Housing Ombudsman sets out ‘significant learning opportunity’ in pest cases
Summary
The Housing Ombudsman has published findings from two wider orders concerning pest infestations handled by Guinness Partnership and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Both landlords were required to carry out independent reviews, leading to changes in pest procedures, contractor oversight, escalation processes and staff training.
Why it matters
Pest infestations can affect property condition, resident wellbeing and the adequacy of landlord management systems, all of which may surface in surveyor inspections and complaint investigations. The Ombudsman also highlights that pest hazards will come under Awaab’s Law, increasing the compliance significance for landlords and their advisers.
Key points
- Two wider orders identified failings in pest infestation handling by social landlords.
- Guinness Partnership updated its pest procedure, repairs oversight and contractor processes.
- Hammersmith and Fulham introduced a new pest control policy, dashboard and escalation improvements.
- The Ombudsman said the cases show common lessons on policy scope, coordination and reporting.
- Pest hazards are expected to fall under Awaab’s Law, raising future compliance expectations.
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