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Whats That Smell? Do you have an Odor Policy?

By
Real Estate Technology with Rentec Direct

Working for a property management software company has given me the opportunity to stay in the loop with landlords/property managers who share some of their experiences. So here is the story of the week.....

Offensive Odors

This property manager has a odor policy in place for his apartment building. He said he has had to serve the “You Smell Bad" notice only a couple of times.  But one in particular was cooking or canning some kind of fish on a regular basis.  He wasn’t so sure that this guy was maybe operating a small fish cannery in his little apartment, but whomever the smelly fish was for,  it was offending the neighbors.  The tenant chose not to comply and quit canning so he was then in violation of his lease agreement and his agreement was terminated.

 

 Evicted for canning fish!  Eww....Fish!!...Stinky!!...

 

I betcha the eviction judge really liked that one!  I wonder if this would have been a good one to take to the TV Judge?   

Maybe Judge Judy??

 

Yes, that is right living in a close proximity to someone else’s stench can be aggravating.  Whether the odor is caused by garbage, cooking, or lack of effective cleaning.  This policy is useful for any rental property but it would be real handy to have implemented in multi-unit complexes.

 

Did you know that you can include an odor policy in your lease agreement? Do you have a odor policy? 

 

Friendly reminder:  Make sure to be in compliance with all federal/state/local laws.

 

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Kathryn is a member of Rentec Direct who provides property management software and tenant screening reports.  To learn more Click Here

 

Rob Marken
Bend River Realty - Bend, OR
25+ years experience in Bend

Very interesting.  Odors can cause issues for listings and property management.  I have never heard of an offensive odor policy but that is very interesting. 

Mar 20, 2014 01:33 AM
Than Maynard
Coldwell Banker Heart of Oklahoma - Purcell, OK
Broker - Licensed to List & Sell - 405-990-8862

We don't have an odor policy, since most are single family units that we manage. BUt it might be time for one, just in case. (Of course, if the odor is bad enough for a SFD to bother the neighbors then I am sure there are other grounds for eviction.)

Mar 20, 2014 04:02 AM
Wayne Johnson
Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS® - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio REALTOR, San Antonio Homes For Sale

Kathryn-I've not heard of an odor policy before. Although I can see how some odors would be unpleasant for neighbors.

Mar 20, 2014 02:18 PM
Kathryn .
Rentec Direct - Grants Pass, OR
Rentec Direct

I actually didn't know there was an odor policy that could be implemented, but there is and if you search online there is a sample warning letter.  I guess if it is in your lease and not against any rules/regulations you can do! 

Mar 20, 2014 11:05 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Kathryn - It is important to have an odor policy in apartments to avoid complaints from tenants.

Mar 21, 2014 01:00 AM
Kathryn .
Rentec Direct - Grants Pass, OR
Rentec Direct

I can honestly say I never really thought about it, but I can see how an Odor Policy would be important in apartment complexes

Mar 26, 2014 06:10 AM