city living

I like her. I really do. She's very nice. And she's lived in the building longer than I have, and I've been here for over 28 years. But still.

Over a year ago, I start having bug problems. Big, ugly waterbugs showing up in random places, and always dead or dying.

I write to my landlord and ask for help. I also request that my neighbor's apartment be inspected, as I think her apartment could be the cause of my bug problem. For years, I've suspected that Brenda (not her real name) is a hoarder. And as far as I know, no one has even been in her apartment, including the building superintendent and maintenance people.

In January 2018, a law was passed in NYC requiring annual apartment inspections. I include this (multiple times) in emails to my landlord. Local Law 55, says, in part, "multiple dwelling owners will be required to annually inspect units for indoor allergen hazards, including mice, rats, roaches, and mold."

My landlord is responsive to the bug issue (an exterminator has been to my apartment more times than I can count). But as for inspecting Brenda's apartment?  Well, months of writing with the same request are ignored. Or I get evasive, non-committal answers, such as:

Also are you sure Apt. X is a hoarder?   (Feb 24, 2020)

I will let you know when we are able to inspect Apt. X.    (Mar 19, 2020)

Lyn. I do not know why you are so concerned with Apt X. Has this tenant done something that I don’t know about?    (May  16, 2020)

The bug problem persists, and despite many concerted efforts, no cause has yet been determined. It may not be Brenda's apartment at all. But still, if she is a hoarder, that is dangerous to all of us living on the same floor. It's a fire hazard, a potential rodent or bug issue, and probably other things I don't want to think about.

Today, I pass Brenda's apartment on my way out, and see this posted to her door:

I do feel a bit bad. As I said, Brenda is a very nice person. She does have a boyfriend with whom she lives part-time, and a sister. So she won't be out on the street. But it's not fair to others who live near her to be at risk —  even if hoarding is a type of mental illness.

I'm grateful that my landlord finally has taken some action. But those big ugly bugs still do appear periodically in my apartment. Three, just last week.

I'm sure I can now look forward to the banging and drilling that comes with an apartment being renovated for the next tenant.

Ah. The joys of city living.  Still, I can't imagine wanting to live anywhere else.