and take it off your rent, you should negotiate this with your landlord.

Your landlord does not have to agree to this. Your landlord does not have to rehouse you during repairs. You might be able to claim compensation for disruption and damage to your things.

If your landlord refuses to do repairs you can complain to environmental health at the council. They will come round and inspect your property. They may decide that the pests are a hazard and give your landlord instructions to resolve the problem.

This allows the landlord to tend to the problem quickly, and give you a point of reference should the landlord not rectify the situation soon. This could be something as simple as giving them a written note and you keeping a copy.

It can feel right if not warranted withholding your rent money until a mice infestation is solved. It can also feel right to withhold rent if your landlord is refusing to handle the problem though you should check with local laws as well as your lease to determine whether or not you have a cause of action.

Not paying rent can force an eviction. For this reason, it is imperative that you know your rights and responsibilities as a renter.

These do vary from state to state, and from local ordinance to city. There are some instances where you can withhold rent, which would be your landlord not fixing your HVAC systems. This would make it incredibly challenging to live in the unit during summer or winter, respectively. When it comes to a pest infestation like mice, you will want to always review your lease. When in doubt, contact legal counsel for a definite answer as to whether or not you can withhold rent.