I came home about 6:30 this evening, put a couple things into the freezer, washed my hands at the kitchen sink, sat down on my couch for a couple minutes, then went back into the kitchen and found a very big gross roach upside down on my kitchen floor and struggling very hard to right itself. I'm guessing it came in through the utility closet, got some poison, and crawled around under the stove for a little bit. I don't understand how it got tipped over, but I'm guessing it's poisoned state may have had something to do with it.
I was very scared, found a shoe, and squish--there is actually a splash of sorts left on the tile. The carcass is actually still there (four hours later). I'm too freaked out to go back in there. I know I should just go back in there and get over myself, but you can see how disruptive this kind of thing is.
I could take a picture, but again, I think I'll pass on this one.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Letter from Krenger and Resident Notice
When I called on Friday, May 22, I left a message for Martin Krenger just saying that I was asking about a response to my last formal letter. The guy who I was talking to said he was aware of the letter.
On Monday, I found an envelope outside my door containing a letter to me along with two other documents. One is a letter from Smithereen Pest Management to Krenger and the other is a resident notice.
_____
The letter to me was from Martin Krenger and dated May 21. He alludes to the report from Smithereen and says that since the inspection he's had no reports of living bugs in the building, which he says is "great news."
He says that they inspected all the areas in the building where drains would need to be screened or plugged and that there were a few that needed it. He says they also inspected the "main sewer catch basin."
He says that most apartments were in good condition, but that they frequently found dirty dishes and pans around in many people's kitchens with food bits about. He says that these conditions will attract pests. He then alludes to the resident notice and says that a few apartments needed extra work, and those tenants will be contacted individually.
He says that all the tenants in the building should work to prevent conditions that will attract pests or "our treatment efforts will be futile." He says that when rainfall is heavy roaches climb up drain pipes in search of food, and only my neighbors can prevent the roaches from finding food. He also politely suggests that I share this information on my blog and opinion sites.
He ends by saying that his staff and the exterminator will continue to monitor conditions in the building.
_______
The Smithereen report is a letter dated May 14, 2009, addressed to Krenger, Attn: Marty Krenger, and is signed by Jim Brucker, the Operations Manager. The letter refers to the inspection done on May 13, 2009. and the inspectors included himself, Mary, Emil, and Jim. He says that they inspected all units and common areas and found a total of three units with one or two dead roaches in the "furnace room" (I think this is the same room I call the utility closet). He says he found one dead roach in a common area utility room. He says they also inspected all the basement areas and "the main drain sewers outside the building."
He draws attention to the fact that the dead roaches found appeared to be quite old and that absolutely now live roaches were found in the building.
________
The Resident Notice is dated May 22, 2009, and I saw copies of it outside other people's apartment doors. It alludes to a building-wide inspection (there had been a notice posted near the front door announcing that it would take place) and says that they found many apartments that had "conditions that will attract pests, including roaches." It askes that everyone clean dishes, take out trash often, clean food debris and greese from stove and floor, clean up cat food and litter boxes, and to keep furnace closets clean and neat.
On Monday, I found an envelope outside my door containing a letter to me along with two other documents. One is a letter from Smithereen Pest Management to Krenger and the other is a resident notice.
_____
The letter to me was from Martin Krenger and dated May 21. He alludes to the report from Smithereen and says that since the inspection he's had no reports of living bugs in the building, which he says is "great news."
He says that they inspected all the areas in the building where drains would need to be screened or plugged and that there were a few that needed it. He says they also inspected the "main sewer catch basin."
He says that most apartments were in good condition, but that they frequently found dirty dishes and pans around in many people's kitchens with food bits about. He says that these conditions will attract pests. He then alludes to the resident notice and says that a few apartments needed extra work, and those tenants will be contacted individually.
He says that all the tenants in the building should work to prevent conditions that will attract pests or "our treatment efforts will be futile." He says that when rainfall is heavy roaches climb up drain pipes in search of food, and only my neighbors can prevent the roaches from finding food. He also politely suggests that I share this information on my blog and opinion sites.
He ends by saying that his staff and the exterminator will continue to monitor conditions in the building.
_______
The Smithereen report is a letter dated May 14, 2009, addressed to Krenger, Attn: Marty Krenger, and is signed by Jim Brucker, the Operations Manager. The letter refers to the inspection done on May 13, 2009. and the inspectors included himself, Mary, Emil, and Jim. He says that they inspected all units and common areas and found a total of three units with one or two dead roaches in the "furnace room" (I think this is the same room I call the utility closet). He says he found one dead roach in a common area utility room. He says they also inspected all the basement areas and "the main drain sewers outside the building."
He draws attention to the fact that the dead roaches found appeared to be quite old and that absolutely now live roaches were found in the building.
