The rat infestation at Avington Court, Southampton, has been ongoing for years, say residents who claim to have endured the pests in their walls, in cupboards and in kitchens.
Those living in the sheltered accommodation say they feel neglected as the situation has been allowed to continue for some time.
Linda Abburow, 76, says there have been rats at the estate for at least the 14 years she has lived at the property.
Residents Linda Abburow, Andy Hoar and Maria Mintrin sitting in front of conservative candidate for the area, Amanda Guest (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)
She has found them in her flat a number of times, and at one point described them getting into her cupboard, which she then taped up.
She said: “They are big ones too.
“I would like to see the council come up here and do something about it.
“They kept me awake last year for three nights in my kitchen cupboards.”
Fellow resident Andy Hoar, 61, said: “I heard them in my bedroom. They are in the cavity; you can hear them.
“This is sheltered accommodation; it should be a priority to look after the residents.
“You can actually see them when the grass is cut.”
Maria Mintrin, 77, said: “It is just stressful when you get them.
“It is a shame because they are nice flats, and it is a nice community.
“I think we have been tucked away and feel forgotten sometimes.”
Husband and wife Janet and Michael Newton, 65, say they had to pour concrete down holes in their garden last year to deal with the rats.
Janet, 62, said the estate does not have enough bins, which adds to the issues with rats. She said: “We had to put traps out. We had to rearrange the kitchen, move it all around.
“It is horrible when they are in your house. It is also dangerous, you don’t know where they have been in your kitchen. It is worrying.
“It is not good enough. ”
Southampton City Council was approached for comment.