Fort Worth, TX Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- City Code
- Ch. 10 MURS - pest-free
- Landlord Duty
- TX Prop. Code Sec. 92.052
- Tenant Notice
- Written, 7-day response
- Licensing
- TDLR - TX Occ. Code Ch. 1951
Summary
Fort Worth Code Ch. 10 (Minimum Urban Rehabilitation Standards) requires property owners to maintain structures free from rodent and insect infestation. TX Property Code Sec. 92.052-92.056 requires landlords to address pest infestations affecting habitability after written tenant notice. TX Occupations Code Ch. 1951 requires commercial pest applicators to be licensed by TDLR.
Sec. 1951.301. STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL BUSINESS LICENSE REQUIRED. ... (b) A person may not engage in the business of structural pest control unless the person: (1) meets the standards set by the department under this chapter; and (2) holds a structural pest control business license issued under this chapter. (c) A structural pest control business license entitles a person and the person's employees to engage in the business of structural pest control under the direct supervision of a certified commercial applicator. (d) A person engaged in the business of structural pest control must hold a structural pest control business license for each place of business, including each branch office.
Full Breakdown
Fort Worth regulates pest control through its property maintenance code and state law. Chapter 10 of the Fort Worth Code of Ordinances (Minimum Urban Rehabilitation Standards, also known as MURS) requires property owners to maintain buildings in a condition free from rodent, insect, and vermin infestation. Code Compliance officers may issue violations for properties with visible pest infestations that constitute a nuisance or health hazard. 056 require landlords to make diligent efforts to repair conditions that materially affect the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant, which includes infestations of roaches, rats, bedbugs, and other pests.
Tenants must provide written notice and allow a reasonable time (typically 7 days) for the landlord to begin repairs. Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1951 (Structural Pest Control Act) requires all commercial pest control applicators to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Unlicensed pest control work is a criminal offense.
Violations & Fines
Fort Worth Code Compliance violations for pest-related property maintenance issues: notice to repair, then municipal court citation with fines up to $500/day. Landlords who fail to address habitability issues after proper tenant notice: tenant may pursue remedies under TX Property Code Sec. 92.0563 including repair-and-deduct or lease termination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my landlord responsible for pest control in Fort Worth?
How do I report a pest-infested property to the city?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
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Rodent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle rodent control.