Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 245-130
Insects, vermin and rodents
Operative Text
A. The exterior of every residential building shall be so equipped and maintained as to be free of insects, vermin and rodents. B. From May 1 to October 1, every window or other device with openings to the outdoors, used or intended to be used for ventilation, shall be effectively protected against the entrance of insects by equipping the same with approved screening. C. The owner of a dwelling unit shall be responsible for providing and hanging all screens in said dwelling unit, whenever such are required under the provisions of this Part 3 or regulations adopted pursuant to the same, except where there is a written agreement between owner and occupant. D. However, such screening shall not be required in rooms deemed by the Building Inspector to be located high enough in the building as to be free from insects and in rooms located in areas of Sleepy Hollow that are deemed by the Building Inspector to have so few insects as to render screens unnecessary. E. Where a vermin or rodent problem exists, every openable window, exterior door and any other opening that is two feet or less above ground level or can be reached by vermin or rodents by crawling or climbing pipes, wires, cornices, stairs, roofs, trees or vines or by burrowing shall be screened or protected with acceptable wire mesh or other approved materials. Defects, cracks and holes shall be tightly sealed to prevent the entrance of said pests. F. Skirting, lattice or other non-ratproofed enclosure creating a possible rodent harborage under a porch or any portions of a building shall be ratproofed at all locations where a rat could find, burrow or gnaw an access opening.
Sleepy Hollow Code ch. 245 § 245-130 establishes that residential building exteriors must be kept free of insects, vermin, and rodents at all times. Between May 1 and October 1, ventilation openings must be fitted with approved screening to block insect entry, though the Building Inspector may waive this requirement for rooms situated high enough or in areas with few insects. When a vermin or rodent problem is present, openings at or near ground level must be screened or sealed with approved materials, and any porch skirting or enclosures that could harbor rodents must be ratproofed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Sleepy Hollow Code ch. 245 § 245-130, property owners are generally responsible for supplying and installing all required screens in dwelling units unless a written agreement shifts that duty to the occupant. Compliant operators typically inspect the building exterior seasonally, ensure approved window and ventilation screens are in place by May 1, and promptly seal cracks, holes, or other defects that could allow pest entry. When a rodent or vermin issue is identified, operators generally address all ground-level and reachable openings with wire mesh or other approved materials and ratproof any porch skirting or enclosures that could serve as harborage.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Sleepy Hollow Code ch. 245 § 245-130 gives tenants a basis to expect that their building's exterior and openings are maintained free of insects, vermin, and rodents, and that required screens are provided by the owner unless a written agreement states otherwise. If a tenant observes missing screens, unsealed gaps, or evidence of a rodent or vermin problem, they may document the conditions and raise the owner's obligations under this section when communicating with the landlord or a local housing official. Tenants may also contact the Sleepy Hollow Building Department, raise the violation as a defense in relevant proceedings, or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
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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