Massena, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 186 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 186-41
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 screened 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, and windows and 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.
Massena, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 186 § 186-41 establishes that residential properties must be kept free of insects, vermin, and rodents, and that extermination methods must follow generally accepted practices. Basement and cellar openings must be screened with wire mesh or similar materials wherever rodent or vermin infestation is a risk. Between May 1 and October 1, building entrances must have self-closing devices or screens, and ventilation openings must be screened, though upper-story rooms high enough to be free of flying insects are exempt from the window-screening requirement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 186-41, compliant property operators generally maintain grounds and structures in a pest-free condition year-round, using recognized extermination methods when infestations arise. Operators typically ensure that basement and cellar openings are fitted with wire mesh or comparable screening wherever rodent or vermin risk exists. From May 1 through October 1, building entrances are equipped with self-closing devices or screens, and ventilation openings are screened, with operators documenting which upper-story rooms, if any, qualify for the flying-insect exemption.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 186-41 gives residents of Massena properties a basis to expect pest-free conditions and properly screened openings as described in the ordinance. If a unit or building appears to fall short of these standards — for example, missing entrance screens during the May 1–October 1 period or evidence of rodent infestation — tenants can document the conditions and report them to the local code enforcement or housing authority in Massena. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how a violation of § 186-41 might be raised in response to related housing complaints or 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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