Lowestoft residents told to leave council flats over rat damage
Tenants on Hollingsworth Road claim rodents have chewed through walls, creating a potential fire risk
Last updated 23rd Apr 2026
Residents in a Lowestoft neighbourhood are reportedly being forced to leave their homes at short notice after rats allegedly caused significant structural damage to council-owned flats.
Tenants living in properties along Hollingsworth Road have been told to vacate their flats after rodents chewed through parts of the buildings, raising serious safety concerns.
It is understood that the damage has been deemed severe enough to present a potential fire risk, prompting urgent action.
Following a recent pest control inspection, East Suffolk Council confirmed that issues had been identified within council properties at Hollingsworth Road which require immediate attention to protect the health and safety of tenants.
The inspection found that rats had caused damage to parts of the building, including breaches to the “compartmentation” of units which would normally help reduce the spread of fire in the event of an outbreak.
East Suffolk Council confirmed that the infestation had only affected the flats, and not the commercial properties below in Hollingsworth Road.
The council said it had previously appointed independent pest control officers to address the issue in 2024. However, following fresh reports last month, further inspections were carried out.
With fire safety measures potentially compromised, the council said the damage must now be addressed immediately. Contractors will carry out repairs to the building’s structure as well as deal with the infestation.
Due to the scale of the works required, residents must temporarily vacate their properties.
Several residents claim they were informed they must leave their homes by as early as tomorrow, leaving little time to make arrangements.
One resident said she has been hearing scratching and movement inside her walls, and claims she has also found rat droppings in her kitchen cupboards
The sudden nature of the reported evacuation has caused anxiety and confusion among those affected, with many unsure about the extent of the damage or how long they will be unable to return.
Housing officers have been on site in recent days to support tenants, assist with relocation arrangements, and answer questions. The council said it is working to ensure all affected residents are relocated into suitable alternative accommodation that meets their individual needs.
East Suffolk Council said it is aiming to move all residents by Thursday.
The properties are expected to remain vacant for approximately three months while a full programme of works is completed, including drainage surveys, roof space inspections, lifting floorboards, pest eradication, fire-proofing works, and reinstatement of fire compartmentalisation throughout the building.
The council said the works cannot be safely completed while residents remain in occupation and added that it will continue to support tenants and review timescales as the project progresses.