Colchester home rat infestation leaves couple angered

Emily-Jayne McWilliams, 24, and her partner Sam Hall, 26, moved into the property East Street property in July. 

While appearing to "look fine" in a virtual house viewing, issues have arisen since signing the contract.

Ms McWilliams says the property, managed through William H Brown, has a rat infestation and ceilings have fallen through, which they were told would be sorted when they moved in.

The property also has holes in the walls and a garden which is filled with waste.

The couple say they were told the leaky ceiling was caused by an excess amount of toilet roll being flushed down the toilet, but once cleared the leaks continued.

Hazard - a dead rat and some droppings in the cupboard (Image: Credited) Ms McWilliams said: “In the previous property we lived in through our old landlord, we went to environmental health because of conditions.

“We reached out to William H Brown, we thought it was going to be a lot nicer, but it was worse.

“The first tour of the house was a video tour as they said it was the only way and it all looked fine.

Hole - one of the walls which has a massive hole in it (Image: Credited) “When we finally had a look at the property, we said we wouldn’t move in until it was sorted, as stuff was there that wasn’t advertised.

“We got in contact about the problems and they said they would sort it, but they didn’t.

“Rats aren't being exterminated and there’s holes in the ceiling, when the council took the ceiling down a load of rat droppings fell out.

Garden - loads of waste has been left in the garden (Image: Credited) “I have mental health issues and living in the previous property took a toll on my health and since we’ve moved its been so stressful.

“My partner has ADHD and he gets very overwhelmed by it all and every time I go to therapy it gets to me and I can’t stop thinking about it.

“It’s also been affecting me at work due to getting chest infection.”

Leaks - the ceiling has loads of water which is waiting to burst (Image: Credited) A William H Brown spokesman said: “We have we been in regular contact with the tenant to arrange repair works, and continue to work on behalf of landlord to remedy any issue reported.”

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “Our Private Sector Housing team was made aware of the resident’s concerns in mid-October and conducted an inspection to assess the issues.

“In line with our Enforcement Policy, the council initially seeks informal cooperation with landlords and has been working with them to address the issues.

"The agent has been responsive, promptly arranging necessary works and maintaining regular communication with us.

“An electrical contractor inspected the heating system, made necessary repairs, and advised the tenant to check her energy provider's tariff was correct.

"A specialist also cleared a blockage in the WC and macerator, and although it reoccurred, the agent continues to cooperate. A pest control contractor is managing rodent issues, and the agent is investigating leaks for repairs.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to take formal enforcement action if needed.”