Greenwich, CT Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

Greenwich's rodent-control rule sits in Chapter 5's Housing Standards rather than a standalone pest-control chapter. Section 5-36(a) makes the occupant of a dwelling containing a single dwelling unit responsible for exterminating any insects, rodents, or other pests in or on the premises, and applies the same occupant duty to a multi-unit dwelling when only that occupant's own unit is infested. Section 5-36(b) shifts the burden to the owner in two situations: when the infestation is caused by the owner's failure to maintain the dwelling in a ratproof or reasonably insect-proof condition, or when infestation exists in two or more units, or in shared or public parts of a multi-unit dwelling.

That ownership split is reinforced elsewhere in Chapter 5: Section 5-17 requires every basement or cellar window and other opening that could let rodents enter to be screened or otherwise sealed, and Section 5-19 requires every foundation, floor, wall, ceiling, and roof to be kept reasonably rodent-proof and in good repair, both maintenance duties that fall on the owner. Section 5-1(5) defines extermination broadly as eliminating harborage places, removing food sources, and poisoning, spraying, fumigating, or trapping, or any other method the Director of Health approves.

Where an inspection under Section 5-2 finds a rodent infestation, the Director issues a written notice under Section 5-4 identifying who is responsible and setting a correction deadline. Failing to exterminate as required, whether the duty falls on an occupant or an owner, is a Chapter 5 violation punishable under Section 5-50 by a fine of not more than $100 for each violation, with each day of continued infestation counted as a separate offense.