As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
RENTED RESIDENTIAL PREMISES
Includes all premises used or intended for dwelling or related
purposes, permanent or transient by a tenant(s).
TENANT
A person in possession or control of premises under a written
lease or oral agreement for the payment of money.
Tenants of rented residential premises shall maintain the rented
premises in conformance with the following standards. Tenants shall
only be responsible for conditions that he or she actually caused.
For single-occupancy premises only:
A. Grounds, buildings and structures shall be maintained free of insect,
vermin and rodent harborage and infestation.
B. Where rodent infestation exists, windows and other openings in basements
and cellars shall be screened to prevent entrance of rodents.
Domestic animals and pets shall be kept in an appropriate manner
so as not to constitute a hazard or nuisance. All pet waste shall
be promptly collected and disposed of in a sanitary manner.
Failure to comply with a violation order, within the time limit
stated therein, shall constitute an offense. A person convicted of
an offense shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $250 or imprisonment,
or both. Each week that a violation continues shall be deemed a separate
offense and so subject the occupant to an additional penalty as provided
above.
Unless otherwise provided for by state or federal law or the
provisions of a lease, the compliance with the provisions of this
chapter shall constitute a substantial obligation of every residential
tenancy and the violation thereof shall be grounds for termination
of the tenancy.