Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 54-89
Insects, vermin and rodents
Operative Text
A. The interior of every residential building shall be free from insect, vermin and rodent infestation. Where infestation harborage or breeding areas of said pests exist, such areas, harborage or infestation shall be eliminated. B. If a residential building, accessory structure or the adjoining outdoor premises is found by the Enforcement Officer to be infested with such pests, a notice shall be served upon such owner to correct such infestation. The owner, being so notified, shall take immediate and necessary measures to remedy the condition. C. Removal, damaging or destroying of ratproofing measures is prohibited. No person shall remove, damage or destroy any part of any building, structure or other appurtenance of improved real estate premises intended to protect such premises against ingress of rodents nor in any way create a condition by which ingress for rodents is made possible. This subsection shall not apply where the interference with such ratproofing is made necessary in connection with lawful construction. Ratproofing so affected or destroyed shall be promptly restored. D. In every residential building in which there is evidence of mouse infestation in any part thereof, the owner or occupant shall immediately trap, exterminate or employ other appropriate measures necessary to free the building of such infestation. E. The owner shall be responsible for extermination of insects, vermin and rodents whenever such infestation occurs in one (1) dwelling unit of a two-family house or of a multiple dwelling if such infestation is caused by failure of the owner or operator to maintain such building in a rodentproof and reasonably insectproof and verminproof condition; or in two (2) or more dwelling units of a two-family house or of a multiple dwelling; or in the public or shared areas of such buildings. F. The occupant shall be responsible for extermination of insects, vermin or rodents whenever such infestation occurs in a one-family house that she or he occupies or in a dwelling unit of a two-family house or of a multiple dwelling that she or he occupies, if such dwelling unit is the only one infested and if such infestation is due to conditions created by said occupant. G. No person shall use in any residential building or accessory structure a fumigant or a liquid, solid or powdered insecticide or rodenticide for the destruction or control of insects, vermin, rodents or other pests in such a manner as to cause a nuisance or endanger the health or safety of the occupant, nor shall anyone engage in the business of fumigation or extermination in the Village of Pelham without a license issued by the New York State Department of Health. H. Notification of fumigation is required. No person shall fumigate in any residential building without first giving twenty-four (24) hours' notice of such fumigation to this Department, the Fire Department and the Police Department. Notification shall include the location of the building or enclosed space to be fumigated, as well as its character and use, the type of fumigant, the date and time when such fumigation will be performed and the approximate time of completion. I. Premises must be vacant prior to and during fumigation. No residential building or enclosed space shall be occupied by persons during the period of fumigation, and all necessary precautions and examinations shall be taken previous to such fumigation to assure that no person remains therein and also that all necessary precautions have been taken to safeguard the lives and health of all persons occupying buildings adjoining that in which the fumigation is to be performed. J. No person shall use any rodenticide or insecticide poisonous to human life without first having given notice of twenty-four (24) hours to this Department of such use. K. Notification of construction or demolition is required. No person, concern, company, corporation, etc., shall engage in the construction or demolition of any residential building within the Village of Pelham without first prebaiting for rodent control at least two (2) weeks before starting actual work and so notifying this Department in writing.
Section 54-89 of Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 establishes a comprehensive framework for keeping residential buildings free of insects, vermin, and rodents. Responsibility for extermination shifts between property owners and occupants depending on how many units are affected and whether the infestation stems from the owner's failure to maintain the building or from conditions the occupant created. The provision also sets procedural requirements for fumigation—including 24-hour advance notice to local departments, mandatory vacancy during fumigation, and pre-baiting before any construction or demolition begins.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 54-89, compliant residential property owners and operators generally maintain buildings in a rodentproof, insectproof, and verminproof condition at all times, and respond immediately when an Enforcement Officer issues a notice of infestation. Owners of two-family and multiple dwellings take responsibility for extermination when infestation spreads to two or more units, affects shared or public areas, or results from the building's failure to meet structural pest-exclusion standards. Before any fumigation, compliant operators ensure the building is vacated, provide 24-hour advance written notice to the required municipal departments, and—before any construction or demolition—arrange at least two weeks of rodent pre-baiting and notify the Department in writing as required by § 54-89(K).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 54-89 makes clear that occupants of a one-family house, or of a single dwelling unit in a two-family or multiple dwelling, bear extermination responsibility only when the infestation is confined to their unit and was caused by conditions they created—otherwise, the burden generally falls on the owner. Tenants who believe an infestation stems from the owner's failure to maintain the building in a pest-proof condition may document the conditions and raise the owner's obligations under § 54-89 when communicating with the property owner or relevant local enforcement authorities. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Pelham's local code can help residents understand which party bears responsibility in a given situation and what complaint or enforcement options may be available.
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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