Cal. Civ. Code § 5:10-10.2
Elimination of infestation
Operative Text
(a) Every owner shall be responsible for the eradication of any insects, rats or other pests when the infestation exists in two or more units of dwelling space or in common areas. All buildings subject to this chapter shall be made ratproof and shall be maintained in a condition free from infestation. Such ratproofing and pest extermination shall include but is not limited to the following: 1. Prevention of entrance by blocking off or stopping up at passages by which rats may secure entry from the exterior with rat impervious material; 2. Prevention of interior infestation by elimination of sources of food and access thereto; 3. Prevention of any vertical travel of vermin through pipe chases or other similar methods of travel. (b) All hotels and multiple dwellings shall be subject to periodic procedures for the prevention and elimination of infestation by persons qualified to conduct such procedures no less frequently than once annually and more frequently where there is recurring evidence of infestation.
N.J.A.C. § 5:10-10.2 establishes that building owners bear responsibility for eliminating insect, rat, and other pest infestations whenever they affect two or more dwelling units or any common area. The rule also requires that all covered buildings be made ratproof and kept free from infestation on an ongoing basis, using measures such as blocking exterior entry points, removing food sources, and preventing pests from traveling vertically through pipe chases. Hotels and multiple dwellings must additionally undergo formal pest prevention and elimination procedures conducted by qualified professionals at least once per year, and more often when recurring infestation is evident.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.J.A.C. § 5:10-10.2, compliant property operators generally maintain buildings in a continuously ratproofed and pest-free condition by sealing exterior entry points with rat-impervious materials, eliminating accessible food sources, and closing off vertical travel routes such as pipe chases. When an infestation is found in two or more units or in common areas, operators arrange for eradication rather than treating it as the individual tenant's responsibility. Hotels and multiple dwellings also schedule qualified pest-control professionals to perform preventive treatments at least annually, with additional visits whenever recurring infestation signs appear.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.A.C. § 5:10-10.2 gives tenants in covered buildings a right to live in a space that is maintained free from infestation, with the owner bearing legal responsibility for eradication when pests affect multiple units or shared spaces. Tenants who observe signs of infestation may document conditions with dated photographs and written notices to the landlord, and may file a complaint with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, which oversees enforcement of this chapter. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand available remedies, which may include raising a housing code violation as a defense in certain legal 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 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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