N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2017.8
Integrated pest management practices (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
a. When any premises are subject to infestation by pests, or subject to a violation of subdivision a of section 27-2017.4 where directed by the department, or subject to a violation of subdivision b of section 27-2017.4 , the owner shall use integrated pest management measures and eliminate conditions conducive to pests, and comply with following work practices: 1. inspect for, and physically remove pest nests, waste, and other debris by High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuuming, washing surfaces, or otherwise collecting and discarding such debris; 2. eliminate points of entry and passage for pests by repairing and sealing any holes, gaps or cracks in walls, ceilings, floors, molding, base boards, around pipes and conduits, or around and within cabinets by using sealants, plaster, cement, wood, escutcheon plates, or other durable material. Attach door sweeps to any door leading to a hallway, basement, or outside the building to reduce gaps to no more than one-quarter inch; and 3. eliminate sources of water for pests by repairing drains, faucets, and other plumbing materials that accumulate water or leak. Remove and replace saturated materials in interior walls. 4. The use of pesticides shall not substitute for pest management measures described in this section. Any pesticide applied shall be applied by a pest professional licensed by New York state department of environmental conservation (DEC). b. An owner's certification of correction of a pest violation that was issued pursuant to subdivision a of section 27-2017.4 shall, where applicable, include an affidavit affirming that the work practices required pursuant to subdivision a of this section were properly performed. An owner's certification of correction of a pest violation that was issued pursuant to subdivision b of section 27-2017.4 shall include an affidavit affirming that the work practices required pursuant to subdivision a of this section were properly performed. The department may also by rule require additional documentation for certification of correction of a pest violation or a violation of subdivision b of 27-2017.4 . (L.L. 2018/055, 1/19/2018, eff. 1/19/2019)
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 27-2017.8, when a property is infested with pests or subject to certain pest-related violations, the owner is required to address the problem through integrated pest management (IPM) — a multi-step approach that goes beyond simply applying pesticides. The rule mandates physical removal of pest nests and debris, sealing of entry points such as holes and gaps, and repair of water sources that attract pests. Pesticides alone are not sufficient to satisfy the requirement, and any pesticide application must be carried out by a pest professional licensed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to § 27-2017.8 are generally expected to follow a structured, documented IPM process whenever pest conditions arise or a violation is issued under § 27-2017.4. Compliant operators typically conduct thorough inspections, use HEPA vacuuming and surface washing to remove debris, seal all gaps and cracks with durable materials, attach door sweeps to reduce entry gaps to no more than one-quarter inch, and repair any plumbing that leaks or accumulates water. When certifying correction of a pest violation, owners are required to submit an affidavit confirming that all work practices under § 27-2017.8(a) were properly performed, and the department may require additional documentation by rule.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 27-2017.8, tenants have a right to expect that their landlord will address pest infestations using integrated pest management practices — not just pesticide application — including sealing entry points, removing debris, and fixing leaky plumbing. If a landlord fails to meet these obligations, tenants may have grounds to raise the violation as a defense in housing court proceedings or file a complaint with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with NYC housing code can help residents understand the range of options available when an owner does not comply with the IPM requirements of § 27-2017.8.
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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