A family whose rented home has been plagued by slugs for months has withheld rent money after the landlord offered £100 compensation.

Gabriel Lungu and his wife Rebeica claim the problem has persisted on and off for five months and the owner's “gesture of goodwill” was insufficient.

The couple, who have two children aged one and three, moved into their rented two-bed terraced house in Regent Street, Watford, on December 17 last year.

Towards the end of June, the couple said slugs started to appear in the kitchen and that they “even found a slug on a loaf of bread”.

Watford Observer: The couple said they found a slug on a loaf of their bread.The couple said they found a slug on a loaf of their bread. (Image: Gabriel Lungu)

Mr Lungu, 35, claimed they repeatedly complained to property manager Harry Charles Estate Agents, but the problem has persisted. In response to the landlord’s £100 offer, the family have kept their £1,250 rent.

“We didn’t pay them because they have not co-operated and not helped and now we only get £100 back,” he said.

“My wife is upset. We are raising two children here and we are not happy to see slugs in our kitchen where we cook and keep our food.”

In one of the couple’s complaints to the estate agent, Mrs Lungu, 30, said: “This is absolutely disgusting. It is so unpleasant.

“We cannot wake up to this every morning it’s the place where we keep our dishes out.”

The mother added she wants to “raise healthy children”.  

The family have now been told they have to move out permanently by January 16 so work can be completed.

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Leone Ashby, director of Harry Charles Estate Agents, said action has been taken to try and fix the problem every time the couple raised concerns.

This has included callouts from plumbers and pest control.    

She added: “Both us and the landlords share their frustration that despite best efforts of numerous contractors the issue has not been fully resolved. 

Watford Observer: The family said slugs have appeared all over the kitchen. The family said slugs have appeared all over the kitchen. (Image: Gabriel Lungu)

“The landlord has offered a rent discount of £100 as a gesture of goodwill.

“It has now been concluded that significant work is needed to upgrade the kitchen.”

Ms Ashby added the estate agent has offered to help the couple find a new home.