Potsdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 219 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 219-9
Extermination
Operative Text
A. All structures must be kept free from insect and rodent infestation. All structures in which insects or rodents are found shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes that will not be injurious to human health. After extermination, proper precautions shall be taken to prevent reinfestation. B. The owner of any structure shall be responsible for extermination within the structure prior to renting or leasing the structure. C. The occupant of a one-family dwelling or of a single-tenant nonresidential structure shall be responsible for extermination on the premises. D. The owner of a structure containing two or more dwelling units, a multiple occupancy, a rooming house or a nonresidential structure shall be responsible for extermination in the public or shared areas of the structure and exterior property. If infestation is caused by failure of an occupant to prevent such infestation in the area occupied, the occupant shall be responsible for extermination. E. The occupant of any structure shall be responsible for the continued rodent and pest-free condition of the structure. If the infestations are caused by defects in the structure, the owner shall be responsible for extermination.
Potsdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 219 § 219-9 establishes a framework for who bears responsibility for pest and rodent control in different types of structures. All buildings must be kept free of infestation, and any extermination that occurs must use methods that are safe for human health, followed by steps to prevent reinfestation. Responsibility shifts depending on the type of structure and the cause of the infestation — owners generally bear responsibility for common areas and for preparing a unit before it is rented, while occupants may bear responsibility when their own conduct contributes to or fails to prevent an infestation. When structural defects are the root cause, the owner is responsible for extermination regardless of occupancy type.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Potsdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 219 § 219-9, property owners are generally expected to ensure structures are free of pests before renting or leasing them and to maintain pest-free conditions in shared or common areas of multi-unit buildings. Compliant operators typically document pre-tenancy inspections and any extermination work performed, use only approved extermination methods that are safe for human health, and take follow-up precautions to prevent reinfestation. Owners of multi-unit or rooming-house properties also generally address infestations that stem from structural defects, since § 219-9(E) places that responsibility squarely on the owner.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Potsdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 219 § 219-9 gives tenants certain protections, including the right to occupy a structure that has been exterminated before move-in and that is free of pest-related structural defects the owner must address. Tenants in single-family dwellings or single-tenant nonresidential spaces carry responsibility for extermination on the premises, while tenants in multi-unit buildings are generally responsible only when their own conduct causes or fails to prevent an infestation. Tenants who believe an owner is not meeting obligations under § 219-9 may consider contacting Potsdam's local code enforcement office, documenting the infestation and any communications with the landlord, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for general guidance on available options.
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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