The operator of a rooming house, second class dwelling, hotel or nursing home shall be responsible for the extermination of any insects, rodents or pests therein; and he shall be further responsible for such extermination on the entire premises where the entire structure or building within which the rooming house, second class dwelling, hotel or nursing home is contained or is leased or occupied by the operator. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, when overinfestation of any premises is caused by failure of the owner to maintain the dwelling within which the rooming house, second class dwelling, hotel or nursing home is contained in a ratproof or reasonably inspectproof condition, extermination shall be the responsibility of the owner.
(Code 1964, § 12A-32)