NYC 311 Rodent Guide
How rat and mouse complaints work.
Resources
NYC Tenant Guide to Rats and Mice
What to do, in what order, when rodents are in your rental.
Short answerTell the owner or managing agent in writing, keep dated photos and copies, and use 311 if nothing happens. In most NYC rentals the owner is responsible. This is general information, not legal advice.
The Steps
- DocumentPhotograph droppings, gnaw marks, holes and any live sightings with dates. Note where you see them.
- Notify the Owner in WritingSend a dated message to the landlord or managing agent and keep a copy. Tenants can report to the owner, manager or co-op board.
- Report Through 311If the owner does not act, report through 311. The Health Department can inspect for rats. See the 311 guide.
What Owners Must Do
Owners must keep properties free of rats. In buildings with three or more apartments, owners must also handle pests in apartments under Local Law 55. See the landlord guide.
Get Advice
For rights in your situation, speak with a tenant attorney or tenant advocacy organization.
Not sure what you are dealing with? An inspection finds the source and sets the scope.
Questions and Answers
Who handles rats or mice in a NYC rental?
In most NYC rentals the owner is responsible. City rules require property owners to keep buildings free of rats, and owners of buildings with three or more apartments must also address pests inside apartments under Local Law 55. Tell the landlord or managing agent in writing, keep a copy, and use 311 if nothing happens. This is general information, not legal advice.
Should a tenant call 311 or the landlord first?
Start with the landlord or managing agent, in writing, and keep a dated copy. That creates a record and gives the owner a chance to act. If the owner does not respond, or the problem is severe, report it through 311. You can report rats or mice and the conditions that attract them.
What if my landlord ignores a rodent problem?
Send a written notice, keep dated photos and copies, and then report it through 311. The Health Department can inspect for rats and issue orders to owners, and it may do rat management work at an owner's expense if the owner does not act. For rights and remedies in your specific situation, speak to a tenant attorney or a tenant advocacy organization.
Last reviewed 2026-09-21. Time sensitive NYC rules and processes change, so check the linked official pages before you act.
Related pages
NYC Landlord Pest Guide
Owner duties in plain language.