Landlord & HMO Rat Control in Watford — Rapid Proofing & Compliance
Letting a property or managing an HMO is hard enough without rodents in the mix. We provide priority response across Watford (WD17–WD25), clear tenant comms, staged control + proofing (so nothing gets trapped inside), and documentation that keeps agents, owners and occupants on the same page.
For residential cases outside of lettings, see our Rat Control page.
Why Rentals & HMOs Need a Different Approach
- Multiple occupants and kitchens: more food sources, more harbourage
- Shared drains/bin stores across terraces and flats = repeat ingress risk
- Access & timing: visits must be coordinated around tenant schedules
- Evidence & paperwork: photos, logs and actions to support compliance and disputes
Our Lettings Workflow (Step by Step)
- Priority audit: Survey of all reported areas plus likely routes (lofts, risers, kickboards, external lines).
- Knock-down plan: Targeted trapping and/or tamper-resistant placements with a clear bait/monitor map.
- Proofing & repairs: Seal pipe penetrations and gnaw points, fit vent guards, repair thresholds and gaps.
- Drain checks: Trace/CCTV if sewer ingress suspected; fit stainless rat blockers where appropriate.
- Sanitation: HEPA vacuum, biocidal treatment and odour neutralisation after activity falls.
- Documentation: Photo report, site plan, bait map and recommendations for any building works.
Tenant Communication & Access
- We provide pre-visit instructions (clear under-sink areas, keep pets away, ventilation advice).
- Staged control so we don’t seal live rodents into voids.
- Appointment windows to minimise disruption; unmarked attendance available on request.
Managing agent? We’ll keep you copied on reports and actions so everyone sees the same plan.
HMO Hotspots We Check
- Communal kitchens: kickboards, service chases, behind appliances
- Lofts/eaves over multiple rooms; service risers and boxed pipe runs
- External bin stores, sheds and under-decking burrows
- Shared terrace drain runs and redundant branch lines
Pricing & Service Options
- Remediation package: intensive knock-down + proofing + (if needed) drain blocker install
- Ongoing protection: monthly/6-weekly visits with seasonal adjustments
- Fixed quote after audit; multi-property scheduling available for portfolio landlords
Coverage
WD17, WD18, WD19, WD24, WD25—North Watford, Oxhey, Holywell, Cassiobury, Leavesden and surrounds.
FAQs
Can you liaise directly with tenants for access?
Yes. With the landlord/agent’s approval we coordinate visits, issue prep notes and confirm actions after each appointment.
Is baiting safe in HMOs with children or pets?
We use tamper-resistant stations and documented placement maps. Where bait isn’t appropriate, we use trapping and proofing only.
Who is responsible—landlord or tenant?
Responsibility can depend on cause and lease terms. We provide an evidence-based report (routes, drivers, photos) to help you decide next steps.
Do you provide paperwork for compliance and disputes?
Yes. Reports include photos, site plan, bait map, materials used and recommendations—useful for compliance and end-of-tenancy discussions.
How do you stop it recurring?
Close routes (proofing), remove drivers (hygiene/bin stores), and block sewer ingress with a drain valve where needed. Monitoring visits keep it tight.