A lettings sector body says poor hygiene amongst some tenants - students in particular - may be causing pest problems which then have to be resolved by letting agents and landlords.
The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks says infestation by pests and vermin such as cockroaches, rats, ants, mites, silverfish, bedbugs, fleas or mice obviously make a property uninhabitable.
The AIIC says research this year by the National Union of Students suggests that the problem is particularly acute in student accommodation.
However, Pat Barber, AIIC chair, says this is an unfair burden for agents and landlords, and says: Tenants have unrealistic expectations and don't want to take responsibility for anything. Time and time again we see tenants complaining about a pest problem that is caused by their poor hygiene.
Barber cites a recent case where mice were discovered during a property inspection: The tenants complained of mice faeces in cupboards and on the kitchen floor. Unsurprisingly the kitchen was in a really dirty condition with grease, crumbs and other debris everywhere. The tenants were advised to clean up their act.
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