Legally, whether a tenant or a landlord is responsile for tackling the infestation depends on a number of factors. For instance, if the slug problem existed before the tenant moved in or is caused by structural disrepair, then the landlord is likely to be responsible. This is because a landlord is obligated to ensure the property is fit for human habitation i.e. no pest infestation.
On the other hand, if the slugs are a newer problem and caused by something the tenant has brought into the house like pet food (slugs have a good sense of smell and like cool, damp places), then they are likely to be responsible. This is because tenants are obligated to keep the property clean and sanitary.
Tenants should try and find the source of the problem to try and eradicate the slugs. If a tenant locate's an entry point from where the slugs come in, the landlord has a duty to close these up.
If a landlord isn’t cooperative as a tenant tries to get to the bottom of the problem, the local council could send an environmental health officer over to inspect the property and rule whether you or the landlord are responsible for it.
Slugs seek shelter in cool damp places and can feed on pet food so if they come into your house it means they have found a corner of your property which meets those conditions. You are most likely to find them in your kitchen, garage and other areas of your house which might be cold and damp.
Slugs come out when the environment is moist as it is easier for them to sliver through and they will need to secrete less slime to navigate. Slugs are therefore likely to appear after a rainfall.
Different solutions exist for removing slugs depending on the source of the infestation. Slugs will seek shelter in dark and damp corners so removing potential shelters can cause them to move away. To do this, use traps and food to lure them away from the shelter and then remove or seal off the shelter to prevent them from returning. Encouraging birds, hedgehogs and other wildlife to come to your garden can also help control the slug population.
Curious about other types of infestations? Read our answer to mice in the property.