24-12-00 Background of Persistent Odor issue

12/24/2024

• Timeline of Events

Spring 2024

• Began occasionally smelling an unpleasant odor in the bathroom, like a "bad perfume." The smell was not strong and would dissipate after a while.

• Just by the bathroom far wall (at first).

• Initially, I could not identify the source.

Late Spring to Early Summer 2024

• The odor became more frequent and lingered for days at a time, still confined to the bathroom and not very strong.

• Realize the smell originated from Vi’s apartment next door (1411). The odor was specifically noticeable near the shared wall between our apartments and under the bathroom vent.

• I confirmed the source during interactions with Vi, such as carrying cases of water into her apartment for her. The smell in her apartment, that’s one in mine.

Early Summer 2024

• One afternoon, I returned home to find the smell overwhelmingly strong in my living room. It was so oppressive that I left the apartment to run errands, hoping the smell would dissipate.

• The odor was gone upon my return but returned the next afternoon. While attempting to eat lunch, the smell was so strong and unpleasant that it caused me to gag and lose my appetite. Frustrated, I confronted Vi.

Confrontation with Vi

• I knocked on her door and told her that what she was burning was strong throughout my apartment and making me sick, urging her to knock it down a few steps.

• Vi seemed surprised and suggested the smell might be from something else, mentioning, “I only have two of them burning.” Two of what I have no idea. I suspect some kind of oil burner.

• The smell in her apartment was unmistakable and overpowering.

• Vi agreed to stop using the ????.
  The odor remained constant at a low level by my bathroom wall for several weeks.
  

Summer to Fall 2024

• The odor fluctuated, disappearing for weeks at a time and then reappearing in the bathroom.

Other Encounters with the Smell

• I occasionally drove Vi to the store or laundromat. The smell was always present on her clothes and belongings.

• During one instance, lifting her laundry basket into the back my car left this odor on my hands… this oil leaves a residue.

Recent Developments

• Over the past three days, (12/20-23/2024) the smell has intensified, spreading through my entire apartment. When the heater cycles on, it blows the smell into my living space.

• I confronted Vi again. She denied she was burning anything, while I could smell it billowing out of her open door from 30 feet away.

Spoke with Office.. ?

• On 12/23/2024, I reported the issue to the LHT office. They told me there is nothing in the lease about oil or wax burner, not a lease violation.
  They offered suggestion of using a air freshener to mask it and an air purifier.
  

• I encouraged the staff to visit Vi’s apartment to experience the issue firsthand. They agreed to check with corporate but reiterated their limited ability to intervene.

• I emphasized that while I understood their position, the problem persists, and I would continue to file complaints if it remains unresolved.

Additional Observations

• Can often smell it from my door when Vi’s door is open.
  • ie. I can smell if her door is open..

Conclusion

• Although there may be no clear resolution, I am documenting this ongoing issue to ensure a record exists. I will continue to monitor the situation and report further occurrences if necessary.