Hornell, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 178 § 178-38
Infestation and screening
Operative Text
A. Grounds, buildings and structures shall be maintained free of insect, vermin and rodent harborage and infestation. Methods used for exterminating insects, vermin and rodents shall conform to generally accepted practice. B. Where the potential for rodent or vermin infestation exists, windows and other openings in basements and cellars shall be appropriately screened with wire mesh or other suitable materials. C. From May 1 to October 1, entrances to residential buildings shall be provided with self-closing-type devices or screens, and windows and other openings used for ventilation shall be appropriately screened. Screens shall not be required in rooms located sufficiently high in the upper stories of multiple dwellings as to be free of mosquitoes, flies and other flying insects.
Section 178-38 of Hornell's Code of Ordinances requires that all grounds, buildings, and structures be kept free of insects, vermin, and rodents, with extermination methods following generally accepted practices. Basement and cellar openings must be screened with wire mesh or similar materials wherever rodent or vermin infestation is a risk. Between May 1 and October 1, residential building entrances must have self-closing devices or screens, and ventilation openings must be screened, though upper-story rooms high enough to be free of flying insects are exempt from the window-screening requirement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 178-38, compliant property operators generally maintain their grounds and structures in a pest-free condition year-round, using recognized extermination methods when needed. Operators typically ensure that basement and cellar openings are fitted with wire mesh or equivalent screening wherever rodent or vermin risk exists. From May 1 through October 1, compliant operators install self-closing devices or screens on residential entrances and screen ventilation openings, while evaluating whether any upper-story units qualify for the flying-insect exemption.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 178-38 gives tenants in Hornell the right to live in housing that is free from insect, vermin, and rodent infestation, with proper screening in place during the warmer months. If a rental unit or its common areas appear to fall short of these standards—such as unscreened basement openings or entrance doors lacking self-closing devices between May 1 and October 1—tenants may consider documenting the conditions and raising the violation with the local code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how § 178-38 applies to their situation and what complaint or defense options may be available.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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