Where should you report if rats are running in your house? - briefly
Contact your city or county health (environmental health) department, which handles rodent complaints. If you rent, also notify your landlord or property manager.
Where should you report if rats are running in your house? - in detail
If rodents are observed inside a dwelling, the first step is to notify the agency responsible for public health and housing safety in your jurisdiction.
Contact the local health department or environmental health office. These entities enforce sanitation codes, can inspect the property, and may issue remediation orders. Provide the address, description of the infestation, and any evidence such as droppings or damage.
If you rent, inform the property manager or landlord immediately. Lease agreements typically require landlords to address pest problems, and written notice creates a record for potential legal action if the issue is not resolved.
When the dwelling is part of a homeowners’ association, submit a formal complaint to the association’s management board. The board can arrange collective pest‑control services and enforce community standards.
For severe or widespread infestations, especially those affecting multiple properties, reach out to the state or provincial pest‑control regulatory agency. They oversee licensed exterminators, can recommend certified professionals, and may intervene if the infestation poses a public‑health risk.
If the rats appear to be wild or protected species, contact the local wildlife or natural resources department. They can determine whether special permits or wildlife‑control measures are required.
In emergencies where the infestation creates immediate health hazards—such as contamination of food supplies, significant structural damage, or disease outbreak—call the municipal emergency services or non‑emergency police line. Authorities can coordinate rapid inspection and enforce health‑code violations.
Summary of reporting channels
- Local health or environmental health department
- Property manager/landlord (written notice)
- Homeowners’ association management
- State/provincial pest‑control regulatory agency
- Wildlife or natural resources department (if protected species)
- Municipal emergency services or police (for urgent health threats)
Document all communications, retain copies of reports, and follow up until a satisfactory remediation plan is implemented.