Where can you complain if there are rats in the house? - briefly
Report the infestation to the local public health department or municipal housing authority. Tenants should also inform their landlord or a tenant‑rights agency.
Where can you complain if there are rats in the house? - in detail
If rodents are found in a dwelling, the appropriate channels for lodging a complaint are:
- Landlord or property manager – submit a written request for remediation; keep a copy of the notice and any response.
- Local health department – call the environmental health division or submit an online complaint; provide the address, description of the infestation, and any health‑related concerns.
- City or county code‑enforcement office – report violations of housing or sanitation codes; many municipalities offer a 311 service or an online portal for pest‑related issues.
- Housing authority or public‑housing agency – file a grievance through the agency’s tenant‑complaint system; follow the prescribed timeline for inspection and repair.
- Homeowners’ association (HOA) – address the problem through the association’s maintenance or violation committee, using the HOA’s formal complaint form.
- Professional pest‑control contractor – if the lease permits, arrange for licensed extermination; retain invoices as proof of action taken.
When filing a complaint, include:
- Exact address and unit number.
- Date and time of discovery.
- Photographic or video evidence of rodent activity.
- Description of any damage or health hazards observed.
- Copies of prior communications with the landlord or management, if any.
Follow up within the response window specified by the agency; if no action is taken, consider escalating to a local consumer‑protection office or filing a small‑claims suit for breach of habitability.