Elmira, N.Y., Code ch. 8, art. V § 8-453
Infestation and screening
Operative Text
(a) Grounds, buildings and structures shall be maintained free of insect, vermin and rodent harborage and infestation. (b) Where rodent infestation exists, windows and other openings in basements and cellars shall be screened to prevent entrance of rodents. (c) From May 1 to October 1, entrances to residential buildings and structures shall be provided with self-closing doors, devices or screens, and windows and other openings used for ventilation shall be appropriately screened, except that screens shall not be required in the upper stories of multiple dwellings which are free of mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects.
Elmira Code ch. 8, art. V § 8-453 establishes that all grounds, buildings, and structures must be kept free of insects, vermin, and rodents. When rodent infestation is present, basement and cellar openings must be screened to block rodent entry. During the warm-weather season from May 1 through October 1, residential entrances must have self-closing doors or screens, and ventilation openings must be screened — though upper floors of multi-unit buildings that are demonstrably free of flying insects are exempt from the window-screening requirement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Elmira Code ch. 8, art. V § 8-453 generally maintain a regular pest-prevention program to keep grounds and structures free of insect, vermin, and rodent harborage. Compliant operators install and maintain self-closing doors or screens on all residential entrances and ensure ventilation openings are properly screened between May 1 and October 1 each year. When rodent activity is detected, operators promptly screen basement and cellar openings to prevent further entry, and document remediation efforts as part of ongoing property maintenance records.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Elmira Code ch. 8, art. V § 8-453, tenants have a right to live in a residence that is free of insect, vermin, and rodent infestation, and to have proper screening and self-closing entry doors in place during the May 1–October 1 period. If these conditions are not being met, tenants may report the issue to the appropriate Elmira code enforcement or housing inspection office, which has authority to inspect and require corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how to document conditions, communicate with landlords in writing, and navigate the local complaint process.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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