King County, WA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- K.C.C. § 16.14.450 (IPMC 301.2 substitute)
- Applies to
- Unincorporated King County only
- Owner duty
- Maintain rodent-prevention devices and equipment
- After infestation
- Owner pays for extermination
- Enforcement
- K.C.C. Title 23 code enforcement
Summary
In unincorporated King County, property owners must furnish and maintain devices that prevent rodent infestation, then pay for extermination themselves once pests move in.
Owners shall, when required by this code or the code official or the health ordinance or the health officer, furnish and maintain such approved sanitary facilities as required, and shall furnish and maintain approved devices, equipment or facilities for the prevention of insect and rodent infestation, and when infestation has taken place, shall be responsible for the extermination of any insects, rodents or other pests when such extermination is not specifically made the responsibility of the occupant by law or ruling. Occupants of a dwelling unit, in addition to being responsible for keeping in a clean, sanitary and safe condition that part of the dwelling or dwelling unit or premises which they occupy and control, shall dispose of their rubbish, garbage and other organic waste in a manner required by the health ordinance and approved by the health officer or the code official. Occupants shall, when required by this code, the health ordinance or the health officer, furnish and maintain approved devices, equipment or facilities necessary to keep their premises safe and sanitary. (Ord. 14914 § 401, 2004: Ord. 14111 § 131, 2001. Formerly K.C.C. 16.16.030).
Full Breakdown
King County's property maintenance code makes rodent-proofing an ownership duty: owners must furnish and maintain approved devices, equipment or facilities to prevent insect and rodent infestation, and once infestation occurs must pay for extermination unless that duty is assigned to occupants by lease or law. The rule applies only inside unincorporated King County -- Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton and other incorporated cities enforce their own housing codes. Violations are handled as code enforcement matters under K.C.C. Title 23, which can lead to notices, orders and civil penalties.
Violations & Fines
Code enforcement under K.C.C. Title 23 issues a notice of violation; noncompliance can escalate to correction orders and civil penalties assessed against the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rodent rule cover Seattle rentals?
Who has to pay for exterminating rodents once they get in?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in King County
Compare King County to another location·View the Washington public health rules overview
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