Resources for Help with Putrid Odor from Stubborn Neighbor’s House.

Hi everyone,

My neighbor in Independence Heights lives in squalor, by his own choosing. He rents a rundown bungalow, and both him and the landlord are totally unconcerned about his total neglect of the property. The house is in advanced stages of rot and decay, and there's a constant flow of roaches and fleas from his 6 dogs that I have to combat.

Recently, the issue has gotten much worse, and his most recent decisions are affecting my health and ability to use my own property.

I went in his house about 5 years ago, and even then it reeked of urine and feces. But until recently, he at least kept his windows closed so we couldn't smell it from our property.

Last month, he decided he didn't want to pay for A/C anymore, so he has opened all of his windows and installed box fans in the windows, which blow the urine/feces smell into my yard. I literally gag walking from the garage to the house, and cannot be outside in my front yard, period.

I have asked him to close the windows and even offered to pay for part of his electric bill to cover the A/C, to no avail.

I have filed several 311 reports concerning the odor, the decay of the house, and some other things – but they haven't really been much help…when the city shows up, he quickly closes the windows so they can't detect anything.

I'm trying to learn of any other city or local resources that can help me with a resolution here. I'm hoping not to have to sue the guy, because he is absolutely the type that would retaliate.