Filthy or Verminous Premises

Filthy or verminous premises are properties that are considered verminous (including rats, mice, eggs, larvae and pupae of insects or parasites) and/ or in such a filthy condition as to be prejudicial to health.

Such properties are frequently characterised by an accumulation of material that can make access to a premises difficult and that may present a physical or fire risk to the occupants or those of adjoining premises.

If you feel you are able to speak to the occupier you should check if they are alright or need some help. If possible and appropriate you could also contact their family members who can assist, their GP or Lincolnshire County Council Social Services.

If you are unable to speak to the person or have done so but require further advice, please contact the Environmental Protection Team and provide us with as much information as possible about the person concerned. We work in partnership with several other authorities and agencies and can help direct you in the correct direction.

We will initially speak with you, and depending on the circumstances, will visit the property in question to assess the problem ourselves. Such problems have to be dealt with sensitively, and normally in partnership with the Adult Social Care service, Fire Service and other Organisations.

Once access to the property has been made, and depending on what we find, we may ask the resident to arrange cleaning, removal of waste or pest control treatment, or we can serve a legal notice requiring the work to take place.

For further advice, or to report suspected filthy or verminous premises, please contact us.

Sometimes, but not always, residents of properties that can be classified as filthy and verminous may have a hoarding problem. Hoarding can be described as collecting and being unable to discard excessive quantities of goods or objects. In some cases the problem can become so serious that it can pose a risk of harm, significant distress and impairment. 

Hoarding Disorder is now a recognised mental health condition. If you are concerned that your neighbour may be a hoarder, contact Lincolnshire County Council Social Services. Further advice can be found on the NHS website.