Madison Public Health enforces property maintenance code requiring owners to prevent rodent and insect infestations. MGO 27 housing code treats infestations as habitability violations. Bed bug disclosure required for rentals.
Madison General Ordinances Chapter 27 (Minimum Housing and Property Maintenance Code) requires property owners to keep structures free from rodent and insect infestations and to maintain them in rat-proof condition. Public Health Madison and Dane County enforces under authority of MGO 7 and investigates complaints. Landlords are responsible for extermination when infestations affect multiple units or originate from structural defects; tenants may be responsible when caused by their housekeeping in single-unit situations. Bed bug infestations must be disclosed under WI ATCP 134.04 consumer protection rules, and Madison requires licensed pest control operators (WI DATCP certified applicators under ATCP 29) for commercial treatment. Integrated Pest Management is encouraged; rodenticide use outdoors is restricted near waterways under WI NR 80 and federal EPA rules. Trash storage in rodent-resistant containers is required under MGO 10.18.
Housing code order to abate: 10-30 days typical. Non-compliance: forfeiture $100-$1,000, city may contract extermination and assess property. Rental license affected for repeat violations.
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