Southwark Council Tenant Living with Mice Infestation, Damp and Water Damage

Housing Disrepair Helpline visited a Southwark Council property this week after concerns were raised about serious disrepair affecting the tenant’s home.

The tenant’s identity and address have been withheld to protect their privacy. The information gathered by Housing Disrepair Helpline describes problems including a persistent mice infestation, damp, water penetration and damage to walls and ceilings. The property is confirmed as being managed by Southwark Council.

Mice infestation reportedly ongoing since spring 2025

One of the most concerning problems reported at the Southwark Council property is a mice infestation in the kitchen.

According to the assessment, the problem began in spring 2025, with mice reportedly being seen on a daily basis. More than five mice had been caught in traps between 2025 and June 2026.

The tenant also reported finding mice droppings inside kitchen cupboards and an entry hole behind a kitchen cupboard. The problem has reportedly been disturbing the tenant’s sleep because mice can be heard moving through items in the kitchen at night.

The tenant told Housing Disrepair Helpline that, despite making multiple calls, nobody had attended to investigate or deal with the infestation. The assessment records that the tenant had contacted the landlord more than five times, with the most recent contact recorded in June 2026.

Water leak, damp and damaged plasterwork

Housing Disrepair Helpline also recorded significant problems involving a water leak, damp and damaged plasterwork in the hallway and bathroom.

The assessment states that the leak first occurred on 20 April 2026 and had most recently leaked on 28 June 2026. It reportedly originated from another flat and resulted in damage to both communal areas and areas inside the tenant’s home.

Damp readings recorded during the assessment were particularly high in some areas. The bathroom ceiling was recorded at 99.9, while the bathroom wall recorded 93.8. The hallway wall recorded 71.7, with damp and water staining also reported.

The assessment states that the water leak was first reported on 20 April 2026 and that, at the time the information was recorded, Southwark Council had not sent contractors or surveyors to inspect the reported damage and no works had been carried out.

Housing Disrepair Helpline appoints specialist solicitor

Following its involvement with the property, Housing Disrepair Helpline has now appointed the tenant with a leading housing disrepair solicitor to assist them with their case.

The tenant is now taking the first steps towards seeking action over the reported conditions and getting the outstanding problems in their Southwark Council home addressed.

Housing Disrepair Helpline has helped over 25,000 tenants get their homes fixed and obtain compensation over the last 11 years.

If you are a Southwark Council tenant experiencing unresolved damp, mould, leaks, pest infestations or other serious repair problems, Housing Disrepair Helpline can help you understand the options available to you.