Lexington, KY Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Single-family/single-tenant
- occupant responsible (PM-309.3)
- Multi-unit (Group R)
- owner responsible building-wide (PM-309.4)
- Structural-defect exception
- shifts duty to owner
- Screens required
- April 1–Dec 1, 16-mesh minimum (PM-304.14)
- Fine
- $100–$2,500 per offense, per day
- Enforced by
- Division of Code Enforcement
Summary
Lexington's Property Maintenance Code splits pest-control duty by building type: occupants handle their own single-family or single-tenant pest problems, but owners of any multi-unit Group R residential property must eliminate infestations building-wide, and owners are on the hook everywhere the infestation traces back to a structural defect.
PM-309.3 Single occupant: The occupant of a detached single family dwelling or a single tenant non-residential structure shall be responsible for pest elimination on the premises. Exception: Where the infestations are caused by defects in the structure, the owner shall be responsible for pest elimination. PM-309.4 Multiple occupancy: The owner of a structure containing any Group R occupancy shall be responsible for pest elimination of the structure and exterior property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Republication | Zoning Ordinance: Republication).
Full Breakdown
Section 12-1's Property Maintenance Code addresses pest elimination in two adjoining subsections. 4 flips the default for larger residential buildings: 'The owner of a structure containing any Group R occupancy shall be responsible for pest elimination of the structure and exterior property,' covering apartment buildings, multi-unit rentals and other Group R uses regardless of which unit the infestation starts in. 14 reinforces the same vector-control goal from the building-envelope side: from April 1 through December 1, every door, window and other opening used for ventilation in a building with habitable rooms or food-preparation areas must have tightly fitting screens of at least 16 mesh per inch, and every swinging door needs a self-closing device, unless an approved alternative like an air curtain or insect-repellent fan is in use.
1 penalty schedule as any other Section 12-1 violation, a fine of $100 to $2,500 per offense, with each day counted separately, or the civil-fine alternative up to $10,000 per parcel.
Violations & Fines
Failure to eliminate pests as required by PM-309.3 or PM-309.4 is enforced under the Section 12-1 penalty structure: $100 to $2,500 per offense with each day of continued infestation a separate offense, or civil fines up to $10,000 per parcel plus a $250 administrative inspection cost, issued by the Division of Code Enforcement following a notice and order to abate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to pay for pest control in a Lexington rental?
Are landlords required to install window screens?
What if my apartment building has a cockroach or rodent infestation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lexington
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