Rodents — Active Rat Burrows or Daytime Sighting

Rodents & Animals · NYC DOHMH · NYC Health Code §151.03

Rodents — Active Rat Burrows or Daytime Sighting is enforced by NYC DOHMH under NYC Health Code §151.03. Severity default: High.

The rule

Property owners and businesses must control rodent conditions. Active burrows in tree pits, rats visible in daylight, or persistent droppings near food waste are DOHMH rodent violations.

What to photograph

rat emerging from hole in tree pit or sidewalk crack
multiple rats near garbage bags or dumpster during daytime
burrow holes with fresh digging near curb

How to file a complaint

Photograph rodent activity, waste attractants, or carcass with address.
For active infestations, note time of day — daytime rat sightings indicate heavy population.
File at 311 under Rodent or Dirty Conditions.

Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOHMH.

Penalties & fines

DOHMH and DSNY can fine property owners and businesses $200–$2,000+ for rodent and waste violations.

What happens after you file

DOHMH Pest Control may bait and inspect. DSNY handles carcass removal. Restaurants enter graded inspection cycle.

This rule is in our public reference corpus for SEO and training. In-app classification is not enabled yet — file via 311 using the steps above.

Related guides

Rats and rodents

FAQ

Can I file anonymously?

311 requires contact information for follow-up. Your identity is not shared with the violator. SidewalkSnitch requires phone verification for filings but does not auto-submit to 311.

Does SidewalkSnitch submit this to 311 automatically?

This rule category is reference-only in SidewalkSnitch today. File directly at 311.nyc.gov or call 311.

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