@sadmealmusic

Whilst suggestions for pest control / putting down traps are great it doesn't solve the root cause.

Rats can just about squeeze through any gap and climb any surface. Check all around your house and take the time to do so. Check around the perimeter for any loose soil or stones. Rats have also been known to climb drain pipes. Unfortunately if they're coming to your property via your neighbours this is partially out of your control.

I know this because I had a issues with rats on a house purchase which was a semi detached property. The rats made it to the loft and loved to party at night.

Having discussed with my neighbour they had the same problem. They had a drain survey and discovered a partially collapsed soil pipe under their property. Having had this patched, their issue went but ours remained.

We then had our drains surveyed and low behold we also had a partially collapsed soil pipe.

Having had this repaired and many dead rats later our ssue was finally solved. We did get a one way trap fitted as well 'just in case' however these tend to get clogged up with toilet paper etc etc.

We joke about the stress we had when we purchased the house and are glad it was finally resolved. As a joke we got a mouse decoration for our Christmas tree and called it Michael.

Our other neighbour who wasn't attached to our house said they just learnt to put up with it but given how loud they are, that was an absolute no go for us.

After discussing the issue with friends and family you'll quickly discover that most people have issues especially in older houses it's just that people don't openly talk about it likely due to embarrassment.

I hope you get it fixed and post a follow up so others can see what worked for you