Austin, TX Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcement Agency
- Austin Code Department (report via 311)
- Landlord Duty
- Maintain pest-free conditions (TX Property Code 92.052)
- Vector Control
- Austin Public Health Environmental Vector Control
- Pest Operator Licensing
- Texas Dept. of Agriculture (Occupations Code Ch. 1951)
- Tenant Remedies
- Repair-and-deduct, lease termination, civil action
Summary
Austin requires property owners to maintain premises free from rodent and insect infestations under the city's property maintenance standards. The Austin Code Department enforces violations related to conditions that attract pests, including tall weeds, accumulated trash, and standing water. Landlords are responsible for providing habitable rental units free of pest infestations under Texas Property Code Section 92.052.
The Environmental Vector Control program provides education, information and ideas on techniques that can be used by individual property owners to mitigate or eradicate mosquitoes and rodents on their property. [...] Mosquitos - Mosquitoes may harbor several diseases that contribute to outbreaks of Zika, West Nile, dengue fever, encephalitis and canine heartworm. [...] Rodents - Rodents, particularly rats, are responsible for a substantial amount of property damage and may carry diseases such as Murine typhus, plague, salmonellosis, trichinosis, leptospirosis, and rat-bite fever. [...] Conditions like tall grass, accumulated trash, or debris can create environments where rodents live. If you see a possible code violation contributing to a rodent issue, report it to 3-1-1. [...] Bees and Stinging Insects - City Ordinance Chapter 3-6 outlines the requirements for maintaining and managing bee colonies within Austin city limits. These regulations apply only to managed colonies and do not cover wild bee colonies that establish themselves in natural, protected spaces, such as tree hollows, tree stumps, or other locations not typically used for beekeeping.
Full Breakdown
Austin's Code Department enforces property maintenance standards that require all residential and commercial properties to be maintained free from conditions that attract or harbor pests. Overgrown vegetation, accumulated trash or debris, standing water, and structural openings that allow pest entry are all enforceable violations. The city's Environmental Vector Control program within Austin Public Health monitors and controls mosquito populations and responds to rodent complaints. 052 requires landlords to make a diligent effort to repair conditions that materially affect the physical health or safety of ordinary tenants, which includes pest infestations.
056, if a landlord fails to remedy a pest condition after proper notice, tenants may pursue remedies including repair-and-deduct, lease termination, or civil action. Austin does not have a specific bed bug disclosure ordinance, but landlords who know of an active bed bug infestation and fail to disclose it or remedy it may be in violation of the general habitability requirements. The Texas Department of Agriculture regulates pest control operators under the Structural Pest Control Act (Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1951), requiring all commercial pest control applicators to be licensed.
Violations & Fines
Property maintenance violations related to pest-harboring conditions can result in code enforcement action through Austin Code Department. Violations are reported through 311. Landlords who fail to address pest infestations after proper tenant notice may face repair-and-deduct remedies, lease termination by the tenant, or civil liability under Texas Property Code Chapter 92.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for pest control in Austin rental properties?
How do I report a rodent problem in Austin?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Austin
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