________
The Resident Notice is dated May 22, 2009, and I saw copies of it outside other people's apartment doors. It alludes to a building-wide inspection (there had been a notice posted near the front door announcing that it would take place) and says that they found many apartments that had "conditions that will attract pests, including roaches." It askes that everyone clean dishes, take out trash often, clean food debris and greese from stove and floor, clean up cat food and litter boxes, and to keep furnace closets clean and neat.
A great hostess
After the last sighting, I called Krenger and asked that they send maintenance over to check the utility closet again and fill any gaps where roaches could get in. I also asked that they put some powder down in the closet so that the roaches that would get in would be easier for me to kill because they're slowly dying.
I called on Friday (May 22), and I think they came on Monday or Tuesday. I see powder in the closet, and the dead roach that was in there is gone. But I need to call again and point out a gap toward the top of the closet. I sprayed the hell out of it, but I can't tell if that's making a difference.
I had a friend over for the weekend, and she was very surprised to see a big nasty roach around three in the morning on Sunday (May 24). She killed it, and she couldn't sleep the rest of the night out of fear that another would try to crawl on her. Earlier in the weekend I had told her about my bad experience with them crawling on me. I'm a terrible hostess.
I called on Friday (May 22), and I think they came on Monday or Tuesday. I see powder in the closet, and the dead roach that was in there is gone. But I need to call again and point out a gap toward the top of the closet. I sprayed the hell out of it, but I can't tell if that's making a difference.
I had a friend over for the weekend, and she was very surprised to see a big nasty roach around three in the morning on Sunday (May 24). She killed it, and she couldn't sleep the rest of the night out of fear that another would try to crawl on her. Earlier in the weekend I had told her about my bad experience with them crawling on me. I'm a terrible hostess.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Another sighting from me
Congratulations to me, a few minutes ago, I had just come home from a night out, was sitting down on my couch to look at some stuff online, and I hear a weird sound. Wasn't sure what it was, but now I think it was a roach falling from some space in the utility closet to the floor. A couple minutes later, I see this big roach peeking out from under the utility closet door. It jets across the doorway, I jump up and grab a shoe (and yes, I have a special "roach-killing shoe" out and ready for just such an occasion). It runs back into the utility closet. I stand their waiting. It rushes out again, I slam the shoe down, but just miss it. It hides under a piece of furniture. I wait. It rushes across the closet doors, but I can't get it in time. I stand there watching and waiting and freaking out a bit. Somehow, it's somewhere I didn't expect it, and I slam the shoe on it so hard it and my shoe bounce.
I'm glad I didn't go to bed early because this bug was very much alive and was eager to run all around my apartment. I probably would have woken up with him in my bed or on me.
Below is a picture of his partially smashed body. In case you don't understand why I'm doing this, I feel that it is important to document each time I see something, and this gives me a good outlet for doing that. I will call Krenger tomorrow and ask them to look again in the utility closet for any gaps where this thing came in.
I'm glad I didn't go to bed early because this bug was very much alive and was eager to run all around my apartment. I probably would have woken up with him in my bed or on me.
Below is a picture of his partially smashed body. In case you don't understand why I'm doing this, I feel that it is important to document each time I see something, and this gives me a good outlet for doing that. I will call Krenger tomorrow and ask them to look again in the utility closet for any gaps where this thing came in.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Common Areas
Just a few minutes ago, I went down to check my mail. Guess what I found. A big nasty roach who was still writhing! I don't know how it got to be there since there are no drains nearby or openings to the alley, but here's a picture, so you know what the bigger ones look like. I've seen dead bugs here before but I guessed that one of the people who lived right there, kicked it out to the common area as a passive aggressive attempt to get Krenger's attention. Since this one was still alive, I don't think this is the case.
A Visit with James from Smithereen
Today was the monthly scheduled treatment from Smithereen, which Krenger pays to visit once a month and the other times they've come out especially. James came here last month, and I was here when he visited as well. At that time, he used a spray, which someone else from Smithereen had used to treat my apartment two weeks before. I also explained to him in detail the problems that I've had over the past few years. He told me I needed to pour a cup of bleach down each of the drains once a week. I told him that the kitchen sink had a drain on it that was too small to let in bugs that big and that I keep the tub plugged. He pointed out that the bathtub is designed in such a way, that a bug could get in through the spout. I told him I'd do it but that wouldn't stop the bugs from coming in through the utility closet--which I've witnessed.
Today, James told me that this account (the building) has been transferred over to him, and that I should give him a month or so to let him "do [his] magic," and I wouldn't be seeing these bugs anymore. He said this after I asked what treatment he was doing today (gel treatments) and questioned whether it would work if there was spray down (that Smithereen has done and Krenger's maintainence has done).
