Saint Paul, MN Building Safety: Pest Control (2026)

Pest control in Saint Paul is regulated through the Housing Maintenance Code (Saint Paul Legislative Code Ch. 34), which requires property owners to maintain structures free of rodents, insects, and other pests. In rental properties, the landlord is responsible for pest control and extermination, including bed bugs, cockroaches, mice, and rats. Under MN Stat. 504B.161, landlords must maintain rental units in reasonable repair and keep them fit for habitation, which includes pest-free conditions. Tenants must cooperate with pest treatment by preparing units as directed and not interfering with extermination efforts. Saint Paul DSI may inspect properties upon complaint and order pest treatment. If the owner fails to comply with an abatement order, the city may arrange for extermination and assess the cost against the property. Bed bug infestations have specific handling requirements -- landlords generally cannot charge tenants for bed bug treatment or evict tenants solely for reporting bed bugs under MN Stat. 504B.211. The city also enforces exterior property maintenance standards to eliminate harborage conditions such as accumulated trash, overgrown vegetation, and standing water. Commercial properties must maintain pest management programs as required by applicable health codes.