Oyster Bay, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 135 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 135-51
Protection from vermin
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 as used in the exterminating trade. 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.
Section 135-51 of Oyster Bay's Code of Ordinances requires that all grounds, buildings, and structures be kept free of insects, vermin, and rodents, and that any extermination methods used meet standards generally accepted in the pest-control industry. The provision also requires that basement and cellar windows and other openings be screened with wire mesh or comparable material wherever a risk of rodent or vermin infestation exists. Together, these requirements establish both a duty to eliminate existing infestations and a duty to prevent future ones through physical barriers.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 135-51, compliant property operators in Oyster Bay routinely inspect their grounds and structures for signs of insect, vermin, or rodent activity and arrange for extermination by methods consistent with accepted industry practice when infestations are found or suspected. Operators also assess basement and cellar openings for infestation risk and install wire mesh or other suitable screening on windows and gaps where that risk is present. Keeping records of inspections, extermination services, and screening installations can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 135-51 gives tenants in Oyster Bay a basis to raise concerns when a rental property has an active insect, vermin, or rodent infestation or when basement and cellar openings lack appropriate screening. Tenants who observe these conditions may document them with photographs and written notices to the landlord, and may consider contacting the Town of Oyster Bay's code enforcement office to report a potential violation of this provision. Tenant-rights organizations can help explain what options are generally available when a landlord does not address infestation or screening issues.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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