DC landlords must keep rental units free of rodents and insects under the housing code, DCMR Title 14 Chapter 8, and respond promptly to infestation reports. Repeated tenant complaints can trigger DCRA inspections and abatement orders.
DCMR 14-805 requires landlords to extermination at no cost to tenants, especially for bedbugs, rodents, roaches, and mites in multi-unit buildings. DC Code 8-2103 layers an Integrated Pest Management requirement on schools and child-occupied facilities, restricting pesticide use and mandating notification. Tenants must allow access for treatment. DOH coordinates citywide rat abatement, surveying alleys and storm drains. Renovation that disturbs known infestations may require licensed pest-control operator coordination. DCRA can order vacate-and-treat for severe cases.
Failure to exterminate: 100 to 500 dollars per unit per cycle; IPM violations at schools: civil fines plus DOEE enforcement; tenants can withhold rent via TOPA-style remedies after notice.
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