Does Fargo, ND have its own bed-bug rules ordinance?

No. Fargo, ND does not appear to have a local bed-bug rules ordinance, North Dakota state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from North Dakota Century Code.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Fargo

Fargo, ND Public Health Rules: Bed-Bug Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Section: IPMC § 309.6 (Fargo § 31-0102)
Requirement: Licensed pest control contractor required
Applies to: Rental properties citywide
Penalty: Infraction, fine up to $1,000
Code base: 2024 IPMC, locally amended

Summary

Fargo's Property Maintenance Code requires landlords to use a licensed pest control contractor to exterminate insects and vermin, including bed bugs, in rental units under City Code § 31-0102, amending IPMC § 309.6.

309.6 Pest elimination. Licensed contractor required for extermination of insects and vermin in rental properties.

Source: North Dakota Century CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Fargo's Property Maintenance Code (adopting the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code with local amendments) enacts § 309.6: "Licensed contractor required for extermination of insects and vermin in rental properties." Filed under City Code § 31-0102, this means Fargo landlords cannot handle a bed bug or other pest infestation themselves, a licensed pest control contractor must perform the extermination. The rule sits alongside separate lodging-establishment sanitation standards (§ 13-1411.2) requiring hotels/motels to prevent and eliminate bedbug harborage, with the health department authorized to order professional extermination for severe infestations.

Violations & Fines

Landlords who fail to hire a licensed pest control contractor for insect/vermin extermination in rental units are subject to code enforcement; general Municipal Code violations are infractions punishable by a fine up to $1,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fargo require landlords to disclose bed bugs to tenants?

The Municipal Code does not create a separate bed bug disclosure duty; instead it mandates that landlords use a licensed exterminator to eliminate insects and vermin, including bed bugs, in rental units.

Can a Fargo landlord do their own bed bug treatment?

No. City Code § 31-0102 (amending IPMC § 309.6) requires a licensed pest control contractor to exterminate insects and vermin in rental properties. DIY treatment doesn't satisfy the rule.

Sources & Official References

[1]Fargo Municipal Code — Chapter 31, International Property Maintenance Code

Other rules in Fargo

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All Fargo rules

Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota public health rules overview

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