San Francisco Housing Code requires property owners to keep buildings free from infestation by rodents, insects, and other pests. Landlords must provide pest control in rental properties. The city's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program governs pest control on city-owned properties.
The San Francisco Housing Code (Chapter 45 of the Municipal Code) requires property owners to maintain premises free from accumulation of garbage and debris and from infestation by rodents, insects, or other pests. Owners must preserve building interiors from damage and eliminate conditions that attract pests. For rental properties, landlords bear responsibility for pest extermination under the SF Housing Code and California Civil Code Section 1941.1, which lists pest infestation as a habitability defect. The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) enforces housing code violations. San Francisco's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Ordinance (Environment Code Chapter 3) requires city departments to use least-toxic methods for pest control on city-owned properties and rights-of-way. While IPM applies primarily to city operations, it reflects the city's policy favoring non-chemical pest management. Bed bug infestations must be reported to DBI by property owners. The SFDPH Vector Control Program handles complaints about rats, mosquitoes, and other disease-carrying pests in public areas.
Housing code violations may result in Notice of Violation from DBI, daily penalties, and potential condemnation of uninhabitable units. Failure to address pest infestations in rental units can support rent withholding by tenants.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco regulates noise under Police Code Article 29 (Sections 2900-2920), administered by the Department of Public Health and enforced by SFPD. Quiet ...
San Francisco, CA
Fence height in San Francisco is regulated by Planning Code Section 136 (Permitted Obstructions in Required Setbacks, Yards, and Usable Open Space), administ...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco's Planning Code permits residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and religious or political displays without permit so long as no structure exceed...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Police Code Article 29 noise rules apply to motor blower...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. Standard rules from Police Code Article 29 (noise) and Plan...
San Francisco, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Francisco require building permits whenever the project includes new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a fixed structure ...
See how San Francisco'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.