Nashville, TN Building Safety: Pest Control (2026)

Nashville's property standards code (Metro Code Chapter 16.24) requires property owners to maintain residential premises in a condition free of vermin, rodent, and pest infestations. Metro Nashville's Department of Codes and Building Safety enforces property maintenance standards including pest-related issues. The Metro Nashville Health Department handles public health complaints related to pest infestations including rodent control, mosquito management, and other vector-borne disease prevention. All commercial pesticide applicators operating in Nashville must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture under the Tennessee Pesticide Act. Under the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 66, Chapter 28), landlords must maintain premises in compliance with applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety, including pest-free conditions. Tenants must report pest issues promptly and maintain their units in a clean condition. Bed bug infestations are addressed under property maintenance standards, with landlords generally responsible for treatment in multi-unit buildings. Nashville's warm, humid climate contributes to year-round pest pressure, making ongoing pest management important. The Metro Health Department may issue orders requiring property owners to remediate pest conditions that threaten public health.