What action may a building official take if a structure is found to be vermin or rat-infested?

When a building official identifies that a structure is infested with vermin or rats, declaring the building unfit for human occupancy is a necessary action to protect public health and safety. Infestations of vermin can pose serious health risks to inhabitants, including the transmission of diseases and the potential for allergens or bites. By declaring the structure unfit for human occupancy, the official is taking a decisive step to ensure that no individuals are exposed to these health hazards until the situation is adequately addressed and remedied.

This action also aligns with the regulatory framework established in the International Property Maintenance Code, which emphasizes the responsibility of property owners to maintain their buildings in a safe and habitable condition. Other options, while they may involve some response, do not directly address the immediate dangers posed by such an infestation. For instance, rehabilitating the structure might not occur until the infestation is resolved, vacating the premises could be a part of the process, but declaring it unfit carries more authority and necessity from a health perspective.