Jamestown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-43
Infestation and screening
Operative Text
A. Grounds, building 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 Health Department standards and shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. B. The exterior of every structure shall be so maintained as to be vermin and rodent free. All exterior windows, doors and other openings shall be screened or protected with approved materials. Defects, cracks or holes shall be tightly sealed to prevent the entrance of vermin and rodents.
Section 215-43 of the Jamestown Code of Ordinances requires that all grounds, buildings, and structures be kept free of insects, vermin, and rodents, and that any extermination methods used meet Health Department standards and manufacturer specifications. The exterior of every structure must also be maintained in a vermin- and rodent-free condition, with all windows, doors, and other openings screened or protected using approved materials. Any defects, cracks, or holes in the exterior must be tightly sealed to block entry by vermin and rodents.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 215-43, compliant property operators routinely inspect grounds, building interiors, and exterior surfaces for signs of infestation and take corrective action using extermination methods that conform to Health Department standards and product manufacturer specifications. Operators also ensure that all exterior windows, doors, and openings are fitted with approved screening or protective materials, and that any cracks, holes, or defects in the building envelope are sealed promptly. Maintaining documentation of pest-control treatments and inspection records is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate ongoing compliance with this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 215-43 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when a rental unit or its grounds show signs of insect, vermin, or rodent infestation, or when exterior openings lack proper screening or have unsealed gaps that allow pest entry. Tenants who observe these conditions may report them to the Jamestown Code Enforcement office, which is responsible for ensuring properties meet the standards set out in this provision. Consulting a local tenant-rights organization can help tenants understand the range of options available, including raising a violation 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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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