Squirrel infestations don't discriminate between owner-occupied homes and rental properties, but landlords face a slightly different set of practical considerations when squirrels turn up in a loft. Tenants may not know what they're hearing, access needs to be arranged around someone else's tenancy, and the property needs to be dealt with properly rather than patched over, since it's an asset that has to keep performing after the current tenancy ends.
Why tenant reports matter and shouldn't be dismissed
Daytime scratching or scurrying noises in the loft are a strong early indicator of squirrel activity, and tenants are often the first to notice it, simply because they're in the property day to day. Taking these reports seriously and arranging an inspection promptly tends to be far cheaper and less disruptive than waiting until damage to insulation, wiring, or timber has had time to build up.
Practical considerations specific to rental properties
- Access needs to be arranged with proper notice in line with the tenancy agreement and standard landlord obligations
- Landlords are generally responsible for the structure and exterior of the property, which includes the roofline, soffits, and fascias where squirrels typically get in
- A clear line of communication with tenants during the process helps avoid confusion, particularly if a return visit or proofing work is needed
- Documentation of the inspection, work carried out, and any damage found is useful both for the landlord's records and for any future conversations with tenants or insurers
Why proofing matters more for rental properties
A landlord managing a Newbury rental property, particularly across multiple tenancies over the years, has a strong incentive to make sure a squirrel problem is properly proofed against rather than just resolved for the current occupants. An entry point left unsealed is likely to cause the same problem again with a future tenant, generating a repeat call-out and repeat disruption that proper proofing avoids.
Between tenancies is often a good time to check
If a property is empty between tenancies, it's a useful opportunity to have the loft and roofline properly inspected without needing to coordinate around a tenant's schedule. This is particularly worth considering for older Newbury properties with timber soffits and fascias, or for any property with a known history of squirrel activity.
Pest Services Berkshire works with landlords and letting agents across Newbury to inspect, remove, and proof rental properties against squirrels, with clear reporting you can share with tenants or keep on file. Contact us on 0118 336 1366 for a free quotation.
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