Today, James told me that this account (the building) has been transferred over to him, and that I should give him a month or so to let him "do [his] magic," and I wouldn't be seeing these bugs anymore. He said this after I asked what treatment he was doing today (gel treatments) and questioned whether it would work if there was spray down (that Smithereen has done and Krenger's maintainence has done).
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
More sightings from T
I talked to T, and she said she's found a lot of smaller bugs in her apartment lately. Small as in an inch or less in length. She said they're still disgusting, and she's considering taking Krenger's offer to release her from the lease agreement.
I think it's sad that so many people have to move because they can't tolerate the roach problem, and they have seen so little improvement.
She's been in the building for over a year and a half.
[Here's a pic of one of her frequent visitors.]
I think it's sad that so many people have to move because they can't tolerate the roach problem, and they have seen so little improvement.
She's been in the building for over a year and a half.
[Here's a pic of one of her frequent visitors.]
Monday, May 18, 2009
Another sighting from TD
Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 10:45:32 -0500
Subject: Re: roach problem
From: ---@---.com
To: ----@--.com
I just saw one standing still in my living room....killed it, and tossed it out my window (as usual) and it's lying between G- and G-. Pretty disgusting.
Subject: Re: roach problem
From: ---@---.com
To: ----@--.com
I just saw one standing still in my living room....killed it, and tossed it out my window (as usual) and it's lying between G- and G-. Pretty disgusting.
Letter to Krenger - May 13, 2009
5528 N. Kenmore Ave. Apt 106
Chicago, IL 60640
May 13, 2009
The Krenger Company
3304 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60657
Dear Martin,
Two days ago I received your letter dated May 11 and wish to sincerely apologize for having broken your policy regarding posting materials without permission. I did not recall any such policies and should have been more careful to review the lease agreement for such rules. I assure you that I will not violate this rule again and will post any further communication with my neighbors through the US Postal Service. You also mentioned in that letter that you appreciate my cooperation and patience as you attempt to remedy this problem. I’d like to remind you that I have shown extreme patience and continue to cooperate with you in your efforts to fix this problem. I, perhaps more than anyone, am eager for you to solve this problem. I have no interest in “payback” or any other sort of oppositional action. My desire is that the problem of roaches coming into my apartment be resolved.
Yesterday I received another letter from you (dated May 11 as well) along with the letter I wrote to my fellow residents (dated May 8). Again, I hope you will accept my apologies for having broken your policy regarding the posting of materials. I also would like to express how pleased I am that you are doing/have done a building-wide inspection today. In your letter you also mentioned that you would be happy to contact the building inspector to review your actions in the building. I assume you are talking about a city inspector. Yes, I would be very interested in receiving information on when the last city inspection was and how their findings may relate to the work that you are doing in the building. I would also be interested in when your next routine inspection is planned.
In this second letter, you asked me if I would prefer to end my lease. I thank you for your willingness to release me from the lease, but I have no interest in doing so. In fact, I plan on renewing my lease when given the opportunity. In this letter, you said, “If it is your intention to remain in the building unhappily and attempt to perpetuate this unhappiness, then we will take offense.” I am not exactly sure what you mean by this statement, but I would like to emphasize that my plans to review your company on opinion sites and to create a blog specifically dedicated to reviewing your company is not intended to offend you or to drag your company’s name through the mud. Rather this action is intended to make your company accountable for the actions it makes and the attitudes it expresses. If you stand behind the work that you have done and do, then my honestly discussion about that work should not be a problem. If you consider your interaction with tenants to be respectful and professional, then there is no cause for concern if I speak openly about it.
When I spoke to you on the phone on Tuesday, May 5th, I was very disappointed by the tone you used and what I perceived to be an expression of condescension and a lack of respect. I understand that these are very subjective impressions. In my reviews of your company, I will be very honest is recognizing what is my subjective impression and what are the indisputable actions that your company has taken. Let me be clear, though: I have no desire to harm your company or to play a game of tit for tat. If you can adequately find some resolution to the problem I am facing, then I will positively record that fact in my reviews. I feel that I have waited nearly three years to see this problem resolved and that now is the time to put some pressure on your company to stand behind the work it does.
I am not alone in my desire to see a more permanent solution, though I am sure I have become the most vocal person. As I have also indicated, I will share my experience with others in the building who have expressed an interest in hearing about it and will hear from some of them even if they are too timid to contact you directly. I hope you will not be offended by my willingness to be honest and open about my experience in this apartment, but if you are, I hope you can at least understand that in theory, transparency is not something to be feared. I will make every effort to be accurate and generous in the way I represent my impressions of your company’s attitudes because I understand that anger and retribution will not help my cause, which is really and honestly just about keeping the roaches out of my apartment.
