Dear LPG,

For the past nine years I have lived in sheltered accommodation run by Lewisham Homes.  During that time there have been three occasions when I have had mice. The first time this happened, pest control was paid for by the landlords, but a couple of years afterwards I had to pay the Council to have the problem sorted again. A more recent reoccurrence cost me £45 but soon after, a little research by Lewisham Homes showed that I was not the only resident in the building with this problem.   The result is that Lewisham Homes has had the whole building treated and all evidence of rodents has gone for now.

I recently received my annual rent renewal letter; one of the new itemised charges being a weekly £1.58 for pest control.  I made a trip to Age Concern who suggested that I approach my MP. They agreed that I should not have had to pay the £45 in the light of the 2004 Housing Act, and I am waiting to see if I can get my money back.

So this is a reminder to all that it is worth taking a look at the small print in your rent contracts.

HH, New Cross