When should I use a Pest & Infestation Complaint?

Formally notify your landlord of a pest infestation. Required step before pursuing legal remedies. Sending a formal written letter creates an important paper trail and is often required before pursuing legal remedies.

Does a Pest & Infestation Complaint need to be sent by certified mail?

While not always legally required, sending important tenant letters via certified mail with return receipt provides proof of delivery — which is valuable if the matter goes to court or a housing authority.

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New York City Tenant Tools

Safety

Pest & Infestation Complaint

Formally notify your landlord of a pest infestation. Required step before pursuing legal remedies. Fill in your details below — the letter updates in real-time.

Fill in Your Details

Fields update the letter preview in real-time. All information stays in your browser.

Your Full Name*

Your Address*

Landlord / Management Company*

Landlord Address

Date*

Type of Pest(s)*

When Did You First Notice the Problem?*

Describe the Extent of the Infestation*

Prior Complaints You Have Made

Extermination Deadline

New York City housing agency: HPD (NYC Housing Preservation & Development). After sending this letter, you may also file a complaint directly with HPD (NYC Housing Preservation & Development).

Pest & Infestation Complaint









Re: Pest Infestation at  — Demand for Extermination

Dear ,

I am writing to formally notify you of a pest infestation at my unit at . I first noticed the problem in  and have observed  in the unit.

Description of the infestation:



Prior complaints I have made:



You are legally obligated to keep the premises free from pest infestations as part of your duty to maintain habitable conditions. This infestation constitutes a serious health hazard and a violation of applicable housing codes.

I am formally requesting that you arrange for professional extermination services and necessary repairs to prevent re-infestation within . Please provide written confirmation of the scheduled treatment date.

If you do not take action within the requested timeframe, I will file a formal complaint with the local housing authority and pursue all available legal remedies, including rent reduction.

Sincerely,

This letter is a template for informational purposes. Consider consulting with a tenant rights attorney for your specific situation.

Send Certified Mail

Send via USPS certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery — useful if this escalates.

Keep a Copy

Save a dated copy for your records. Print to PDF using "Print / Save PDF" and store it safely.

File a Complaint Too

For serious issues, also file a complaint with HPD (NYC Housing Preservation & Development) alongside sending this letter.

View all New York City tenant letter templates