Columbus vs Westerville
How do pest control rules compare between Columbus, OH and Westerville, OH?
Columbus and Westerville have similar restriction levels.
Columbus, OH
Franklin County
Columbus Housing Code Title 45 requires property owners to keep buildings free from infestation by rodents, insects, and other pests. 'Extermination' is defined as eliminating harboring places and using approved elimination methods. Landlords bear pest control responsibility in rental properties.
View full Columbus rules →Westerville, OH
Franklin County
Westerville property owners must keep premises free from rodent and insect infestation under the citys Property Maintenance Code (adopted IPMC 2018). Landlords bear primary responsibility for extermination in multi-unit buildings. Bed bugs, roaches, and rodents must be treated within 30 days of notice.
View full Westerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Columbus | Westerville |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Columbus Title 45 / Ch. 4551 | IPMC 309 via Westerville CO 1460 |
| Owner Duty | Eliminate pests and harboring places | - |
| Landlord Law | ORC 5321.04 | - |
| Complaints | Columbus 311 or Public Health | - |
| Commercial Applicators | ODA regulated | - |
| Landlord Duty | - | Multi-unit extermination |
| Response Time | - | 30 days after notice |
| Licensing | - | ODA pesticide applicator required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Columbus FAQ
Who is responsible for pest control in a Columbus rental property?
The landlord is primarily responsible for pest control under Columbus Housing Code Chapter 4551 and Ohio landlord-tenant law (ORC 5321.04). Tenants must maintain clean conditions and not create pest-attracting situations.
How do I report a pest infestation in Columbus?
Call Columbus 311 or contact Columbus Public Health Environmental Health division. You can file a housing complaint for properties in violation of pest control requirements.
Westerville FAQ
Who pays for extermination in a rental?
In buildings with two or more units, the landlord must pay. In single-family rentals, the tenant pays unless the infestation existed at move-in.
Who enforces this in Westerville?
Westerville code enforcement at (614) 901-6400 handles complaints.
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