I still look forward to receiving the report Smithereen gave you and that you offered to fax me. Again, the fax number at my work is 773.---.----. I would also like to receive a response to the comment I made in my email (dated May 10). I will paste it below:
I think there should be a more consistent attempt to keep them out of the building in the first place. When I talked to you on the phone on Tuesday (it may have been Monday), you said that you visited the building and did not see a significant problem. You also suggested that perhaps pests such as these were just a fact of life in city apartments….I was at the el stop when I was on the phone with you, so I may not have heard everything you said about the subject of pests and city life, so I’d also appreciate some clarification on what kind and frequency of pest problem I should expect from my time as a Krenger tenant.
Respectfully,
Erica Chu
773.---.----
---@---.com
Chicago, IL 60640
May 13, 2009
The Krenger Company
3304 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60657
Dear Martin,
Two days ago I received your letter dated May 11 and wish to sincerely apologize for having broken your policy regarding posting materials without permission. I did not recall any such policies and should have been more careful to review the lease agreement for such rules. I assure you that I will not violate this rule again and will post any further communication with my neighbors through the US Postal Service. You also mentioned in that letter that you appreciate my cooperation and patience as you attempt to remedy this problem. I’d like to remind you that I have shown extreme patience and continue to cooperate with you in your efforts to fix this problem. I, perhaps more than anyone, am eager for you to solve this problem. I have no interest in “payback” or any other sort of oppositional action. My desire is that the problem of roaches coming into my apartment be resolved.
Yesterday I received another letter from you (dated May 11 as well) along with the letter I wrote to my fellow residents (dated May 8). Again, I hope you will accept my apologies for having broken your policy regarding the posting of materials. I also would like to express how pleased I am that you are doing/have done a building-wide inspection today. In your letter you also mentioned that you would be happy to contact the building inspector to review your actions in the building. I assume you are talking about a city inspector. Yes, I would be very interested in receiving information on when the last city inspection was and how their findings may relate to the work that you are doing in the building. I would also be interested in when your next routine inspection is planned.
In this second letter, you asked me if I would prefer to end my lease. I thank you for your willingness to release me from the lease, but I have no interest in doing so. In fact, I plan on renewing my lease when given the opportunity. In this letter, you said, “If it is your intention to remain in the building unhappily and attempt to perpetuate this unhappiness, then we will take offense.” I am not exactly sure what you mean by this statement, but I would like to emphasize that my plans to review your company on opinion sites and to create a blog specifically dedicated to reviewing your company is not intended to offend you or to drag your company’s name through the mud. Rather this action is intended to make your company accountable for the actions it makes and the attitudes it expresses. If you stand behind the work that you have done and do, then my honestly discussion about that work should not be a problem. If you consider your interaction with tenants to be respectful and professional, then there is no cause for concern if I speak openly about it.
When I spoke to you on the phone on Tuesday, May 5th, I was very disappointed by the tone you used and what I perceived to be an expression of condescension and a lack of respect. I understand that these are very subjective impressions. In my reviews of your company, I will be very honest is recognizing what is my subjective impression and what are the indisputable actions that your company has taken. Let me be clear, though: I have no desire to harm your company or to play a game of tit for tat. If you can adequately find some resolution to the problem I am facing, then I will positively record that fact in my reviews. I feel that I have waited nearly three years to see this problem resolved and that now is the time to put some pressure on your company to stand behind the work it does.
I am not alone in my desire to see a more permanent solution, though I am sure I have become the most vocal person. As I have also indicated, I will share my experience with others in the building who have expressed an interest in hearing about it and will hear from some of them even if they are too timid to contact you directly. I hope you will not be offended by my willingness to be honest and open about my experience in this apartment, but if you are, I hope you can at least understand that in theory, transparency is not something to be feared. I will make every effort to be accurate and generous in the way I represent my impressions of your company’s attitudes because I understand that anger and retribution will not help my cause, which is really and honestly just about keeping the roaches out of my apartment.
I still look forward to receiving the report Smithereen gave you and that you offered to fax me. Again, the fax number at my work is 773.---.----. I would also like to receive a response to the comment I made in my email (dated May 10). I will paste it below:
I think there should be a more consistent attempt to keep them out of the building in the first place. When I talked to you on the phone on Tuesday (it may have been Monday), you said that you visited the building and did not see a significant problem. You also suggested that perhaps pests such as these were just a fact of life in city apartments….I was at the el stop when I was on the phone with you, so I may not have heard everything you said about the subject of pests and city life, so I’d also appreciate some clarification on what kind and frequency of pest problem I should expect from my time as a Krenger tenant.
