Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-670
Inspection notice (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
Inspectors from the department of buildings and the department of streets and sanitation shall have authority to inspect the interior and exterior of buildings, other structures, or parcels on which a building has been demolished or is being constructed to determine evidence of rat harborage, rat infestation and the existence of new breaks or leaks in the rat-stoppage, and when any evidence is found indicating the presence of rats or openings through which rats may enter such buildings or structures, to report such evidence to the appropriate commissioner, who shall serve the owner, agent, or occupant of such building, structure or, parcel with written notice to abate the conditions found. (Prior code § 99-61.2; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-94, p. 61204; Amend Coun. J. 5-20-98, p. 68997)
Chicago Municipal Code § 7-28-670 authorizes inspectors from the Department of Buildings and the Department of Streets and Sanitation to examine both the interior and exterior of buildings, other structures, and demolition or construction sites for signs of rat harborage, infestation, or structural openings that could allow rat entry. When inspectors find such evidence, they are required to report their findings to the relevant commissioner. The commissioner then issues a formal written notice to the property owner, agent, or occupant directing them to correct the identified conditions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 7-28-670, compliant property operators generally maintain buildings and grounds in a condition free of rat harborage, infestation, and structural gaps that could serve as entry points for rodents. When a written abatement notice is issued by the appropriate commissioner following an inspection, operators are expected to address the cited conditions. Keeping records of pest-control measures, structural repairs, and any correspondence with city inspectors is a practice commonly associated with ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 7-28-670 establishes that city inspectors have the authority to examine rental properties for rat-related conditions and that owners or occupants can be formally notified to correct those conditions. Tenants who observe signs of rat infestation or structural openings that may allow rodent entry may have grounds to report those conditions to the Department of Buildings or the Department of Streets and Sanitation. Tenant-rights organizations in Chicago can provide general information about how this provision interacts with other housing code protections available to renters.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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