Lowell property owners must keep buildings free of rodents and insects under the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410, with landlords responsible for extermination in multi-unit buildings.
Lowell enforces the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410) through the Lowell Health Department. Property owners must maintain buildings free from rodent and insect infestation. In buildings with two or more dwelling units, the owner is responsible for extermination costs regardless of tenant behavior. In single-family rentals, the tenant may be responsible only if their actions clearly caused the infestation. Owners must seal all holes larger than one-quarter inch, maintain tight-fitting screens from April through October, and manage exterior garbage in rodent-proof containers. Bedbug infestations require professional treatment by a licensed pest control operator. Health Department inspectors can issue orders to correct within 24 hours to 30 days depending on severity.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle pest control.
See how Lowell's pest control rules stack up against other locations.
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