Respectfully,
Erica Chu
773.---.----
---@---.com
Letter from Krenger - May 12
I found a letter from Krenger in front of my apartment on May 12th (but it was dated the 11th and must have been written then). It was signed once again by Martin R. Krenger.
The letter again confirms that he received the email he requested and states he has forwarded it to the exterminator. He repeats the efforts his company has already made to remedy the problem, which I also mentioned in the email. He also says that addition treatments have been done in the basement area and the few other apartments where residents have indicated there was a problem.
He mentions the building inspection scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, and also offers to contact the building inspector so he/she can review what Krenger is doing in the building.
He says they found a copy of the letter I distributed (which he stapled to his letter) and again emphasizes that doing so is against their policies.
He says that although they can't stop me from posting on review sites or creating my own blog, they must ask if I would rather end my lease if I'm so unhappy living here. He says that they would not refuse my request if that were the case and ends by saying, "If it is your intention to remain in the building unhappily and attempt to perpetuate this unhappiness, then we will take offense."
The letter again confirms that he received the email he requested and states he has forwarded it to the exterminator. He repeats the efforts his company has already made to remedy the problem, which I also mentioned in the email. He also says that addition treatments have been done in the basement area and the few other apartments where residents have indicated there was a problem.
He mentions the building inspection scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, and also offers to contact the building inspector so he/she can review what Krenger is doing in the building.
He says they found a copy of the letter I distributed (which he stapled to his letter) and again emphasizes that doing so is against their policies.
He says that although they can't stop me from posting on review sites or creating my own blog, they must ask if I would rather end my lease if I'm so unhappy living here. He says that they would not refuse my request if that were the case and ends by saying, "If it is your intention to remain in the building unhappily and attempt to perpetuate this unhappiness, then we will take offense."
Response from Krenger - May 11, 2009
I found a letter outside my door on May 11th. I'm not sure what the legal issues (if there are any) for reproducing verbatim what someone else has written, but I will give a brief summary.
The letter was very short and signed by Martin R. Krenger. It confirmed that they had received my email the previous day and also told me that I am not allowed to distribute materials on the property without permission.
He said there will a building-wide inspection on Wednesday, May 13th.
He also thanks me for my "cooperation and patience as we attempt to remedy the problem."
The letter was very short and signed by Martin R. Krenger. It confirmed that they had received my email the previous day and also told me that I am not allowed to distribute materials on the property without permission.
He said there will a building-wide inspection on Wednesday, May 13th.
He also thanks me for my "cooperation and patience as we attempt to remedy the problem."
Email to Krenger - May 10, 2009
Marty Krenger,
I spoke on the phone with you last week, and you recommended that I put in writing the exact nature of the problem I’ve been having. I have lived at 5528 N Kenmore Ave in unit 106 for almost three years, and I’ve had the problem of big cockroaches coming into my apartment since that time. Spring is generally the worst time, but summer, fall, and to a lesser degree winter has also been a problem. If I were to estimate how many roaches I have killed or have seen dead in my apartment in the last twelve months, I would say between twenty and twenty-five.
That number may not seem like a major problem to you, but let me remind you that the body of the bugs I have seen are between two and three inches long. They do not stay on the ground either. In the past year: I have woken up in the middle of the night to find a roach on me on two different occasions (once on my arm, and once on my leg), and even after moving my bed, I have found one crawling in my sheets in the middle of the afternoon.
I have called the Krenger office many times to talk with staff there about this problem. At least once a year, your office sends maintenance to try to fill any openings where these roaches are getting into my apartment. They have also come often to spray. I have talked with technicians several times as well and have requested that they treat my apartment and even watched them do it a couple times. I know that your office has responded to my requests that this issue be solved, but I have come to the point of not seeing the actions done as sufficient. The bugs are still regularly getting in. The bugs die very soon after they get into the apartment, but they don’t keep them out of my apartment.
In addition, I hear them sometimes in vent. I don’t know if there is one or more roaches in the airway itself, or if it is just their feet on top of the metal passage, but I hear what I assume to be their feet clicking against the metal. Just to be clear, the vents that I’m talking about are those above the door to the apartment and above the closets, right next to the door.
Usually I see the roaches come into the apartment. My couch is facing the front door and the closet behind the stove that has the heating unit in it. When I’m working or watching something on my computer, I am sitting on my couch, so when a roach comes out of that closet, I usually see it or hear it right away. This is where the roaches seem to be coming from most of the time. At other times in the past three years, I’ve seen them in other places. When I first moved here, they seemed to be coming from the bathroom. I have since had maintenance come out and make sure any openings are filled in behind the tub, and I keep the tub plugged at all times. At other times, I had the problem of them coming in from the space between the wall and floor below the AC unit. I always request that that wall be sprayed, but I don’t know if I’ll have trouble there again this summer.
