Who Is Responsible — Landlord or Tenant?
In England, the answer depends on the situation. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of the property. This means if pests are entering through structural defects (broken drains, gaps in walls, damaged roofing), the landlord is responsible for both the repair and the pest treatment.
If a tenant causes a pest problem through their own behaviour (e.g., hoarding, poor food hygiene), they may be held responsible.
HMO Properties: Stricter Rules Apply
If your Walthamstow property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), you have additional obligations under the Housing Act 2004. Local authorities can serve improvement notices and even issue fines if an HMO is found to have a pest problem that the landlord hasn’t addressed.
What Paperwork Do You Need?
As a landlord, you should maintain:
- Treatment certificates — issued after every pest control visit
- COSHH documentation — detailing chemicals used
- Proofing records — evidence of structural repairs made to prevent re-infestation
- HACCP logbooks — required for commercial food premises
Our technicians provide all of this documentation as standard after every visit.
Tenant Changeover Pest Inspections
Smart landlords book a pest inspection between tenancies. This catches problems early, protects your property, and gives incoming tenants confidence. A clear pest inspection certificate can also protect you from disputes with new tenants who may claim they “inherited” a pest problem.
Protect Your Property Today
We offer dedicated landlord pest control packages with priority scheduling, bulk pricing, and full compliance documentation. Call +44 7774 385794 or request a quote online.
