A mother pregnant with twins says she feared for the health of her unborn babies after being left to live in a rat-infested flat, during a housing dispute with Waltham Forest Council.

Terri Johanson, 26, is staying at a property shared by several families in Sturge Avenue, Walthamstow, while the council assesses whether it has a duty to house her.

The expectant mum has been waiting for two months for a decision and been forced to live in two separate shared homes, which she says are infested with rats.

Ms Johanson said: “I am scared my babies are at risk, I could get ill with all the rats running around in here. I am worried about touching things in case a rat has run over it.

“I am waiting while the council work out if they have a duty of care to house me. I have lived in Waltham Forest all my life.

“My midwife sent them a letter saying this is not fair and they should not be treating a pregnant woman like this.

“I am living with a group of families and I am not getting the rest I need. I have had to go to a friend’s house sometimes just so I can get some sleep.

“At the moment, I feel like the council are failing to help me.”

A council spokesman told the Guardian it has now established it has a requirement to find housing for Ms Johanson and it is now working to find her a permanent home.

The spokesman also confirmed the council would launch an investigation into reports of rats at the properties.

A statement said: “Ms Johanson has been provided with interim accommodation whilst we made enquiries to establish our duty to provide her with housing.

“These enquiries have now concluded and we have confirmed our duty to provide housing. We will continue working with Ms Johanson to help her find suitable long-term accommodation.

“All of our properties must meet our published property standards and this particular property was inspected beforehand.

“Following Ms Johanson’s complaint, we have asked the managing agent to conduct an urgent investigation to examine the infestation and determine any action required.”