Saint Paul requires property owners to maintain buildings pest-free under Leg. Code Ch. 34. Landlords bear primary responsibility for pest control in rentals.
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.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Saint Paul's pest control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.