Terrible smell in the office.

[fruitstick]

I rent a small office in an annexe with 5 other offices.

There is one office which smells terrible. The smell is only there when the person renting it is in, and they sit with the door open.

It smells of rancid cheese. At first I thought it was something unfortunate they'd bought in for lunch, or left in a bag, but it's persistent.

It's definitely coming from them personally or something permanently in their room.

It's not a problem when I'm sitting in my office but I can't keep my door open and have to breathe through my mouth if I need the loo.

I've spoken to them and they are very nice. Obviously we are all self-employed so it's not like there is someone in HR who can have a word.

You need a pomamder.

Oh no, spelling klaxon.

POMANDER.

Go in with an air freshener and spray it around liberally.

Do you think it's a body smell or something else, that's perhaps in the office and they can't smell it?

I can only think of 3 options: (1) speak to them about it when they are alone (2) raise it with the manager of the building as it's putting you off as a tenant (3) put up with it.

I bet they are tipping their milky coffee dregs in a plant pot.

I had to (job)share a desk with someone who did this and it took me ages to work out what the smell was. They were there first and for years before me, they were a very messy person anyway and the desk was piled high and low with their crap so it took a bit of tracking down.

Just say, 'oi stinky, can you keep your office door shut'

They must know it/they smell surely?

Tell building management that there is an awful smell. Tell them that it is coming from that office? Not up to you to sort it out.

Was going to say this. We had a rotten stench in our office for a while and it was only when I saw mould growing on the plant pot that I realised what it was. It's awful!

I hasten to add, it wasn't me tipping tea in the plants but a colleague. They soon stopped when they realised they were the cause of the smell.

I'd approach building management OP and get them to pop over for an "inspection" and leave it to them.

Raise with the building manager and check your options to cease renting the space if it is not sorted out.

Call building maintenance.

Maintenance is a good shout. Thank you!