Albuquerque, NM Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Insect and Rodent Control Ordinance
- Owner duty
- Rodent-proof, insect-proof construction
- Notice period
- 10 days to abate before city acts
- Multi-unit spread
- Owner responsible if 2+ units infested
Summary
City code makes owners and occupants responsible for keeping buildings free of insect and rodent infestation, with the Mayor able to order abatement.
All buildings, lots, and premises shall be kept free of infestation or harborage. The person in control shall not allow the accumulation of water, refuse, garbage, or other harborage.
(B) Every occupant of a dwelling containing a single dwelling unit shall be responsible for the extermination of insects, and/or rodents, on the premises; and every occupant of a dwelling unit in a dwelling containing more than one dwelling unit shall be responsible for such extermination whenever his dwelling unit is the only one infested. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this division, whenever infestation is caused by failure of the owner to maintain a dwelling in a rodent proof or reasonable insect proof condition, extermination shall be the responsibility of the owner. Whenever infestation exists in two or more of the dwelling units in any dwelling, or in the shared or public parts of any dwelling containing two or more dwelling units, extermination thereof shall be the responsibility of the owner.
(C) When any buildings, lots, or premises are so infested, the person in control shall utilize extermination measures in the manner prescribed by law, regulation or manufacturer's directions; provided, however, that the extermination measures prohibited by federal, state or local law or regulation shall not be utilized.
(D) If the person in control of any buildings, lots, or premises is notified in writing as provided and fails to comply with the provisions of this
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under the Albuquerque Insect and Rodent Control Ordinance, every building, lot and premises must be kept free of infestation or harborage, and standing water, refuse or garbage that attracts pests can't be allowed to accumulate. A single-unit occupant is responsible for extermination on that unit; in a multi-unit building, the owner is on the hook once infestation spreads to shared areas, hits two or more units, or traces back to the owner's failure to keep the structure rodent- or insect-proof. Inspectors can enter buildings and lots to investigate, and a 10-day written notice starts the clock before the city steps in.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $500 and/or up to 90 days jail under the general penalty; each day of noncompliance is a separate offense. Unabated harborage can also become a lien on the property after city-ordered removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to pay for pest control in an Albuquerque rental?
What happens if I ignore a city pest abatement notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
Compare Albuquerque to another location·View the New Mexico public health rules overview
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