The majority of the problem is, however, the closet behind the stove. Even after maintenance came this last time to fill in any openings, a few days later I saw a roach come out of that closet. And the week after, I heard at least one roach in the vents.
From what I have observed and asked about, the monthly treatments that the technicians from Smithereen do is a gel treatment on the hinges of cupboards. I don’t think this treatment is meant to stop the big roaches from coming in, but just to keep new colonies from forming. They also put powder down or spray when asked to, which disorients the big roaches that come in and kills them shortly after they come into contact with it. I don’t think this is enough. In the time it takes for them to die, they have time to get into my bed (which last occurred a couple weeks ago).
I think there should be a more consistent attempt to keep them out of the building in the first place. When I talked to you on the phone on Tuesday (it may have been Monday), you said that you visited the building and did not see a significant problem. You also suggested that perhaps pests such as these were just a fact of life in city apartments. I would really like to see the report that Smithereen made and that you offered to fax to me. I’ll include my work fax number at the end of this message. I was at the el stop when I was on the phone with you, so I may not have heard everything you said about the subject of pests and city life, so I’d also appreciate some clarification on what kind and frequency of pest problem I should expect from my time as a Krenger tenant.
I would also like to take the time to recognize that your company has responded to my complaints. Jamil and any other maintenance workers have come to my apartment on numerous occasions to help with this situation, and Ruth has also been fairly helpful in relaying information to me. I hope you understand that I am appreciative of the efforts already made but am also very frustrated with how short-term those efforts have been. I am very anxious to find a more permanent solution and intend to take whatever measures available to ensure that a more permanent solution is found.
I look forward to receiving an email response to this email as well as receiving a copy of the Smithereen report. I plan on sharing that report with others in the building who are also interested.
Erica
5528 N Kenmore Ave. Apt. 106
Phone: 773.---.----
Fax: 773.---.----
I spoke on the phone with you last week, and you recommended that I put in writing the exact nature of the problem I’ve been having. I have lived at 5528 N Kenmore Ave in unit 106 for almost three years, and I’ve had the problem of big cockroaches coming into my apartment since that time. Spring is generally the worst time, but summer, fall, and to a lesser degree winter has also been a problem. If I were to estimate how many roaches I have killed or have seen dead in my apartment in the last twelve months, I would say between twenty and twenty-five.
That number may not seem like a major problem to you, but let me remind you that the body of the bugs I have seen are between two and three inches long. They do not stay on the ground either. In the past year: I have woken up in the middle of the night to find a roach on me on two different occasions (once on my arm, and once on my leg), and even after moving my bed, I have found one crawling in my sheets in the middle of the afternoon.
I have called the Krenger office many times to talk with staff there about this problem. At least once a year, your office sends maintenance to try to fill any openings where these roaches are getting into my apartment. They have also come often to spray. I have talked with technicians several times as well and have requested that they treat my apartment and even watched them do it a couple times. I know that your office has responded to my requests that this issue be solved, but I have come to the point of not seeing the actions done as sufficient. The bugs are still regularly getting in. The bugs die very soon after they get into the apartment, but they don’t keep them out of my apartment.
In addition, I hear them sometimes in vent. I don’t know if there is one or more roaches in the airway itself, or if it is just their feet on top of the metal passage, but I hear what I assume to be their feet clicking against the metal. Just to be clear, the vents that I’m talking about are those above the door to the apartment and above the closets, right next to the door.
Usually I see the roaches come into the apartment. My couch is facing the front door and the closet behind the stove that has the heating unit in it. When I’m working or watching something on my computer, I am sitting on my couch, so when a roach comes out of that closet, I usually see it or hear it right away. This is where the roaches seem to be coming from most of the time. At other times in the past three years, I’ve seen them in other places. When I first moved here, they seemed to be coming from the bathroom. I have since had maintenance come out and make sure any openings are filled in behind the tub, and I keep the tub plugged at all times. At other times, I had the problem of them coming in from the space between the wall and floor below the AC unit. I always request that that wall be sprayed, but I don’t know if I’ll have trouble there again this summer.
The majority of the problem is, however, the closet behind the stove. Even after maintenance came this last time to fill in any openings, a few days later I saw a roach come out of that closet. And the week after, I heard at least one roach in the vents.
From what I have observed and asked about, the monthly treatments that the technicians from Smithereen do is a gel treatment on the hinges of cupboards. I don’t think this treatment is meant to stop the big roaches from coming in, but just to keep new colonies from forming. They also put powder down or spray when asked to, which disorients the big roaches that come in and kills them shortly after they come into contact with it. I don’t think this is enough. In the time it takes for them to die, they have time to get into my bed (which last occurred a couple weeks ago).
