Yes, you can sell a house with rat infestation. Rats and mice are commonly found when food isnāt disposed of properly or it could be that your neighbour has a bird feeder thatās attracting them.
Rats and mice are very commonly found in older properties.Ā They can set up a ratās nest under the floorboards and reproduce many times throughout the year. Once their population grows, they can eat through wood, pipes, and wires.Ā Their droppings can be fatal, with exposure resulting inĀ Weilās disease.Ā
With domesticated mice fattening up, this can leave you wondering whether you can sell a house with rodents.
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Do you have to declare rats when selling a house?
Pests are something that a seller must disclose, especially if there is an ongoing rat problem, for example. If the seller hasn’t been honest and has not disclosed a serious pest issue, there could be legal consequences.
The buyer could sue the seller. So, whether you’ve bought or are selling – honesty is key.Ā It would be very difficult to mask the pungent smell of rats.Ā
How to get rid of rats in the garden?
Dealing with rats in the garden can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to get rid of them. Start by eliminating anything that attracts themāsecure your bins, stop leaving food out for birds, and fix any leaking taps or water sources. You can also use natural deterrents like peppermint oil or cayenne pepper, or plant herbs such as mint and lavender that rats dislike. Keep your garden tidy by clearing away debris, trimming overgrown plants, and sealing gaps under decking or sheds with chicken wire to block their access. For example, if you notice rats nesting under your decking, using metal mesh to close off entry points can help keep them out.
But if youāve tried everything and the rats just wonāt go away, it might be time to consider a fresh start. Selling your home to Property Saviour could be the stress-free solution youāre looking for.
Weāre cash buyers who will buy your property in any conditionāeven if it has a rodent problemāand can complete the sale in as little as 10 days. With no fees or deductions, you can move on quickly and leave the rat problem behind for good. Get in touch with us today for a free offer!
What smells do rats hate?
Rats have an incredibly strong sense of smell, and there are certain scents they absolutely canāt stand. If youāre dealing with a rat problem, here are some smells that can help keep them away:
- Peppermint Oil: Rats hate the strong, minty aroma of peppermint oil. Simply soak cotton balls in the oil and place them in areas where rats are active, like corners or near entry points. Refresh the scent every few days for the best results.
- Eucalyptus Oil: This fresh, sharp scent is another great way to deter rats. Mix eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it around your home or garden to disrupt their scent trails.
- Cayenne Pepper and Chilli: Spicy smells like cayenne pepper or chilli powder are highly unpleasant for rats. Sprinkle these along rat pathways or near burrows, but remember to reapply after rain.
- Citronella: While commonly used to repel insects, citronella also works well against rats. Use citronella oil or candles near entry points to drive them away.
- Garlic and Onions: The pungent smell of garlic and onions is another natural deterrent. You can place slices in problem areas or even grow these plants in your garden to discourage rats from settling.
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If youāve tried everything and the rats keep coming back, we understand how stressful it can be. At Property Saviour, we buy homes in any conditionāeven if youāre dealing with a pest problem. We offer a quick, hassle-free sale with no fees or deductions, so you can move on without worrying about rodents. Get in touch with us today for a free cash offer and leave your rat problem behind for good!
Is it safe to live in a house with rats?
No. It is unsafe to live in a house with rodents.Ā They carry diseases that can be harmful to residents.Ā In addition, mice can damage floor boards making it unsafe to walk and if they eat through electric cables, it can result in shock or death.
Will sleeping with lights on keep rats away?
Sleeping with the lights on is not an effective way to keep rats away. While rats are nocturnal and prefer darkness, they are highly adaptable creatures and will continue to move around in search of food, water, and shelter even in lit environments. In fact, leaving the lights on might simply cause them to shift their activity to more hidden areas, making the problem harder to spot.
Instead of relying on light, focus on proven methods to deter rats. Seal up any entry points around your home, keep your living space clean, and remove food and water sources that might attract them. Natural deterrents like peppermint oil or ultrasonic devices can also help create an unwelcoming environment for these pests.
If rats have become a persistent issue that you just canāt resolve, weāre here to help. At Property Saviour, we buy homes in any conditionāeven if youāre dealing with a rat infestation. We offer a quick, hassle-free sale with no fees or deductions, so you can move on without the stress. Contact us today for a free cash offer and take the first step toward peace of mind!
Here’s what to do if you just bought a house and it has mice?Ā
Discovering mice in a house youāve just bought can be incredibly frustrating and stressful. Mice are experts at finding their way into small spaces, and they can quickly become a nuisance if not dealt with promptly. Hereās what you can do to tackle the problem:
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for gaps or holes around doors, windows, pipes, and vents. Mice can squeeze through tiny spaces, so use steel wool or caulk to block any potential entry points.
- Set Traps: Traditional snap traps or humane traps can help catch mice quickly. Place them along walls, behind furniture, or in areas where youāve noticed droppings or gnaw marks.
