Pest infestation in the home in Burnley

No one should be forced to live in a property that is unsafe, unsanitary, or unfit for habitation. Yet many tenants in Burnley face this exact situation when pests invade their homes. Rats, mice, cockroaches, and bedbugs are more than a nuisance. They can damage belongings, spread disease, and create intolerable living conditions.

If you have reported pest problems to your landlord and nothing has been done, you may have grounds for a legal claim. This guide explains what pest infestation means in law, how landlords in Burnley must respond, and what steps you can take to protect your health and your rights.

What is classed as a pest infestation?

A pest infestation occurs when animals or insects invade a property and cause disruption, health risks, or damage. Tenants may first notice signs such as droppings, strange smells, damaged furniture, or unexplained bites. Infestations can quickly spiral out of control if not professionally treated.

The most common problems in Burnley include:

• Rats and mice – known to chew through wires, contaminate food, and spread diseases such as leptospirosis.
• Cockroaches – thrive in damp conditions, contaminate kitchens, and are hard to eradicate.
• Bedbugs – small insects that bite at night, causing itching and loss of sleep.
• Fleas – often linked to pets, but can spread across an entire property if left untreated.
• Wasps and ants – which may nest in walls, lofts, or gardens, creating safety risks for occupants.

Even minor infestations can escalate quickly. Once pests are established in a property, only professional treatment is likely to resolve the problem fully.

Health effects of pest infestations

Infestations are not just unpleasant; they are dangerous. Exposure to pests can lead to a variety of health concerns:

• Respiratory problems – rat and mouse droppings can worsen asthma and other breathing difficulties.
• Skin irritation – bites from bedbugs, fleas, or mites cause rashes and infections.
• Food poisoning – pests such as cockroaches contaminate food preparation areas, spreading bacteria.
• Stress and anxiety – constant exposure to pests creates psychological strain, sleepless nights, and loss of comfort at home.

Children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions are most at risk. The law is clear that tenants should not be exposed to these hazards in their homes.

Why infestations are common in Burnley

Burnley has a significant proportion of older terraced housing, much of it built during the industrial boom of the 19th and early 20th centuries. These homes often lack modern insulation or pest-proofing, making them vulnerable to infestations.

High-density housing and poorly maintained communal areas can worsen the problem. Damaged drains, broken brickwork, and neglected bin stores create ideal breeding grounds for vermin. In some neighbourhoods, infestations spread from one property to another if landlords fail to act promptly.

Landlord responsibilities in Burnley

Landlords, whether private individuals, housing associations, or local councils, must provide homes that are safe and fit for human habitation. This duty includes dealing with pest infestations, especially where they are linked to disrepair or structural issues.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the property’s structure does not allow pests to enter easily.
• Addressing causes of infestation, such as damp, leaks, or blocked drains.
• Responding promptly when tenants report pest activity.
• Arranging professional pest control treatment when required.
• Maintaining communal areas in blocks of flats or shared housing.

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, a failure to meet these obligations can form the basis of a legal claim.

What tenants should do

If you discover pests in your Burnley home, take the following steps:

1. Report the problem in writing – always notify your landlord or housing provider formally by letter or email.
2. Gather evidence – take photos or videos of the pests, droppings, or damaged areas.
3. Keep a record – save copies of all correspondence and note the dates when you reported the issue.
4. Document the impact – record how the infestation has affected your health, sleep, or belongings.
5. Seek advice – if your landlord does not respond or refuses to act, contact Marley Solicitors to discuss your legal rights.

Compensation in pest infestation claims

If you are forced to live with pests due to your landlord’s negligence, you may be able to claim compensation. The amount depends on the severity of the infestation and the impact it has had on your life.

Compensation may include:

• General damages – for stress, anxiety, and disruption to daily life.
• Special damages – covering costs of replacing damaged belongings, cleaning, or temporary accommodation.
• Health-related damages – where medical conditions or illnesses are caused or worsened by pests.
• Rent reduction – where parts of the property became unusable due to infestation.

Example cases

• A tenant dealing with rats in an older terraced house may recover damages for health risks, lost belongings, and rent reduction.
• A family living with a bedbug infestation could claim for bites, distress, and replacement of mattresses and furniture.
• Residents in flats plagued by cockroaches may claim against the landlord for failing to maintain shared bin areas or ventilation systems.

The legal process for making a claim

Marley Solicitors support tenants in Burnley throughout the claims process. Typical steps include:

1. Initial consultation – we assess your circumstances and advise whether you have grounds for a claim.
2. Evidence gathering – photographs, medical reports, and witness statements strengthen your case.
3. Letter of claim – we notify your landlord of the problem and request a resolution.
4. Negotiation – many landlords agree to repairs and compensation at this stage.
5. Court proceedings – if the landlord refuses to cooperate, we can take legal action to secure both repairs and damages.

Why legal support is essential

Tenants often feel powerless when landlords fail to act. Some worry about eviction if they complain. In reality, retaliatory eviction is unlawful, and tenants have the right to live in safe, habitable homes.

With Marley Solicitors on your side, you can take action confidently. We combine knowledge of housing law with local experience in Burnley, ensuring your landlord is held accountable.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim if I tried to deal with the infestation myself?
Yes. Many tenants attempt DIY treatments before contacting their landlord. If the problem persists and the landlord fails to act, you may still have a valid claim.

What if my landlord says the infestation is my fault?
Unless you caused the problem directly, such as by poor housekeeping, the landlord is usually responsible. Where infestations are linked to property defects, it is almost always the landlord’s duty to resolve.

Do I have to go to court?
Not always. Most claims are resolved through negotiation with landlords or their insurers. Court is only necessary if the landlord refuses to cooperate.

Speak to Marley Solicitors in Burnley

If you are living with a pest infestation in Burnley and your landlord has ignored your complaints, do not continue to suffer. Marley Solicitors can help you secure both the repairs needed to resolve the issue and compensation for the hardship you have endured.

Our dedicated housing law team works with tenants across Burnley and the wider Lancashire area. We understand the problems caused by older housing stock and negligent landlords, and we are committed to protecting your rights.

Contact Marley Solicitors today to discuss your pest infestation case with a specialist in Burnley. Take the first step towards a healthier and safer home by speaking with our team.