Topeka, KS Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Duty
- structures kept free of rodents/insects
- Owner duty
- pest-free before renting or leasing
- Multi-unit buildings
- owner covers shared/exterior areas
- Method
- extermination must not harm human health
Summary
Topeka's property code requires every structure to stay free of rodent and insect infestations, with extermination duties split between owners and occupants depending on occupancy type.
309.1, Infestation. Structures shall be kept free from insect and rodent infestations. Structures in which insects or rodents are found shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes that will not be injurious to human health. After pest elimination, proper precautions shall be taken to prevent reinfestation.309.2, Owner. The owner of any structure shall be responsible for pest elimination within the structure prior to renting or leasing the structure.309.3, Single occupant. The occupant of a one-family dwelling or of a single-tenant nonresidential structure shall be responsible for pest elimination on the premises.309.4, Multiple occupancy. The owner of a structure containing two or more dwelling units, a multiple occupancy, a rooming house or a nonresidential structure shall be responsible for pest elimination in the public or shared areas of the structure and exterior property. If infestation is caused by failure of an occupant to prevent such infestation in the area occupied, the occupant and owner shall be responsible for pest elimination.309.5, Occupant. The occupant of any structure shall be responsible for the continued rodent and pest-free condition of the structure. Exception: Where the infestations are caused by defects in the structure or where one or more units are infested from the infestation spreading from a single source, the owner shall be responsible for pest elimination. (Ord. 20625 § 16, 12-16-25.)
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 20671, passed July 14, 2026).
Full Breakdown
TMC 8.60.180 rewrites the property maintenance code's pest-elimination section for Topeka: structures must be kept free of insect and rodent infestations, and any infestation found must be promptly exterminated using methods that won't harm human health, with precautions taken afterward to prevent reinfestation. Responsibility splits by occupancy, an owner must handle pest elimination before renting or leasing a unit, a single occupant in a one-family home or single-tenant space is responsible on the premises, and in multi-unit buildings the owner covers shared and exterior areas while occupants cover infestations they cause in their own unit.
Violations & Fines
Failure to exterminate or prevent reinfestation is a property maintenance code violation, subject to a Code Official notice of violation, abatement, and possible Municipal Court prosecution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for rodent control in a Topeka rental?
What if my apartment building has a rodent problem?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Topeka
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