To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance her Department has issued to local authorities and registered social landlords on dealing with mice and rat infestations in residential properties. (178040)

Infestations from mice, rats and other vermin are hazards covered by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) which came into force in April 2006, This replaced the fitness standard as the regime governing the statutory minimum standards for housing.

In February 2006 the Department published the documents “Housing Health and Safety Rating System: Operating Guidance, Housing Health and Safety Rating System: Enforcement Guidance” and “Housing Health and Safety Rating System: Guidance for landlords and property related professionals”.