Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-65
Occupant (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
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, the owner shall be responsible for pest elimination.
Under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-65, the person living in a structure bears the primary duty to keep it free of rodents and pests. However, when an infestation arises from a physical defect in the building itself—such as gaps, cracks, or structural failures—the responsibility shifts to the property owner, who must then handle pest elimination. This provision draws a clear line between infestations tied to how occupants use a space versus those rooted in the building's condition.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-65 generally maintain their buildings in a condition that prevents pest entry by addressing structural defects such as unsealed gaps, deteriorated foundations, or broken screens. When a pest infestation is traceable to a building defect rather than occupant behavior, compliant operators arrange for professional pest elimination and repair the underlying structural issue. Keeping records of inspections, repairs, and communications with occupants can help document which party bears responsibility in a given situation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-65 establishes that tenants are generally responsible for maintaining a pest-free environment, but that responsibility does not extend to infestations caused by defects in the building's structure—those fall on the owner. Tenants who believe a pest problem stems from a structural defect, such as holes in walls or faulty seals, may document the condition with photographs and written notices to the landlord. General enforcement paths include filing a complaint with Rochester's code enforcement office or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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