Oak Lawn, IL Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Rental/multi-family treatment
- Quarterly, licensed company
- Multi-unit infestation
- Monthly treatment, 12 months
- Abatement deadline after notice
- 48 hours
- Unpaid Village abatement cost
- Becomes a lien on property
Summary
Oak Lawn requires every structure to stay free of rodent infestation, and rental and multi-family properties must get quarterly exterior treatment from a licensed pest control company.
All residential rental properties and multi-family properties, including, but not limited to, condominiums, apartments, modular or manufactured housing, shall be treated around the exterior of the property not less than on a quarterly basis by a licensed rodent control company. For purposes of this Section, “treat,” “treated” and “treatment” means “structural pest control” as defined in the Illinois Structural Pest Control Act, 225 ILCS 235/3.09, as amended from time to time. Activity result reports and / or receipts shall be made available to the village upon request of a village inspector. If, upon inspection of any residential property, there is found or suspected to be insect and / or rodent infestation in more than one (1) dwelling unit, the landlord / owner shall contract with a licensed rodent control company to treat all common areas and infested dwelling units on no less than a monthly basis for twelve (12) consecutive months. Tenants shall cooperate with the landlord / property owner in the control, treatment and eradication of all rodent and / or insect infestation found, or reasonably suspected to be, in the tenant’s rental unit. A tenant’s cooperation may include making any necessary preparations, such as cleaning, vacuuming or removing personal property for proper treatment recommended by the licensed rodent control company. (Ords. 21-20-91, 21-22-102)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Code current through: Ord. 26-09-22, passed April 28, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Village Code § 8-9-1 requires all structures and properties to stay free of rodent infestation, with garbage kept in closed, hole-free cans or dumpsters. Rental and multi-family properties -- condos, apartments, modular or manufactured housing -- must have their exterior treated at least quarterly by a licensed rodent control company, per the Illinois Structural Pest Control Act. If infestation turns up in more than one unit, the owner must contract monthly treatment of common areas and infested units for 12 straight months. The health and sanitation officer can order abatement by written notice (§ 8-9-2); if the owner misses the 48-hour deadline, the Village can enter and exterminate itself and bill the owner, with a lien for unpaid costs (§ 8-9-3).
Violations & Fines
Fines are set under Village Code § 1-4-1. Unpaid Village abatement costs become a lien on the property plus 1% monthly interest (12% annually) until paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must rental properties in Oak Lawn be treated for rodents?
What happens if I don't abate a rodent problem after notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oak Lawn
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