I think there should be a more consistent attempt to keep them out of the building in the first place. When I talked to you on the phone on Tuesday (it may have been Monday), you said that you visited the building and did not see a significant problem. You also suggested that perhaps pests such as these were just a fact of life in city apartments. I would really like to see the report that Smithereen made and that you offered to fax to me. I’ll include my work fax number at the end of this message. I was at the el stop when I was on the phone with you, so I may not have heard everything you said about the subject of pests and city life, so I’d also appreciate some clarification on what kind and frequency of pest problem I should expect from my time as a Krenger tenant.
I would also like to take the time to recognize that your company has responded to my complaints. Jamil and any other maintenance workers have come to my apartment on numerous occasions to help with this situation, and Ruth has also been fairly helpful in relaying information to me. I hope you understand that I am appreciative of the efforts already made but am also very frustrated with how short-term those efforts have been. I am very anxious to find a more permanent solution and intend to take whatever measures available to ensure that a more permanent solution is found.
I look forward to receiving an email response to this email as well as receiving a copy of the Smithereen report. I plan on sharing that report with others in the building who are also interested.
Erica
5528 N Kenmore Ave. Apt. 106
Phone: 773.---.----
Fax: 773.---.----
Email to Krenger from T - May 10, 2009
Marty Krenger:
I have lived at 5528 N Kenmore Ave in unit --- going on two years. I have spoken with Erica in 106, who recommended that I send an email detailing where I have heard and seen roaches in the last few months.
In the past two months, I have seen a huge increase in the number of roaches I have either seen dead in my apartment or have been forced to kill. I find these incidents very disturbing and stressful. Each time it happens, I try to stay out of my apartment, which is a ridiculous circumstance for someone who is paying 625 per month for what is supposed to be my home. In the past three weeks, I’ve seen eleven roaches. If you have any doubts as to the number, I encourage you to ask the maintenance man because he actually disposed of the roach carcasses that had been sitting in the utility closet/boiler room near the front door of my apartment.
I have seen roach carcasses all over my apartment, and I have seen live roaches coming out of that utility closet, crawling on the floor, on the side of my bookshelves, and once on my kitchen counter. I should also emphasize that I keep food picked up around my apartment, and I rinse out dirty dishes before putting them in my sink. Also, that roach was definitely too big to have come up through the kitchen sink.
The thing that has been bothering me almost as much as seeing dead roaches and having to kill live ones is the noises they make in my wall. I say “they” with purpose because the sounds are not coming from just one roach. On more than one occasion, I have heard these sounds for several minutes (perhaps 30-60 minutes), heard what sounds like roaches dropping from the ceiling, and then minutes later, seen one, then two, then perhaps three roaches come out from under the door of the utility room. Other times, I just hear them for hours. I should clarify that I hear them in the walls in the kitchen, in the upper portions of the north and west walls. As you can imagine, I have not felt very good about cooking, eating, working, or sleeping in my apartment as of late.
As you probably know, I have called your offices several times and had maintenance out to fill in the gaps where roaches can get in and have had them and the exterminators spray. This has not solved the problem, and if it has slowed it down, it has not slowed it down enough. I want this to stop. Even if you can keep the roaches out of my apartment, you need to do something to keep them out of the walls and out of the building. Isn’t there some kind of baiting program that the exterminators can do to kill the colonies of roaches in the area, or is there a way to keep them from coming into the building?
I really do not want to move. And as you might imagine, if the roaches continue to be a problem, I will not speak well of my experience in this building.
Thank you for your immediate attention to these matters.
Sincerely,
T
Apartment ---
I have lived at 5528 N Kenmore Ave in unit --- going on two years. I have spoken with Erica in 106, who recommended that I send an email detailing where I have heard and seen roaches in the last few months.
In the past two months, I have seen a huge increase in the number of roaches I have either seen dead in my apartment or have been forced to kill. I find these incidents very disturbing and stressful. Each time it happens, I try to stay out of my apartment, which is a ridiculous circumstance for someone who is paying 625 per month for what is supposed to be my home. In the past three weeks, I’ve seen eleven roaches. If you have any doubts as to the number, I encourage you to ask the maintenance man because he actually disposed of the roach carcasses that had been sitting in the utility closet/boiler room near the front door of my apartment.
I have seen roach carcasses all over my apartment, and I have seen live roaches coming out of that utility closet, crawling on the floor, on the side of my bookshelves, and once on my kitchen counter. I should also emphasize that I keep food picked up around my apartment, and I rinse out dirty dishes before putting them in my sink. Also, that roach was definitely too big to have come up through the kitchen sink.
