Buying a house only to discover a rat infestation can be a nightmare. But do you have any legal recourse against the seller?

Here’s what you need to know if you find yourself in this situation.

The Problem: Rats in a Newly Purchased Home
A homeowner recently moved into a new property, only to later find rat droppings in the loft.

Neighbours mentioned a previous occupier had raised similar concerns.

No mention of vermin was made in the TA6 property form or survey report.

Can the buyer claim compensation for pest control costs, or is it a case of “buyer beware”?

How Common Are Rat Infestations?
The UK has millions of rats, particularly brown rats, which thrive in urban areas.

They breed rapidly—15 to 100 offspring per year (RSPCA).

Lofts, gardens, and walls are common nesting spots.

(For pest control advice, see RSPCA’s guide to rodent infestations)*

Legal Perspective: Can You Sue the Seller?
1. Seller’s Obligations
The TA6 Property Information Form requires sellers to disclose known issues, including pest infestations.

If they lied or withheld information, you may have a claim for misrepresentation.

2. Key Legal Considerations
✅ Did the seller KNOW about the rats?

If they actively concealed the issue, you could sue.

If they didn’t know, it’s harder to prove liability.

✅ Was the issue raised in the survey?

If the surveyor missed obvious signs, they could be liable.

If rats moved in after the sale, it’s your responsibility.

✅ Did you ask about pests before buying?

If you specifically asked and the seller denied any issues, you may have a stronger case.

3. A Recent Legal Precedent
In a 2025 High Court case, buyers of a £32.5m London mansion discovered a moth infestation after moving in.

The seller had explicitly denied any pest problems.

The court ruled this was misrepresentation, allowing the buyers to rescind the contract.

Key difference in this case?

The buyers directly asked about pests.

The seller lied in response.

(For more on property misrepresentation claims, visit The Law Society’s guide)*

Can You Claim Compensation?
Solicitor #1: James Naylor (Naylor Solicitors)
“Unless you can prove the seller knew about the rats and lied, ‘buyer beware’ likely applies. A neighbour’s vague recollection isn’t enough evidence.”

Solicitor #2: Manjinder Kaur Atwal (Duncan Lewis Solicitors)
“If the seller answered ‘no’ to pests on the TA6 form but knew about rats, you may have a claim. Gather evidence (e.g., neighbour statements, past pest control invoices).”