N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2019
Elimination of harborages (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
All building material, lumber, boxes, cartons, barrels, containers, machinery, raw material, fabricated goods, junk, food, animal feed and any other substance which may afford harborage or provide food for such rodents or insects and other pests shall be kept stored or handled by the owner and tenants of every dwelling in such manner as the department may require. The department may make orders to eliminate rat harborages to the person who is responsible for the conditions. The department shall uncover and inspect periodically all structural harborages which cannot be eliminated from dwellings.
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 et seq. § 27-2019, both building owners and tenants share responsibility for storing and handling materials—such as lumber, food, containers, and similar items—in ways that do not create hiding places or food sources for rodents, insects, and other pests. The relevant city department is authorized to issue orders requiring the elimination of rat harborages and to conduct periodic inspections of structural harborages that cannot be fully removed. This provision establishes a dual-responsibility framework aimed at reducing pest conditions throughout residential dwellings.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 et seq. § 27-2019 generally maintain storage areas, basements, and common spaces in a manner that limits conditions favorable to rodent or insect harborage. Compliant operators typically follow any departmental orders issued to eliminate rat harborages promptly and cooperate with periodic inspections of structural areas that cannot be fully remediated. Keeping records of pest-control measures and storage practices can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with departmental requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in dwellings covered by N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 et seq. § 27-2019 have both responsibilities and protections under this rule—they are expected to store materials in ways that do not attract pests, and they may also benefit from the department's authority to order owners to address harborage conditions. If pest or rodent conditions persist in a building, tenants may consider filing a complaint with the relevant city department or raising the violation in housing court proceedings. Tenant-rights organizations can provide general information about available complaint processes and enforcement options 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 September 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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