I'm renting an apartment where the 2nd floor tenant has been living for over 20 years. When I moved in during winter, I didn't realize that he was feeding and housing over 10 stray cats in the backyard, and there are new kittens every 3-4 months. The smell of ammonia and cat waste is overwhelming, especially since my kitchen and bathroom windows are directly above the shed where the cats are kept. This morning, I was nauseated just by opening my bathroom window due to the smell. Additionally, there's a sewage odor coming from the basement, and my electrical outlets occasionally zap me, suggesting a grounding issue. I've contacted both the landlord and upstairs tenant, but nothing has changed. What should I do?
3 Answers
Honestly, you should focus more on the impacts of the smells and hazards rather than pointing fingers. Just tell your landlord, "There's a strong odor of urine and feces coming from the yard—please address this issue." This way, it avoids a tenant vs. tenant issue, making it more likely your concerns will be taken seriously.
If you're smelling sewage and dealing with potential electrical hazards, it’s time to call a home inspector. They can really help evaluate the situation and inform you about any immediate dangers. Don't wait on this—safety first!
You might want to reach out to local feral cat rescue groups for advice on handling the cat situation. They can offer guidance on how to manage the growing population. It's also worth notifying your health department about the smell and hygiene issues.
That makes sense. I hadn't thought to frame it that way!