Landlords and tenants urged to stay vigilant as rat and mouse claims spike in autumn

Landlords and tenants are being urged to stay vigilant for signs of rats and mice in their properties this autumn after new data revealed rodent-related claims made under Landlord Emergency cover spiked by 57% between September and October 2025, with October and November proving the busiest months of the year.

Analysis from Direct Line Landlord Insurance, part of the Aviva Group, shows rats and mice are by far the most common pest issue affecting rental properties, accounting for almost eight in ten (79%) vermin-related emergency cover claims in 2025 and the first half of 2026.

The insurer says warm weather, such as the heatwave experienced this summer, can create favourable breeding conditions for rodents. As temperatures begin to fall, rats and mice may head indoors in search of food, warmth and shelter, increasing the risk of infestations.

While rodents accounted for the majority of vermin-related claims, bed bugs and wasps each made up one in ten claims (10%), with squirrels accounting for the remaining 1%.

Consumer research reveals scale of pest concerns among landlords and tenants

Additional research from Direct Line Landlord Insurance found that pest infestations remain a significant concern for both landlords and tenants, with almost two-thirds (65%) of landlords surveyed and three-fifths of tenants (59%)^[iv] saying they are worried about the problem of pests this autumn.

Landlords

Nearly a third of landlords (31%) have experienced a rat or mouse infestation in at least one of their rental properties during the past 24 months, with the average cost of dealing with the issue reaching £314.93, including pest control, cleaning and repair costs.

The financial and practical consequences of infestations can also be significant. More than a third of landlords (36%) said the biggest impact was the cost of pest control treatment, while three in ten (30%) reported receiving complaints from tenants. More than one in five (22%) incurred repair costs as a result of pest problems, and in some cases the impact was severe enough to render a property temporarily uninhabitable (12%).

Despite taking preventative measures, pest problems continue to affect many landlords. Nearly two thirds (62%) of landlords who had experienced pests said they had taken steps to help prevent infestations during the past 24 months but still experienced them.

Tenants

Almost a quarter of tenants surveyed (24%) said they had experienced a rat or mouse infestation in their rented home over the same 24-month period. Rats and mice are tenants' biggest pest concern, with almost three in five (59%) saying they would be most worried about finding them in their home.

Pest infestations can have a significant impact on tenants' wellbeing and quality of life. More than a third (37%) said pest problems had made them feel uncomfortable in their home, while 35% reported concerns about hygiene or cleanliness. More than a quarter (28%) felt embarrassed about having pests in their home, and nearly a quarter (23%) had to contact their landlord about an infestation.

The practical and financial consequences were also evident, with more than one in five tenants forced to throw away food or possessions (21%), while almost one in five worried about the cost of dealing with pest problems (19%) or experienced disrupted sleep as a result of pest infestations (19%).

More than half (57%) of tenants who had experienced pests said they had taken preventative steps during the past 24 months, but still encountered infestations.

Sarah Casey, Trading Lead for Direct Line Landlord Insurance, at Aviva, said: "Rats and mice can quickly become a major headache for both landlords and tenants if they gain access to a property. As well as posing hygiene concerns and affecting people's wellbeing, rodents can cause damage to wiring, insulation and pipework, leading to costly repairs and disruption for property owners and residents alike.

"Our data shows that autumn is the peak season for rat and mouse-related claims made under Landlord Emergency cover, with incidents rising sharply between September and October. Our research also found that nearly a third of landlords have experienced a rat or mouse infestation in at least one of their rental properties during the past two years, while almost a quarter of tenants have encountered the problem in their rented home.

"As we move into autumn, landlords and tenants should remain vigilant for signs of pest activity. Simple measures such as sealing potential entry points, storing food and waste securely, and acting quickly at the first sign of an infestation can help reduce the risk of pests taking hold. Landlords should also review their insurance cover regularly to ensure they understand the protection they have in place."

Top tips for preventing pest problems:

• Seal gaps and cracks around doors, windows, pipes and drains to help prevent pests from entering the property.
• Repair damaged vents, brickwork and exterior openings that could provide easy access routes for rodents and other pests.
• Store rubbish in secure, tightly sealed bins and dispose of waste regularly to avoid attracting pests.
• Keep food stored securely and clear away crumbs, spillages and food waste promptly.
• Maintain gardens, sheds and outdoor spaces, removing clutter, vegetation and debris where rodents may nest or shelter.
• Watch for early signs of pest activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, nests, unusual odours or scratching noises, and take action quickly if you spot them.
• Encourage tenants to report signs of pest activity promptly so potential infestations can be dealt with before they become more serious.
• Check landlord insurance cover regularly to understand what protection is in place and whether you have access to services such as Landlord emergency assistance or vermin-related damage cover.

ENDS

About Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or online and is part of the Aviva Group.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com

References

^[i] _{Analysis based on Direct Line Landlord Insurance claims made under Landlord Emergency cover between January and December 2025, and January and June 2026.[↑]}

^[ii] _{This research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 300 Landlords and 1000 Tenants who rent privately in the UK, aged 18+. The data was collected between 18.09.2026 - 25.09.2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. We adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles [↑]}

^[iii] _{‘Very concerned’ and ‘Fairly concerned’ answers combined [↑]}

^[iv] _{‘Very concerned’ and ‘Fairly concerned’ answers combined [↑]}

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