Avoid Rat Violations: Know What NYC DOHMH Rat Inspectors Look For

Keeping rats off your NYC property isn’t just good practice—it’s the law. Rodents damage buildings, spread disease, and create public health risks. If your property fails an inspection, you could face fines ranging from $300 to $2,000.

Here’s what NYC health inspectors look for—and how to stay in compliance.

Key Inspection Areas

Inspectors check for two things: active rat signs and problem conditions that attract rats. If they find evidence of either, your property could be cited.

Active Rat Signs (ARS)

These are the clearest indicators of an infestation. Even one or two of these signs can result in a violation:

• Live rats spotted during the inspection
• Fresh droppings (dark, moist, and near food or shelter)
• Burrows in soil, pavement, or walls
• Gnaw marks on wood, wires, or trash bins
• Runways—smoothed-down paths in grass, dirt, or dust
• Grease marks along walls and baseboards

Problem Conditions

Rats don’t just appear—they follow food, water, and shelter. Inspectors flag properties with conditions that make infestations more likely. Any of these issues can lead to a failed inspection:

Garbage Violations

• Overflowing or uncovered trash bins
• Trash stored in containers without tight-fitting lids
• Bulk garbage left outside for more than 24 hours
• Dirty, unmaintained storage areas

Harborage Conditions

• Overgrown vegetation, debris, or standing water
• Improper drainage that attracts rodents
• Unsecured construction materials or abandoned equipment

The Inspection Process

NYC rat inspections happen for two main reasons:

1. 311 complaints from tenants or neighbors
2. Routine neighborhood sweeps by the Health Department

If inspectors find violations, you’ll receive a Commissioner’s Order to Abate (COTA). This document lists everything wrong with your property.

You’ll have at least five days to hire a licensed pest control company to eliminate rats and fix all cited problem conditions (sealing gaps, securing trash, etc.).

After that, a Compliance Inspection determines if the issues were addressed.

What Happens if You Fail?

If your property doesn’t pass the follow-up inspection, you may face:

• A summons for a hearing at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH)
• Fines ranging from $300 to $2,000
• A public listing on the NYC Rat Information Portal

If you ignore violations, the city will handle pest control for you—and send you the bill.

Common Violation Codes & Penalties

NYC uses specific codes to categorize rat-related violations. Here’s a breakdown:

§151.02(a) – Failure to Eliminate Rodents

Issued when inspectors find:

• Live rats or fresh droppings
• Active burrows, nests, or gnaw marks
• Runways or grease trails

Fines: $300–$2,000 per offense

Subtypes under §151.02(a):

• AH3N – Active rodent signs (droppings, burrows, gnaw marks)
• AH3O – Structural gaps (holes in floors, ceilings, pipes)
• AH3P – Debris or dense vegetation (harborage areas)

§151.02(b) – Improper Waste Management

Applies to:

• Uncovered or overflowing trash bins
• Unsecured garbage storage areas
• Food waste attracting rodents

Fines:

• $300 for first offense
• $600 for repeat offenses

§151.02(c) – Non-Compliance with Remediation Orders

Applies when property owners:

• Don’t hire pest control after a violation
• Ignore structural repairs ordered by inspectors
• Fail to notify tenants about rat infestations

Fines: $1,000–$2,000 per offense

How to Avoid Rat Violations

The best way to avoid fines? Keep rats off your property in the first place. If you spot signs of rodents, act fast—clean, block entry points, and set traps before the problem spreads.

Here’s what you can do:

• Seal entry points – Use steel wool, metal mesh, or cement to block gaps.
• Secure trash properly – Store garbage in rat-proof bins with tight lids.
• Eliminate clutter – Reduce hiding spots indoors and trim overgrown vegetation outside.
• Clean up droppings – Sweep or vacuum any signs of rodent activity.
• Use enzyme-based cleaners – Remove rub marks and urine trails.
• Close rat burrows – Fill in any active nests near your building.

For serious infestations, DIY fixes won’t be enough—you’ll need professional pest control.

Conclusion

Keeping your property rat-free takes constant vigilance. DOHMH inspections happen regularly, and violations can be costly. Acting fast is key—not just to avoid fines, but to prevent infestations from spiraling out of control.

MMPC’s licensed pest control experts have over 30 years of experience using advanced, eco-friendly rat abatement methods. We handle both rat control services and violation prevention, keeping your property safe, compliant, and rodent-free.