Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-169
Extermination
Operative Text
Every occupant of a single dwelling unit shall be responsible for the extermination of any rodents, vermin or other pests therein or on the premises. Every occupant of a dwelling unit in a building containing more than one dwelling unit shall be responsible for such extermination whenever his dwelling unit is the only one infested, except that whenever such infestation is caused by the failure of the owner to carry out the provisions of this Chapter, as cited in Sections 12-80 , 12-94 and 12-109 , extermination shall be the responsibility of the owner. When two or more dwelling units within a building are so infested, it shall be the responsibility of the owner to carry out the provisions of this Chapter within such building, as cited above with respect to extermination.
Under Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-169, responsibility for pest extermination depends on the building type and the scope of infestation. In a single-unit dwelling, the occupant bears full responsibility for eliminating rodents, vermin, or other pests. In a multi-unit building, the occupant is responsible only when their unit is the sole infested one — but if the infestation stems from the owner's failure to meet obligations under Sections 12-80, 12-94, and 12-109, or if two or more units are infested, the responsibility shifts to the owner.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 12-169 of Poughkeepsie's Code of Ordinances, compliant property owners of multi-unit buildings generally monitor for pest conditions that span more than one unit and arrange extermination promptly when such conditions are found. Owners also ensure that building-wide maintenance obligations referenced in Sections 12-80, 12-94, and 12-109 are met, since failure to do so can shift extermination responsibility to the owner even when only one unit is affected. Keeping records of inspections, maintenance, and extermination services helps demonstrate ongoing compliance with ch. 12 § 12-169.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-169, tenants in multi-unit buildings have the right to have their owner handle extermination when the infestation affects more than one unit or when it results from the owner's failure to maintain the property as required by Sections 12-80, 12-94, and 12-109. Tenants who believe an owner has improperly shifted extermination responsibility may consider documenting the infestation, communicating the issue to the owner in writing, and contacting the City of Poughkeepsie's code enforcement office to report a potential violation. Local tenant-rights organizations can also help tenants understand the options available under § 12-169.
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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