Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-37
Infestation and screening
Operative Text
A. Grounds, buildings and structures shall be maintained free of insect, vermin and rodent harborage and infestation. Methods used for exterminating insects, vermin and rodents shall conform to generally accepted practice. B. Where the potential for rodent or vermin infestation exists, windows and other openings in basements and cellars shall be appropriately rodentproofed with wire mesh or other suitable materials. C. From May 1 to October 1, entrances to residential buildings shall be provided with self-closing-type devices or screens. At least one window or other opening used for ventilation in each habitable room shall be appropriately screened. D. At all times, each door leading to the outside shall be weatherstripped or otherwise sealed or treated to serve as protection against the elements and against infestation of insects, rodents and vermin.
Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-37 establishes baseline standards for keeping residential properties free of insects, vermin, and rodents. Grounds and structures must be kept free of conditions that harbor pests, and any extermination methods used must follow generally accepted practices. Seasonal screening requirements apply from May 1 through October 1, requiring self-closing devices or screens at building entrances and screens on at least one ventilation opening per habitable room. Year-round, exterior doors must be weatherstripped or otherwise sealed against both the elements and pest entry.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Ithaca should be familiar with § 210-37 and maintain a routine inspection and pest-management program that addresses harborage conditions on grounds and in structures. Compliant operators typically install wire mesh or equivalent rodent-proofing on basement and cellar openings where infestation risk exists, ensure building entrances have functioning self-closing devices or screens between May 1 and October 1, and keep all exterior doors weatherstripped or sealed throughout the year. Documenting pest-control activities and screening maintenance can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with the ordinance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 210-37 of the Ithaca Code of Ordinances, tenants have a right to live in a dwelling that is maintained free of insect, vermin, and rodent infestation, with proper screening during the warm-weather season and sealed exterior doors year-round. If a landlord is not meeting these standards—for example, if screens are missing during the May 1–October 1 window or pest infestations go unaddressed—tenants may consider documenting the conditions in writing and notifying the landlord. Additional options can include contacting the City of Ithaca's code enforcement office to report a potential violation, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for information about available remedies.
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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