Rodent feces, dead roaches and debris haunt Tremont resident living in unsafe conditions
A Tremont resident says a ceiling collapse inside her apartment on Monday has made a rodent issue worse.
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Rodent feces, dead roaches and debris coat Therese Wilson's bathroom after a ceiling collapsed on Monday.
The 57-year-old told News 12 on Friday the collapse happened after a water pipe burst filling several rooms with water.
"It was flooded. And I thought, wait a minute and you can see the ceiling. Everything was just coming, coming, and coming," said Wilson.
Days after the frightening event, a nasty odor and mold have formed throughout her Tremont apartment.
The mother told News 12 that a rat issue has worsened since the ceiling collapsed.
"This is really outrageous. And, nobody should be treated or live in an environment like this," said Wilson.
Two paint cans and a cardboard box act as a barrier to prevent rodents from getting out of the bathroom.
Wilson said management has refused to help.
"He said, 'Oh don't call me anymore. Call 311 like you've been calling' and hung up," she said.
The buildings super even offered her peppermint oil to treat the issue, but she refused to use it because it can be harmful to her dog.
In a statement, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development said, "No tenant should live in fear of their apartment— the agency has responded to the tenant’s mold complaints and issued a violation. The landlord is responsible for fixing the issue, and if conditions persist, we urge the tenant to contact 311 again so the agency can continue to hold the landlord accountable.”
The Department of Health told News 12 it has not received any recent 311 complaints for rats but confirmed, "The building failed exterior inspections conducted in September, November and March 2025 for either garbage, harborage, or rats. The Department issued a summons to the building on March 11, 2026, for severe garbage conditions."
