W. Va. C.S.R. § 64-40-1 et seq. § §64-40-12
Insect and Rodent Control
Operative Text
§64-40-12. Insect and Rodent Control. 12.1. Grounds, common buildings, and structures shall be maintained free of insect breeding areas, rodent harborage, and infestation of insect or rodents of public health significance. 12.2. All exterior openings of management buildings or other applicable structures shall be effectively screened or insects and rodents excluded by other effective means.
West Virginia regulation W. Va. C.S.R. § 64-40-12 establishes that the grounds, shared buildings, and structures of a residential property must be kept free of conditions that allow insects or rodents to breed or take shelter. Additionally, all exterior openings in management buildings and similar structures must be screened or otherwise sealed to prevent pests from entering. The rule targets infestations that carry public health significance, reflecting the state's interest in protecting occupant health and safety.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under W. Va. C.S.R. § 64-40-12, compliant property operators routinely inspect grounds and common areas for standing water, debris, or other conditions that could serve as insect breeding sites or rodent harborage. They also ensure that exterior openings—such as gaps around doors, windows, vents, and utility penetrations—are fitted with effective screens or sealed by other approved means. Maintaining documentation of pest inspections and any remediation work is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
W. Va. C.S.R. § 64-40-12 establishes that tenants have an interest in living in an environment where grounds and shared structures are kept free of pest infestations of public health significance. If a tenant observes evidence of rodents or insects in common areas or notices unscreened exterior openings, they may consider documenting the conditions with photographs and dates. General enforcement paths can include contacting the local or state health department, raising the violation as a habitability concern in communications with management, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for 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 October 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation