Landlord Fined £10,000 After Successful EPA Prosecution
Case summary
The problem
Our client, a single parent living with her 11-year-old child in a mid-terrace property in Bethnal Green, had suffered a persistent mice problem since moving in during 2017. Mice droppings were found throughout the home, including the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.
Like many tenants, she made repeated efforts to deal with the mice herself, not realising that her landlord was responsible and that she could get legal help to hold them to account.
The prosecution
The presence of mice on this scale, prejudicial to health, can amount to a statutory nuisance under Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Our EPA team brought a criminal prosecution against Newlon Housing Trust for failing to address the longstanding nuisance.
The matter was robustly defended, but our fee earner supported the client throughout and meticulously gathered the evidence required, and our in-house counsel successfully presented the prosecution case at trial in January 2025.
The outcome
The Magistrates imposed a £10,000 fine on the landlord, made an abatement order requiring remedial works, and awarded our client £1,800 in compensation.
Outcome
£10,000 fine imposed on the landlord, an abatement order requiring remedial works, and £1,800 compensation for our client, following trial.
If mice or another infestation in your rented home is affecting your health and your landlord has not acted, you do not have to deal with it alone.
Your landlord is responsible for dealing with mice
Many tenants spend years trying to solve an infestation themselves. If you have reported it and your landlord has failed to act, we can help on a no win, no fee basis.
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