N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2017.4
Violation for pests (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
a. When the department makes the determination that any premises are infested by pests other than cockroaches, mice, or rats, it may order such eradication measures and work practices as the department deems necessary. Such violation shall be a hazardous violation pursuant to section 27-2115 . b. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision a of this section, the presence of cockroaches, mice or rats in any room in a dwelling unit in a multiple dwelling or a common area shall constitute an immediately hazardous violation of this code as provided in this section and an owner shall comply with the work practices set out in subdivision a of section 27-2017.8 when correcting a such violation. c. The date for correction of an immediately hazardous violation for cockroaches, mice, or rats shall be twenty-one days after service of the notice of violation as provided on such notice. d. The department may postpone the date by which an immediately hazardous violation for cockroaches, mice, or rats shall be corrected upon a showing, made within the time set for correction in the notice, that prompt action to correct the violation has been taken but that full correction cannot be completed within the time provided because of serious technical difficulties, inability to obtain necessary materials, funds or labor, inability to gain access to the dwelling unit wherein the violation exists, or such other portion of the building as may be necessary to make the required repair. Such postponement shall not exceed fourteen days from the date of correction set forth in the notice of violation. The department may require such other conditions as are deemed necessary to correct the violation within the time set for the postponement. (L.L. 2018/055, 1/19/2018, eff. 1/19/2019)
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2017.4, the presence of cockroaches, mice, or rats in any dwelling unit or common area of a multiple dwelling is classified as an immediately hazardous violation, requiring correction within 21 days of the notice of service. Other pest infestations are classified as hazardous violations, and the department may order whatever eradication measures it considers appropriate. A limited postponement of up to 14 additional days may be granted if an owner can show that correction is underway but cannot be completed in time due to specific documented obstacles.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2017.4 generally maintain active pest-monitoring programs and respond promptly to any confirmed infestation. When a notice of violation is issued for cockroaches, mice, or rats, compliant operators typically begin remediation immediately and follow the work practices specified in § 27-2017.8. If full correction within 21 days is genuinely impossible due to documented obstacles—such as inability to access a unit or obtain materials—operators may seek a postponement of up to 14 days by notifying the department within the original correction window.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2017.4, tenants living in multiple dwellings have a right to a pest-free home, and cockroach, mouse, or rat infestations are treated as immediately hazardous violations that owners must correct within 21 days of a notice. Tenants who observe pests may report conditions to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, which has authority to inspect and issue violations. Tenant-rights organizations can provide general information about how to document infestations and what remedies may be available under this provision.
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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