Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-93
Infestation and screening
Operative Text
A. Grounds, buildings and structures shall be maintained free of insects, vermin and rodent harborage and infestation. Methods used for exterminating insects, vermin and rodents shall meet the generally accepted practices of the industry and shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. B. Where the potential for rodent infestation exists, windows and other openings in basements and cellars shall be appropriately ratproofed with wire or other suitable materials. C. From May 1 to November 1, entrance to residential buildings shall be provided with self-closing-type devices, or screens and windows or other openings used for ventilation shall be appropriately screened. Screens shall not be required in rooms located sufficiently high in the upper stories of multiple dwellings as to be free of mosquitoes, flies and other flying insects. D. The exterior of every structure used for human habitation shall be so maintained as to be vermin- and rodent-free. Where rodent or vermin problems exist, all exterior windows, doors and other openings two feet above ground level and below shall be screened or protected with acceptable wire mesh or other approved materials. Defects, cracks or holes shall be tightly sealed to prevent the entrance of vermin and rodents. E. When a pest, bedbug or other insect or rodent infestation, as defined in Section 308 of the New York State Property Maintenance Code, has been identified by the Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance after a routine inspection by the Department, or inspection after the Department receives a complaint of an infestation, the Department shall contact the premises owner and require the owner to provide proof of extermination/pest control services. When determined by a professional exterminator, the dwelling unit(s) in direct proximity to the affected unit and common areas shall also be treated if evidence of infestation in these areas is found. The occupant of a one-family rental dwelling shall be responsible for the costs associated with any extermination on the premises. No tenant shall willfully refuse to comply with reasonable written instructions from a landlord, pest control operator or the Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance to prepare the dwelling unit for remediation of an infestation of pests, insects or rodents, including bed bugs, provided that such instructions are given to an adult member of the tenant household such that the tenant household has a reasonable opportunity to comply, and in all cases at least 48 hours prior to remediation. Property owners of rental properties, or their agents, or the professional pest control service company hired by the property owner shall provide a copy of a report for the services rendered electronically to the Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance.
Albany Code § 231-93 requires that all residential grounds, buildings, and structures be kept free of insects, vermin, and rodents through industry-standard extermination methods. Basements and other vulnerable openings must be ratproofed, and building entrances must have self-closing devices or screens from May 1 through November 1. When an infestation is identified—whether through routine inspection or a complaint—the property owner must provide proof of pest control services, and adjacent units may also require treatment if evidence of spread is found.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 231-93, compliant property owners maintain pest-free exteriors and interiors year-round, install self-closing devices or screens during the May 1–November 1 window, and seal cracks or openings that could allow rodent entry. When the Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance identifies or is notified of an infestation, owners are expected to promptly arrange professional extermination and submit an electronic copy of the pest control service report to the Department. Written preparation instructions given to tenants must allow at least 48 hours before any remediation takes place.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 231-93 gives tenants the right to live in a pest-free dwelling, and the Albany Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance accepts complaints about infestations and can require owners to provide proof of extermination. Tenants must not willfully refuse reasonable written preparation instructions from a landlord or pest control operator, provided those instructions are delivered to an adult household member at least 48 hours before remediation. Tenant-rights organizations can help clarify obligations and options when disputes arise.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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