Smelly neighbours

[hanliz2994]

Hello,

I need some advice on how to resolve a sensitive issue with my neighbours. I've recently moved into a flat block and I'm on the top floor (renting). The block is a mixture of rented and privately owned flats.

There is a serious issue of smell on the floor below me coming from a couple of the flats, it hits you as you come up the stairs and makes me feel sick. It's hard to describe but like a vile and stale B/O. The people are friendly enough but they do not seem concerned about hygiene and even with the 2m distancing I can still smell them. It's from two flats that are opposite each other and both have slightly different but equally disgusting smells.

I know this might sound like I'm overreacting but it's so bad I have to hold my breath every time I walk past the door. I'm really embarrassed to have people over (once we are out of lockdown) as it's so gross and there's no way to avoid it. Before lockdown I had some furniture delivered and I overheard the guys saying 'corr it smells of shit in here'. I've opened all the communal hallway windows and have even put a diffuser on the windowsill on but it's made no difference. If I do have anyone round I'm worried I'm going to have to run down with Febreeze and air freshner 5 minutes before they arrive!

Is this something I can raise with the building management (without being laughed at)? Anonymous note under the door? (although I'm sure they will assume it's me and I don't think they are the type of people who care).

Any advice on what I could do would be appreciated :)

Thanks!

[CluelessBaker]

It might be worth mentioning to the property manager because if the smell is that bad it’s likely to be more than just poor hygiene - it could be a sign that the flat is in a horrendous state / has damp / has been trashed etc.

If their flat is privately owned there probably isn’t much that can be done but if they rent it and are wrecking it the manager can raise it with the landlord.

If they are just horrifically smelly people I don’t think there will be much you can do, but you have my sympathies - sounds grim!

[SchrodingersImmigrant]

I agree with the pp. Talk to the property management. I don't think this smell is just a BO. There will be stuff in the flats which is a hygiene and safety issue for the rest of the building. I imagine this must be attracting pests.

[SchrodingersImmigrant]

Also, it's interesting that the smell is from 2 flats, not just one. Are they related? Are the flats provided to some organisation which rents them to people with specific issues?

[FedUpAtHomeTroels]

Report and say it stinks like maybe their plumbing isn't running right or something.

[LudaMusser]

Talk to the building management for sure

I used to do home delivery for a supermarket and I went to a couple of flats that were disgusting. The smell, I'm not even sure how to describe it or what it was. Probably a number of things combined

[LudaMusser]

OP, I've just thought, was the smell not there when you initially viewed before committing to move in?

[BillywigSting]

You say it smells like b.o but I have found that sometimes weed can smell a bit like that, or like a cross between B.O and cat wee.

I agree with pp have a word with the building manager. Even very smelly people shouldn't be 'smellable' though closed doors.

[OlaEliza]

2 flats? And opposite each other? 🤨

[Thelnebriati]

Are Environmental Health open? I think I'd go straight to them, they have more clout and your landlord doesn't have to know it was you that made the complaint.

[OlaEliza]

Maybe they have puddles of BO pooling around their hallways.