Huntsville, AL Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Section
- Sec. 7-388(e)
- Occupant duty
- Single-dwelling pest extermination
- Owner duty
- Multi-unit and wood-destroying pests
- Max fine
- $500.00
- Max jail
- 6 months
Summary
Huntsville's housing code puts pest extermination on occupants for single dwellings and on owners for multi-unit buildings, with wood-destroying pests always the owner's job.
Every occupant of a single-dwelling building and every owner of a building containing two or more dwelling units shall be responsible for the extermination of any insects, rodents or other pests within the building or premises; however, the extermination of wood-destroying organisms, insects or pests shall, in all cases, be the responsibility of the building owner.(f)Every tenant of a dwelling unit shall keep all plumbing fixtures in the unit in a clean and sanitary condition and shall be responsible for the exercise of reasonable care in their proper use and operation. (Ord. No. 90-174, § 307, 4-26-1990)
Secs. 7-389—7-410. - Reserved. Subdivision II. - Exterior and Interior of Structures
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under the minimum housing standards, every occupant of a single-dwelling building and every owner of a building with two or more dwelling units must exterminate insects, rodents, or other pests found within the building or on the premises. Wood-destroying organisms, insects, or pests are always the building owner's responsibility, regardless of occupancy. The same section requires tenants to store garbage and organic waste so it doesn't feed rodents, and bars open storage of trash, weeds, and abandoned items that create harborage.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by the city's housing official under the general Code penalty: a fine up to $500.00, imprisonment or hard labor in the city jail up to six months, or both, per Sec. 1-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to pay for pest control in a Huntsville rental?
Are termites treated the same as insects?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Huntsville
Compare Huntsville to another location·View the Alabama public health rules overview
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