We moved in to a rented house in September. It is a Victorian terrace, with lots of books and crannies and draft holes.
A few months ago, I think in November, we realised that something had been in the kitchen trying to get in our bin, which we reported to the landlord. But it stopped after a few days. We later saw a rat outside. Then, a few weeks ago, we discovered that it had got into a food cupboard and eaten flour, porridge etc. the ll has employed a pest control man who has laid poison.
However, since then rat droppings have appeared in all rooms in the house except our bedroom (but have found outside in landing and in spare room, which baby is due to move in to soon). And on kitchen counters. My husband had to chase a rat out of the living room one afternoon too.
Now I am freaking out and want to leave. We have a 7 month old baby who likes to roll around on the floor and put everything in her mouth and I'm worried about her coming into contact with nasty rat germs. I am cleaning like mad, vacuuming 4 times a day and searching for droppings constantly. I'm waking up in the night, convinced there are rats in the bedroom and too scared to sleep.
So, should we wait it out, hoping the poison works, or should we leave ASAP so as not to put the baby in danger?
And would this be a reason to end tenancy early? Could I report to environmental health as unfit to live in? We have paid 6 months' rent in advance, so how could I get the remaining rent and deposit back? We have a 6 month break clause but that would mean staying for 2 more months.
What should I do, please help as I am becoming more hysterical by the minute!