Los Angeles County, CA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Substandard condition
- Infestation of insects, vermin, or rodents (§ 9904.1.6)
- Determination authority
- Health officer or code enforcement officer
- Effect
- Building declared substandard and a public nuisance
- Related conditions
- Mold growth (§ 9904.1.7); inadequate garbage removal (§ 9904.1.9)
- Penalty for non-abatement
- Up to $1,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment per day
Summary
Infestation of insects, vermin, or rodents in a building is a substandard condition under Los Angeles County Code, making any affected dwelling or structure a public nuisance subject to abatement orders.
9903.1: Any building or structure or portion thereof, regardless of zoning designation or approved uses of the building, including any dwelling unit, guestroom or suite of rooms, or the premises on which the same is located, in which there exists any of the conditions listed in Section 9904 to an extent that creates a public nuisance and endangers the life, limb, health, property, safety or welfare of the occupants of the building, nearby residents, or the public, shall be deemed and hereby is declared to be a substandard building. 9904.1.6: Infestation of insects, vermin, or rodents as determined by a health officer or, if an agreement does not exist with an agency that has a health officer, the infestation can be determined by an appropriate code enforcement officer.
Full Breakdown
Section 9904.1.6 of Title 26 lists insect, vermin, and rodent infestation as a substandard building condition, as determined by a health officer or, in the absence of a health-officer agreement, by an appropriate code enforcement officer. Under Section 9903.1, any dwelling unit or structure where such conditions exist to an extent that creates a public nuisance and endangers the health or welfare of occupants, nearby residents, or the public is declared a substandard building. Other related substandard conditions include visible mold growth (Section 9904.1.7) and lack of adequate garbage and rubbish removal facilities (Section 9904.1.9). A building declared substandard may be ordered vacated, repaired, or demolished by the Building Official.
Violations & Fines
A property owner who fails to abate a substandard condition after notice from the Building Official may be subject to misdemeanor prosecution under Section 103.3 of Title 26 (up to $1,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment per day of violation). The Building Official may also record a Notice of Violation with the County Recorder and seek to have the condition abated at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the county require a landlord to address a cockroach or rat infestation?
Who decides if a pest infestation makes a building substandard?
What happens to a building declared substandard due to pest infestation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California public health rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.