A garbage chute or hallway trash smell near your door
- Where I am
- The smell is at its worst right outside your door.
- Where I want to be
- A door that keeps it out.
- What's in the way
- A trash room or chute close by sends the smell down the hallway.
Landlord's job? Report it in writing with dates, and keep a log. Who fixes what depends on your lease and where you live.
Try this first, free: Take your own trash out sooner. A bag that sits by the door adds to the smell.
The fix
- Seal the door with a sweep and foam weatherstrip.
- Wipe the door and the bottom edge, which can hold smell.
- Keep your own trash in a lidded bin and take it out often.
- Tell the landlord about the smell and how often it happens.
What this won't fully fix: Sealing your door helps, but the smell source is in the building. Cleaning the chute or room is the landlord's job.
Moving out: Peel the sweep off slowly and wipe the glue away with dish soap.
What to get
These open an Amazon search, so you can pick the one that fits. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.