Dead mice in air conditioning/walls?

Question

Recently I had a mouse problem, that was "fixed". The problem is that now I have a horrible smell in the downstairs portion of my apartment. The smell is really strong when the air conditioner kicks on.

A maintenance worker came over today and said that they probably died in some double walls (shared w/ the next door apartment). He didn 't seem to think there was a way to get rid of them, other than to mask the smell, get an air purifier, etc.

The trouble is, my landlord (he's an 80 year old bipolar horror of a man) is not very cooperative. Is there any way to solve this problem myself? Thanks!

Answer 1

Find out if the chemical used to kill the critters will desolve their whole body, if so, the smell will go away, if not, MOVE.

Answer 2

Is the smell is coming from the AC, meaning from inside?  If it died in the walls, turning on the AC should not make a difference in the smell.  

What kind of an air conditioner is it?  If it is something you can remove yourself, like a window unit, take it out and dismantle it (or have a handy friend do it).  Otherwise, look in the yellow pages for repair shops.  If you have central air, you can call a service repairman to come over.  

Rodents in residences are considered a health hazard under the law.  It is the landlord's responsibility to take care of the problem asap.  If you have not previously informed your landlord about the problem, call him and explain that something needs to be done in 24 hours.  If he is uncooperative, do the work anyway.  If you pay a professional, and they find a mouse, mail your landlord a letter referencing your conversation.  Inform him that you have done x, y, and z to eliminate your health hazard (i.e., remove the mouse) and that you will be deducting the amount from the next month's rent.  Enclose a copy of the bill (make another copy for when you drop the check off).  If he calls to holler at you, calmly inform him that you are more than happy to argue your case in front of a judge.  

FYI, regardless, the smell will dissipate within a week or so.  However, dead rodents in air vents are a health hazard, smelly or no.

Answer 3

give him the 30 days to move out and get a better place to live!!!! i all ways move the h**l out if i don't like it!! he do not need any more of your money!! move some wheres eles maybe cheaper!!! its a good thing!

Answer 4

I know the smell is horrible, but it usually goes away in a week or two.