Wallkill, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 140 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 140-35
Protection against insects, rodents and other 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 with generally accepted practice. 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. C. From May 1 to October 1, entrances to residential buildings shall be provided with self-closing-type devices or screens, and windows and other openings used for ventilation shall be appropriately screened. Screens shall not be required in rooms located sufficiently high in the upper stories of multiple dwellings as to be free of mosquitoes, flies and other flying insects.
Wallkill, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 140 § 140-35 establishes that all grounds, buildings, and structures must be kept free of insects, vermin, and rodents, with any extermination carried out using generally accepted methods. Basement and cellar openings must be screened with wire mesh or similar materials where rodent or vermin risk exists. Between May 1 and October 1, residential building entrances must have self-closing devices or screens, and ventilation openings must be screened, though upper-story rooms high enough to be free of flying insects are exempt from the screen requirement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under ch. 140 § 140-35 generally maintain a routine pest-prevention program that includes inspecting grounds and structures for signs of infestation and using professionally accepted extermination methods when needed. Compliant operators ensure that basement and cellar openings are fitted with wire mesh or equivalent screening wherever rodent or vermin risk is present. During the May 1 through October 1 season, operators typically install self-closing devices or screens on residential entrances and screen ventilation openings, while documenting which upper-story rooms, if any, qualify for the flying-insect screen exemption.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under ch. 140 § 140-35, tenants in Wallkill residential buildings have a right to premises that are free from insect, vermin, and rodent infestation, and to properly screened entrances and ventilation openings during the warm-weather season. If a tenant observes conditions that appear to violate this provision—such as unscreened basement openings, missing door closers, or active pest infestations—they may document the conditions and report them to the Town of Wallkill's code enforcement office. Tenants may also consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand how a violation of this section could be raised in housing proceedings.
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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