14 DCMR § 14-805
EXTERMINATION
Operative Text
805.1 The occupant of any single-family dwelling shall keep the premises free from vermin, rodents, and rodent harborage. 805.2 The occupant of any habitation in a two-family or multiple dwelling shall be responsible for the extermination of vermin and rodents whenever his or her habitation is the only one infested, except as provided otherwise in § 805.3. 805.3 If an infestation of a single habitation is caused by failure of the owner or licensee to maintain a residential building in a rodent-proof or reasonably insect-proof condition, the exterminating shall be done by the owner or licensee. 805.4 The owner or licensee of a two-family or multiple dwelling shall keep the common space in that residential building free from vermin and rodents, and rodent harborages. 805.5 The extermination of vermin and rodents shall be done by the owner or licensee whenever infestation exists in two (2) or more of the habitations in two-family or multiple dwellings.
Under D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-805, responsibility for exterminating vermin and rodents in District of Columbia residential properties is divided between occupants and owners depending on the type of dwelling and the source of the infestation. In single-family homes, the occupant bears the duty to keep the premises free of pests. In multi-unit buildings, the owner or licensee must handle extermination in common areas, whenever two or more units are infested, or when the infestation stems from the owner's failure to maintain the building in a rodent-proof or reasonably insect-proof condition.
Plain English — not legal advice.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-805 places clear obligations on owners and licensees of two-family and multiple dwellings to maintain common spaces free of vermin, rodents, and rodent harborage at all times. Compliant operators typically arrange professional extermination whenever two or more units show signs of infestation, and they address structural deficiencies—such as gaps, cracks, or unsealed entry points—that could allow pests to enter and spread. Keeping records of inspections, treatments, and repairs to the building envelope can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with § 14-805's maintenance standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 14-805 of D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. gives tenants in multi-unit buildings important protections: if an infestation affects two or more units, or if it results from the owner's failure to keep the building rodent-proof or reasonably insect-proof, the responsibility for extermination falls on the owner or licensee rather than the tenant. Tenants who believe an owner is not meeting these obligations may consider documenting the infestation with photographs and written notices to the landlord, and can explore filing a complaint with the District's housing inspection authorities. Tenant-rights organizations in the District can provide general information about how § 14-805 violations may be raised as a defense or pursued through available enforcement channels.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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