Alameda County, CA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Landlord duty
- Civil Code 1941.1 habitability
- Pesticide notice
- 24 hours Civil Code 1940.8.5
- Vector control
- Alameda County Vector Control
- Operator license
- CA Structural Pest Control Board
- Mold
- Habitability issue per SB 655
Summary
Pest control in Alameda County is regulated by CA DPR and county Environmental Health. Landlords must provide pest-free housing under Civil Code 1941.1 and SB 655.
(a) A dwelling shall be deemed untenantable for purposes of Section 1941 if it substantially lacks any of the following affirmative standard characteristics or is a residential unit described in Section 17920.3 or 17920.10 of the Health and Safety Code: ... (6) Building, grounds, and appurtenances at the time of the commencement of the lease or rental agreement, and all areas under control of the landlord, kept in every part clean, sanitary, and free from all accumulations of debris, filth, rubbish, garbage, rodents, and vermin. (7) An adequate number of appropriate receptacles for garbage and rubbish, in clean condition and good repair.
Full Breakdown
Pest control operations in Alameda County require licensing by the California Structural Pest Control Board for commercial pest control operators and Department of Pesticide Regulation licensing for agricultural applicators. Residential landlords have statutory obligations under California Civil Code 1941.1 to provide premises free from rodents, insects, and vermin as a condition of habitability. SB 655 (2014) added mold as a habitability issue often linked to pest infestations. Pest infestations discovered during tenancy must be remediated by the landlord at no cost to the tenant except where the tenant is responsible. Pesticide applications require 24-hour advance written notice to tenants under Civil Code 1940.8.5. The Alameda County Vector Control Services District handles rats, mosquitoes, and public health pests. West Nile Virus surveillance and fogging occur throughout the county. Property owners must eliminate standing water and rodent harborage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord charge me for pest control?
Who handles rat complaints?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alameda County
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