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I live in a 3-unit townhouse in the center unit. The neighbors to the right of me are a quiet retired couple who are no problem and have been very courteous. To the left of me--totally different story.
Shortly after we moved in, we noticed a ROACH in the hallway. That is just not going to happen in my house so of course I cleaned it top to bottom and put down roach traps. I keep the place immaculate and we don't keep food out or dirty.
This seemed to help for a little while then again we saw some small roaches.
The neighbors next door were complaining about roaches and I can see why.
I think that the last time they cleaned the place must have been sometime during the 1990s. Filthy. Everytime I see it, opened food all over the kitchen and dishes with food on them in the sink. Geez, wonder where the roaches are coming from?!
These people have 3 kids who are always trashing the yard and leaving garbage all over the front lawn.
It has been mentioned to them a couple of times nicely that their kids (or them) should pick up the mess on the front yard. It has also been mentioned to them that the reason for the roach issue is probably their terrible housekeeping and leaving food out.
I don't live in a bad area. I live in a middle-upper class area. I don't expect people to be immaculate like I am but also don't expect the yard to look like the town dump or to have roaches because someone else can't get off their lazy arse and put the food away that's been sitting open for a few days.
I'm almost ready to go to the landlord, but putting out here first--am I being a jerk by thinking this?
You have no right to complain about how a private space is kept. The yard issues you can complain about, assuming it is public space shared between all of you, but the interior of their unit is between them and the landlord and unless there is damage the landlord cannot evict because they are messy. Here there is actually city ordinances that regulate trash and debris which a tenant can complain about to a government agency, it is against the law to keep trash in any non-private space aka littering.
What does your lease say about cleanliness? Your neighbors probably have the same language in their lease.
What does it say about the responsibility for pest control? In a multi-unit building it is usually the landlord, because treating one unit usually does nothing in the long run.
Talk to the landlord. He will want to inspect the neighbor's apartment. If it's dirty, he will want it cleaned up or the tenants out.
All the units will then need to be treated.
I feel your pain. DH and I were in the same situation once.
You have no right to complain about how a private space is kept. The yard issues you can complain about, assuming it is public space shared between all of you, but the interior of their unit is between them and the landlord and unless there is damage the landlord cannot evict because they are messy. Here there is actually city ordinances that regulate trash and debris which a tenant can complain about to a government agency, it is against the law to keep trash in any non-private space aka littering.
The space belongs to the landlord. He has the right to expect it to be kept clean. Filth is not messiness. Filth is unacceptable.
The space belongs to the landlord. He has the right to expect it to be kept clean. Filth is not messiness. Filth is unacceptable.
I agree that tenants have every right to complain especially when tenants are noticing cockroaches and or nasty smells, garbage, etc in any of the common areas of the building. LLs/PMs should be inspecting all units at least once a year anyway.
The space belongs to the landlord. He has the right to expect it to be kept clean. Filth is not messiness. Filth is unacceptable.
I agree but the OP is a tenant and not the landlord and it is very difficult to evict over dirty dishes. The landlord would have to prove that the condition the tenant lives is a health hazard or is attracting pests and both of those are hard to do.
OP could call CPS on the filth and they will inspect the living space.
I agree but the OP is a tenant and not the landlord and it is very difficult to evict over dirty dishes. The landlord would have to prove that the condition the tenant lives is a health hazard or is attracting pests and both of those are hard to do.
OP could call CPS on the filth and they will inspect the living space.
It is not just filth that the OP is worried about. They said they are finding live cockroaches in the hallways which in essence is due to the filth. All the OP wants to know is if they should contact the LL to inspect and rectify. I would think any decent LL would definitely want to inspect before it gets out of control. No one said anything about evicting anyone.
What does the Lease say about who responsible for extermination Fees. IF it the LL Contact him in Writing about the Roaches in the Common Areas & let him know they Are coming into your apt.
I live in a 3-unit townhouse in the center unit. The neighbors to the right of me are a quiet retired couple who are no problem and have been very courteous. To the left of me--totally different story.
Shortly after we moved in, we noticed a ROACH in the hallway. That is just not going to happen in my house so of course I cleaned it top to bottom and put down roach traps. I keep the place immaculate and we don't keep food out or dirty.
This seemed to help for a little while then again we saw some small roaches.
The neighbors next door were complaining about roaches and I can see why.
I think that the last time they cleaned the place must have been sometime during the 1990s. Filthy. Everytime I see it, opened food all over the kitchen and dishes with food on them in the sink. Geez, wonder where the roaches are coming from?!
These people have 3 kids who are always trashing the yard and leaving garbage all over the front lawn.
It has been mentioned to them a couple of times nicely that their kids (or them) should pick up the mess on the front yard. It has also been mentioned to them that the reason for the roach issue is probably their terrible housekeeping and leaving food out.
I don't live in a bad area. I live in a middle-upper class area. I don't expect people to be immaculate like I am but also don't expect the yard to look like the town dump or to have roaches because someone else can't get off their lazy arse and put the food away that's been sitting open for a few days.
I'm almost ready to go to the landlord, but putting out here first--am I being a jerk by thinking this?
Do you both have the same landlord? If so, call your landlord and tell him you have roaches and want your unit treated. If he's smart he'll treat both units at the same time and then HE can see for himself the condition of the unit and make his own suggestions/requests.
As for their housekeeping...that's their landlord's business, not yours.
Buy Combat Roach Gel at any local store. Roaches will be gone within a few days. Less than $10 for a tube which you only need 1 tube. Put very small amts over your entire unit.
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