When Pests Become a Tenant’s Nightmare

Pests are more than a nuisance—they’re a health hazard. In New York City’s dense urban housing, unwanted infestations are unfortunately common. From bedbugs hiding in baseboards to rats in trash rooms, the issue raises a critical question: Who’s responsible for pest control—the tenant or the landlord?

This isn't just a matter of convenience. It impacts health, safety, and quality of life. And for renters already dealing with leaks, heating problems, or overcrowded buildings, pests can push things over the edge. Let’s break it down clearly, using a real-world approach to understand what the law says—and what to do when your landlord isn’t stepping up.

The Problem: Persistent Pest Infestations in NYC Apartments

Living in New York means sharing space—not just with neighbors, but sometimes with roaches, rats, bedbugs, and worse. In aging buildings or poorly maintained units, pest infestations can become a recurring nightmare.

Common NYC pests include:

• Cockroaches
• Rodents (rats and mice)
• Bedbugs
• Termites
• Ants

These pests are more than just annoying. Roaches and rodents carry diseases, bedbugs can cause allergic reactions and sleepless nights, and termites quietly destroy wood structures from the inside out.

Unfortunately, many tenants end up fighting infestations on their own dime—either because they don’t know their rights or because landlords shift blame unfairly. The result? Ongoing problems, financial stress, and major health risks.

Agitate: When Landlords Don’t Take Responsibility

Take the case of Carmen M., a Queens tenant living in a six-unit building in Jamaica. She began noticing droppings and gnaw marks in her kitchen cabinets. A few days later, she heard scratching in the walls at night. After spotting a large rat in her pantry, she notified her landlord immediately.

He told her to “seal up the food better” and refused to call an exterminator.

Within a month:

• The rats had chewed through appliance wires, causing a short circuit in her fridge.
• Her 5-year-old son developed respiratory issues—exacerbated by rodent droppings.
• A neighbor in the same building spotted roaches and rats in the basement.

Feeling ignored, Carmen spent $350 on pest traps, sprays, and a private exterminator. The rats came back two weeks later.

What went wrong here?

The landlord should have handled it. In NYC, landlords are legally responsible for keeping rental units free of pests and health hazards. Ignoring a rodent infestation—especially one affecting multiple units—is a clear violation of housing code.

The Solution: What NYC Law Really Says

New York City’s Housing Maintenance Code is crystal clear: landlords are required to keep apartments and common areas free from pests. This includes exterminating when needed and addressing conditions that allow pests to thrive.

Specifically, landlords must:

• Seal holes, cracks, and entry points
• Keep basements, garbage areas, and public spaces clean
• Provide pest control treatment when infestations are reported
• Maintain a clean, safe, and habitable environment

In multi-family buildings (three or more units), these responsibilities cannot be passed on to the tenant. That means a landlord can't legally tell renters to “just deal with it.”

Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Tenant reports the pest issue to the landlord in writing.
2. The landlord must respond promptly—usually within a few days.
3. If nothing is done, tenants can report the violation to 311.
4. The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) can issue a violation and force action.
5. In severe cases, tenants may be entitled to rent abatements or take the landlord to housing court.

Even in one- or two-family homes, landlords generally retain pest control responsibility unless the tenant’s negligence caused the issue (e.g., leaving trash or food out).

This is where pest control companies in New York come into play. Landlords are expected to work with licensed professionals to solve pest problems, not rely on DIY fixes or unlicensed workers. Whether the issue is rats in Brooklyn or bedbugs in the Bronx, hiring a professional isn’t optional—it’s legally required in many cases.

Case Study: Termite Trouble in Staten Island

Termites don’t get as much attention as roaches or rodents, but their damage can be catastrophic—especially in older homes.

In 2023, a tenant in Staten Island noticed soft spots forming on the hardwood floor of her rental unit. After weeks of reporting it to the landlord with no action, a licensed pest inspector confirmed a significant subterranean termite infestation. Floor joists were weakened, and part of the subfloor was collapsing.

Here’s what followed:

• The landlord was ordered to perform immediate termite control Staten Island services by HPD.
• Structural repairs cost over $20,000.
• The tenant had to relocate temporarily due to safety risks.
• HPD classified the case as a “Class B” violation—moderate but urgent.

Had the landlord acted sooner, the damage (and cost) would have been far less severe. The takeaway? Even silent pests like termites fall under landlord responsibility—and ignoring them is not just negligent, it’s dangerous.

What Tenants Should Do

If you’re facing a pest problem in your NYC rental, don’t wait. Follow these steps to protect your health, rights, and finances:

• Document everything: Take pictures of the pests, droppings, or damage.
• Notify your landlord in writing: Email, text, or letter—just keep proof.
• Give them a short window to respond: 3-5 days is standard.
• Call 311: File an official complaint if your landlord ignores the issue.
• Hire a pest control company only if necessary: If you must pay out of pocket, keep all receipts. You may be able to deduct from rent or recover costs in court.

Tenants should never feel trapped in a pest-infested unit with no support. If your landlord isn’t meeting basic obligations, the city has resources to help you push for action.

When Landlords Can Shift Responsibility

There are some rare exceptions where the tenant might be responsible:

• If you’re the only one in the building with an issue caused by personal habits (e.g., poor cleanliness).
• In some single-family homes, depending on the lease terms.

Still, even in these cases, landlords must address structural vulnerabilities and sanitation in shared spaces. Don’t let someone shift blame without a proper investigation.

Why It’s Best to Work with Professionals

DIY pest control almost never solves the root problem—especially in shared buildings. Tenants may kill a few roaches, but only a licensed pro can:

• Identify pest entry points
• Treat hidden nests or colonies
• Use regulated treatments that are safe and effective

That’s why landlords are expected to hire pest control companies in New York that understand city housing law, building structures, and tenant rights. A quick spray isn’t enough. Proper pest management is ongoing, strategic, and legally required.

Call for a Clean, Pest-Free Space

Whether you’re a tenant dealing with roaches or a landlord trying to meet your legal duties, professional help makes all the difference. Don’t let pests take over your home—or your peace of mind.

? Need reliable service? Call us now at +1 718-427-6200 for expert pest control that protects tenants and property owners alike.