- Remove Food Sources: Keep food sealed in airtight containers and clean up crumbs or spills immediately. Mice are drawn to easy access to food, so cutting off their supply will discourage them from sticking around.
- Declutter: Mice love hiding in cluttered spaces. Clear out storage areas like basements, lofts, and cupboards to make your home less inviting.
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If youāve tried everything and the mice are still a problem, we understand how overwhelming it can be. At Property Saviour, we buy houses in any conditionāeven if they have pest issues like mice. We offer a fast, hassle-free sale with no fees or deductions, so you can move on without the stress of dealing with unwanted pests. Contact us today for a free cash offer and let us take the problem off your hands!
Can I sue our house seller for rats problem?
Yes, you can sue a house seller for a rat problem if they failed to disclose the issue during the sale process, but certain conditions must be met. Sellers are legally obligated to provide accurate information about their property, including pest infestations, on the Sellerās Property Information Form or during pre-contract enquiries. If the seller knowingly concealed or misrepresented the presence of rats, this could constitute property misrepresentation, giving you grounds for legal action.
To succeed in a claim, youāll need evidence that the seller was aware of the infestation and intentionally withheld this information. For example, if reports or communications show the seller knew about ongoing rat issues but falsely stated there were none, you may have a strong case. Misrepresentation claims can lead to compensation for damages or even rescission of the sale contract.
However, itās important to note that property transactions in England operate under caveat emptorā”let the buyer beware.” This means buyers are expected to conduct due diligence, such as commissioning a thorough survey, which should identify major issues like infestations. If no survey was done or the problem wasnāt visible during inspections, proving liability may be more difficult.
If youāre feeling overwhelmed by rat problems in your new home and legal action isnāt feasible, selling your property to Property Saviour could be an easier solution. We buy homes in any conditionāincluding those with pest issuesāand offer a quick, hassle-free sale with no fees or deductions. Get in touch today for a free cash offer and leave your rat troubles behind!
Can you sell a house with moths?
Yes, you can sell a house with moths, but itās important to address the issue before putting your property on the market to avoid deterring potential buyers. Moths, especially clothes moths or carpet moths, can cause damage to fabrics and soft furnishings, which may raise concerns for buyers about the overall condition of the home. Hereās what you can do:
- Identify the Problem: Check for signs of moth infestations, such as holes in clothing or carpets, larvae, or adult moths in dark corners or wardrobes. Knowing the extent of the issue will help you tackle it effectively.
- Clean Thoroughly: Vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly to remove eggs and larvae. Wash affected clothing and bedding at high temperatures to kill any remaining pests.
- Use Moth Deterrents: Place moth traps or use natural repellents like cedarwood or lavender sachets in wardrobes and storage areas to prevent further infestations.
- Repair Damage: If moths have caused visible damage to carpets or furnishings, consider repairing or replacing them to make your home more appealing to buyers.
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If youāre struggling to resolve the problem or simply donāt want the hassle of dealing with it, Property Saviour can help. We buy houses in any conditionāeven if they have pest issues like mothsāand offer a quick, hassle-free sale with no fees or deductions. Contact us today for a free cash offer and let us take the stress off your hands!
Is it expensive to get rid of rats?
Professional fees for getting rid of a severe rat infestation can run into tens of thousands of pounds.Ā The smell of rat nests and their dead bodies can cling to walls and floorboards which usually require floorboards to be lifted, dead bodies removed safely and replaced with new floorboards.Ā
Even after a pest control company has visited and if you are hearing horrible scratching noise from under the floorboards or from cavity walls then you have a severe rat infestation.Ā
If poison is used, they die but you are left with a stink that you wonāt be able to get rid of.Ā If the previous owner did nothing about rats or you have a neighbour who doesnāt dispose of waste food properly, it may be very difficult to get rid of rodents as effectively you will have to catch them.
The walls may need scrubbing, a skim of fresh plaster to mask the smell and painted over again.
After rodents have been eliminated, a structural survey is recommended to check if joists have been affected, and this can be a very expensive repair.Ā Electric cables may be gnawed, exposed and therefore a total rewire becomes necessary.
If a surveyor discovers evidence of rat or mice infestation, the buyer can typically demand a 20% reduction in the asking price. For an average property in the UK, this reduction amounts to Ā£20,000 or more.
A valuer who identifies evidence of rat and mice infestation may recommend that a lender require a specialist report as a mortgage condition. The loan can be subject to a retention until eradication work is completed and verified.
What do you do with a rat infested house?
Sell it!
Here at Property Saviour, we love a challenge. We will buy your rodent-infested house for cash.
Sell with certainty & speed
Property Saviour Price Promise
- The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
- Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
- These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
- We are cash buyers.Ā There are no surveys.
- We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
We'll Pay Ā£1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
- You are welcome to use your own solicitor.Ā
- If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.Ā
Sell With Certainty & Speed
- Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
- 100% Discretion guaranteed.Ā
- If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
- Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you.Ā You are in control.
