How to Keep Rats Out of Your NYC Apartment: A Renter’s Guide

Living in New York City comes with many challenges—high rent, noisy neighbors, and tiny apartments. But one of the biggest issues for renters? Rats.

From scurrying through subway stations to darting between trash bags on the sidewalk, NYC rats are everywhere. But when they invade your apartment, they go from a city nuisance to a personal nightmare. Since renters often have limited control over building maintenance, preventing a rat infestation requires a proactive approach.

If you’re a renter in New York, this guide will help you keep rats out of your apartment, recognize signs of an infestation, and take action if you suspect rodents are moving in.

Why Are Rats Such a Big Problem in NYC Apartments?

New York’s dense population, constant construction, and abundance of food make it the perfect environment for rats. But apartments, in particular, are vulnerable because:

• Many buildings are old – Older buildings often have small cracks and gaps where rats can squeeze through.
• Shared walls and vents – Even if you keep your unit spotless, rats can travel from a neighbor’s apartment through walls, pipes, or ventilation systems.
• Improper trash storage – Overflowing garbage chutes, open dumpsters, and exposed trash bags in hallways or courtyards attract rats.
• Basements and alleyways provide shelter – Rats often nest in dark, hidden places and move into apartments when searching for food.

Since rats can fit through holes as small as a quarter, even the tiniest openings can be an invitation for an infestation.

How to Prevent Rats in Your Apartment

Even if your landlord is responsible for pest control, taking these preventative steps can help keep rats out of your apartment.

1. Seal Entry Points

Rats can enter through small cracks, holes, or gaps around doors, windows, and pipes. Since renters can’t always make major repairs, here’s what you can do:

• Use steel wool or caulk to fill small gaps around baseboards, pipes, and electrical outlets.
• Check under sinks and around radiators for gaps where rats can squeeze through.
• If your front door has a gap at the bottom, use a door sweep to block entry.
• Report any large holes or cracks to your landlord immediately.

2. Keep Food Stored Properly

Rats are constantly searching for food, and even small crumbs can attract them. To make your apartment less inviting:

• Store food in airtight containers, especially grains, rice, and pet food.
• Never leave food or dirty dishes out overnight.
• Keep all trash in a sealed bin, and take it out regularly.

3. Clean Regularly

Even a tidy apartment can attract rats if there are food particles and clutter. Some simple habits that help:

• Sweep and vacuum at least once a week, especially under appliances.
• Avoid leaving bags of recycling on the floor—use a bin with a lid.
• Declutter storage areas where rats might nest, such as closets, pantries, and under furniture.

4. Check for Signs of Rats

Even if you don’t see a rat, there are warning signs that they may be present:

• Droppings – Small, dark droppings near walls, under sinks, or in pantries.
• Gnaw marks – Rats chew on wires, food packaging, and wooden surfaces.
• Scratching noises – Scurrying or scratching sounds, especially at night, in walls or ceilings.
• Unusual pet behavior – If your cat or dog is fixated on a certain area, they may sense rats nearby.

If you notice any of these signs, act fast before the problem worsens.

What to Do If You See a Rat in Your Apartment

1. Notify Your Landlord Immediately

Under NYC law, landlords are required to maintain a pest-free living environment. If you spot a rat, contact your landlord or property manager and ask them to bring in an exterminator.

If your landlord refuses to take action, you can:

• File a complaint with 311 to report the issue.
• Check your lease to see if pest control is included.
• Consider reaching out to your building’s tenants’ association if others are experiencing the same issue.

2. Set Traps

If the rats are inside your apartment, setting traps can help while waiting for professional extermination. Some effective options:

• Snap traps – Kill rats quickly and are effective when placed near walls.
• Glue traps – Not ideal as they cause suffering and may not kill the rat immediately.
• Electronic traps – More humane and effective for indoor use.

Place traps along walls or where you’ve seen droppings or gnaw marks. Always use gloves when handling traps to avoid spreading disease.

3. Avoid DIY Poisons

Using rat poison in an apartment can be dangerous, especially in shared buildings. If a poisoned rat dies inside the walls, it can cause a foul odor that lingers for weeks. Instead, leave poisoning to licensed exterminators.

How to Keep Rats Out of Your Building

While individual prevention is important, rats are a building-wide issue. Here are steps you and your neighbors can take together:

1. Secure Trash Disposal Areas

• Never leave trash bags on the ground—use bins with tight-fitting lids.
• If your building has a trash chute, ensure bags are sealed properly to avoid attracting rats.
• Ask management to increase trash collection if garbage frequently overflows.

2. Report Any Structural Issues

If you notice:

• Large holes or gaps in the walls, floors, or stairwells
• Rats running through hallways or courtyards
• Signs of infestation in laundry rooms or shared spaces

Report the issue to your building management immediately. If they don’t take action, file a complaint with 311.

3. Work With an Exterminator

If your building has an ongoing rat problem, professional pest control is the only long-term solution. Some landlords delay extermination to cut costs, but tenants can collectively push for regular pest inspections.

Final Thoughts

Rats are an unavoidable part of city life, but they don’t have to be part of your apartment. By sealing entry points, keeping food secure, and maintaining a clean space, you can reduce the risk of an infestation.

If you see signs of rats, act immediately—the longer you wait, the worse the problem can get. And if your landlord isn’t taking action, remember that NYC laws require them to address pest issues.

Need professional pest control? Our team of pest control in new york specializes in fast, effective rat removal for NYC apartments. Contact us today for a consultation and keep your home rodent-free.