Bristol, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-43
Pest, insect and rat control
Operative Text
(a) Every building, structure, dwelling and premises shall be pest-, insect- and rat-free and maintained in a pest-, insect- and rat-proof condition. (b) Every occupant of a dwelling containing a single dwelling unit shall be responsible for the extermination of pests, insects and/or rats on the premises, and every occupant of a dwelling unit in a dwelling containing more than one (1) dwelling unit shall be responsible for such extermination whenever his dwelling unit is the only one (1) infested. (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this subsection, whenever infestation is caused by failure of the owner to maintain a dwelling in a reasonably pest-, insect- or rat-proof condition, extermination shall be the responsibility of the owner. Whenever infestation exists in two (2) or more of the dwelling units in any dwelling, or in the shared or public parts of any dwelling containing two (2) or more dwelling units, extermination thereof shall be the responsibility of the owner. The owner shall be responsible for any extermination necessary in all exterior areas of the structure and premises.
Bristol Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. III § 12-43 establishes that all buildings, dwellings, and premises in Bristol must be kept free of pests, insects, and rats at all times. Responsibility for extermination shifts depending on the situation: a tenant in a single-unit dwelling generally bears responsibility, as does a tenant in a multi-unit building when only their unit is affected. However, when an infestation stems from the owner's failure to maintain the property in a pest-proof condition, or when two or more units in a building are infested, the owner is responsible — and owners are always responsible for exterior areas.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Bristol Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. III § 12-43 are expected to keep all buildings and exterior areas structurally sound and maintained in a condition that resists pest entry. When infestation is found in two or more units, in shared or common areas, or in exterior spaces, compliant operators arrange and pay for professional extermination without placing that burden on tenants. Maintaining records of routine pest inspections and prompt remediation efforts reflects the standard of care this provision contemplates.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Bristol Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. III § 12-43, tenants in single-unit dwellings and tenants who are the sole infested occupant in a multi-unit building generally carry extermination responsibility, but that responsibility shifts to the owner when the infestation spreads to multiple units or results from the owner's failure to maintain the property. Tenants who believe an infestation qualifies as the owner's responsibility may document conditions thoroughly — including dates, photographs, and written notices to the landlord — as evidence of the owner's obligation. Local housing code enforcement offices or tenant-rights organizations can provide information about how to file a complaint or raise a violation under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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