Charleston, WV Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Who is covered
- Every dwelling unit occupant
- Occupant duty
- Exterminate insects, rodents, pests in unit
- Owner counterpart
- Sec. 14-112 covers shared building areas
- Enforcement
- Code official orders under Sec. 14-111
Summary
Charleston occupants must keep their dwelling unit and premises clean and sanitary and are personally responsible for exterminating any insects, rodents, or other pests within the space they occupy.
Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall keep in a clean and sanitary condition that part of the dwelling unit and premises which he occupies and controls; shall dispose of all of his garbage and any other organic waste in a clean and sanitary manner by placing it in garbage disposal facilities or garbage storage containers; shall dispose of all of his rubbish in a clean and sanitary manner; shall be responsible for the extermination of any insects, rodents or other pests on the premises he occupies; and shall keep all plumbing fixtures in a clean and sanitary condition.
(Bill. No. 7031, 3-1-2004)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
Charleston's housing code splits pest-control duty by role. Sec. 14-113 requires every occupant to keep clean the part of the dwelling and premises they occupy and control, dispose of garbage and rubbish properly, keep plumbing fixtures sanitary, and be responsible for extermination of any insects, rodents, or other pests on the premises they occupy. A parallel duty under Sec. 14-112 falls on the owner for shared or public areas of multi-unit dwellings, requiring rat-proof and insect-proof conditions there. Both duties are enforced through code-official inspection orders under Sec. 14-111, and failure to correct cited conditions is a violation.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliance with a code official's correction order, or failing to keep the unit pest-free and sanitary, is a violation of the housing article, enforceable as a municipal housing-code offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for pest control in a Charleston rental?
What happens if pests aren't dealt with?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
Compare Charleston to another location·View the West Virginia public health rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.