St. Louis property owners must keep buildings free of rodents, roaches, and bedbug infestations under the Property Maintenance Code. Landlords bear primary responsibility for treatment in rental units with infestations affecting common areas or multiple tenants.
St. Louis has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) under Revised Code Title XI. IPMC §309 requires owners of structures to keep them free from insect and rodent infestation and to promptly exterminate infestations when they occur. In rental properties, the owner is responsible for extermination in common areas and in individual units when the infestation affects more than one unit; tenants are responsible for single-unit infestations caused by their own actions. The Building Division and Health Department respond to complaints. Bedbug treatment has become a frequent issue in multifamily buildings, and failure to treat can result in condemnation. Rat abatement is coordinated through the Citizens Service Bureau (CSB) given St. Louis rat populations in alleyways and older neighborhoods.
Notice of violation issued with 10-30 day compliance timeline. Continued infestation can lead to $500+ fines and, in severe cases, condemnation of the unit.
See how St. Louis's pest control rules stack up against other locations.
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