Filthy and Verminous Premises
Filthy or verminous premises are properties that are considered
verminous (including rats, mice, eggs, larvae and pupae of insects
or parasites) or in such a filthy condition as to be prejudicial to
health. Such properties are frequently characterised by an
accumulation of material that can make access to a premises
difficult and that may present a physical or fire risk to the
occupants or those of adjoining premises.
Environmental Health, under the provisions of
the Public Health Act 1936 or the Environmental Protection Act
1990, can take action to remedy such premises. Such premises have
to be dealt with sensitively and normally in partnership
with Adult & Community Services and other
organisations.
Once the Council has been notified of such a
premises, an Environmental Health Officer from the Environmental
Services Department will carry out an inspection of the premises to
determine if enforcement action is required. Once this has been
determined, discussions with the owner/occupier will take place to
try and gain an agreement to remove all rubbish and articles and to
thoroughly clean the property. If the owner/occupier fails to
comply, the Council can serve a statutory notice requiring the
property to be cleansed and all rubbish and filthy articles
removed.
Failure to comply with the requirements of the
notice may result in either prosecution and/or the Council carrying
out the works in default (i.e. appointing a contractor) and
recovering the costs back from the owner/occupier.
Contacts:
To report a possible filthy or verminous premises write to us at
Environmental Services, Westport House, Wareham, Dorset BH20 4PP,
ring 01929 557277/270 or email envservices@purbeck-dc.gov.uk.