Stamford, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 146 § 146-21
Pest extermination by owner
Operative Text
A. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 146-20 , whenever infestation is caused by failure of the owner to maintain a dwelling in a ratproof or reasonably insectproof condition, extermination shall be the responsibility of the owner and shall be done by a professional exterminator. B. The owner of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall be responsible for providing and hanging all screens whenever the same are required under the provisions of this chapter or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant hereto.
Under Stamford Code of Ordinances ch. 146 § 146-21, when a pest infestation arises because a dwelling was not kept ratproof or reasonably insectproof, the responsibility for extermination falls on the owner—not the tenant—and must be carried out by a licensed professional exterminator. Separately, the same section places on the owner the duty to supply and install all window or door screens required by the chapter or its related rules. These two obligations work together to ensure that structural pest-prevention measures and their remediation remain the owner's domain.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Stamford Code of Ordinances ch. 146 § 146-21 generally maintain dwellings in a ratproof and reasonably insectproof condition as a baseline obligation. When an infestation is traced to a failure in that structural maintenance, compliant operators arrange and pay for a professional exterminator rather than shifting that cost or responsibility to residents. Owners also keep required screens supplied and properly hung throughout the tenancy, replacing or repairing them as needed to stay in compliance with the chapter's standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Stamford Code of Ordinances ch. 146 § 146-21 gives tenants a basis to assert that their landlord—not they—bears the cost and responsibility for pest extermination when the infestation stems from the dwelling's structural condition. Tenants who believe their landlord has failed to meet this obligation may document the infestation, notify the landlord in writing, and consider reaching out to Stamford's housing or code enforcement office to report the condition. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Connecticut housing law can help residents understand the range of options available, including raising a landlord's failure to exterminate as a defense in relevant proceedings.
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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