The thing that has been bothering me almost as much as seeing dead roaches and having to kill live ones is the noises they make in my wall. I say “they” with purpose because the sounds are not coming from just one roach. On more than one occasion, I have heard these sounds for several minutes (perhaps 30-60 minutes), heard what sounds like roaches dropping from the ceiling, and then minutes later, seen one, then two, then perhaps three roaches come out from under the door of the utility room. Other times, I just hear them for hours. I should clarify that I hear them in the walls in the kitchen, in the upper portions of the north and west walls. As you can imagine, I have not felt very good about cooking, eating, working, or sleeping in my apartment as of late.
As you probably know, I have called your offices several times and had maintenance out to fill in the gaps where roaches can get in and have had them and the exterminators spray. This has not solved the problem, and if it has slowed it down, it has not slowed it down enough. I want this to stop. Even if you can keep the roaches out of my apartment, you need to do something to keep them out of the walls and out of the building. Isn’t there some kind of baiting program that the exterminators can do to kill the colonies of roaches in the area, or is there a way to keep them from coming into the building?
I really do not want to move. And as you might imagine, if the roaches continue to be a problem, I will not speak well of my experience in this building.
Thank you for your immediate attention to these matters.
Sincerely,
T
Apartment ---
Response from TD - May 10, 2009
Date: Sun, 10 May 2009 20:59:15 -0500
Subject: roach problem
From: ---@---.com
To: ---@---.com
The roaches are on the 2nd floor too. I've seen them in my apt about 5-6 times...and it's horrible since they're huge. I just killed one in the hallway (in front of 2--). it should still be there, if u wanna take a pic.
I'd rather remain anonymous since I kinda like the place where I'm at. Let me know if there's something else i can do. Your letter was a great read by the way - aside from the content (bugs). Thanks.
-TD
Subject: roach problem
From: ---@---.com
To: ---@---.com
The roaches are on the 2nd floor too. I've seen them in my apt about 5-6 times...and it's horrible since they're huge. I just killed one in the hallway (in front of 2--). it should still be there, if u wanna take a pic.
I'd rather remain anonymous since I kinda like the place where I'm at. Let me know if there's something else i can do. Your letter was a great read by the way - aside from the content (bugs). Thanks.
-TD
Letter to my fellow residents - May 8, 2009
May 8, 2009
Dear fellow 5528 N. Kenmore resident,
This is an informal letter from one of your neighbors. I am hoping to get you involved in holding Krenger accountable on the matter or roaches, which I think they have been avoiding for years.
This is my third year of living in the same unit (106), and from the start, I have had problems with fairly large cockroaches visiting me on occasion (I am told they can also be called water bugs, Asian cockroaches, and sewer bugs). I have seen dead bugs in the basement common areas, talked to one other resident, and read online reviews, so I know it is not just me who is having this issue. Krenger has repeatedly sprayed my unit and had spaces plugged where roaches could get in. Pests may be just a fact of life in city dwellings, but I also think that dealing with these large bugs on a regular basis is not acceptable (and is likely a violation of the Residential Landlord and Tenants Ordinance).
I have talked to Krenger more often recently and am trying to get them to find a more permanent solution (such as a baiting program to target the nearby colonies where these bugs are coming from). Killing the bugs once they get in the building is not enough, and the monthly gel treatments don’t seem to be working. I’ve talked with a few technicians from Smithereen Pest Management, several people at Krenger, and recently with Marty Krenger. Despite my frequent calls to the office on this matter, he informed me he had just visited the building and not found a significant problem. As I tried to tell him why I found the situation unacceptable, he said he wanted me to email him specific information on where I’ve seen roaches, when, and where I’ve heard them (in the walls, in the vent, etc). He seemed to emphasize the need for documentation. Whether his call for documentation came from a serious willingness to solve this problem or just a way to get me off the phone, I don’t know.
I do know that we can make him accountable for the kind of standards he is or is not upholding, so I encourage you to (this week) email him a detailed list of where you’ve seen these roaches, when, and where you’ve heard them. Please send it to Marty Krenger at info@krenger.com. I would prefer you not mention me or this letter to anyone at Krenger.
I’ve spoken to a counselor at Chicago’s Metropolitan Tenants Organization (773.292.4988 or http://www.tenants-rights.org/), and he said I should consider calling in the city (311) to do an inspection. I suggest reviewing Krenger Real Estate Company on Yelp.com and ApartmentRatings.com (I will as well). Be aware, however, that though retaliation (such as Krenger not allowing you to renew your lease) is illegal but sometimes possible, so if you prefer to review anonymously, it’s up to you.
I would also like to launch a blog dedicated to reviewing Krenger’s company and documenting the experiences of residents of this building (including pictures). I would love to be able to add you as a collaborator on that blog or to paste in an entry from you. If you are interested in doing that, please email me or tape a written response to my door. I understand that you may not want to share your name, but I hope that by providing my name, email, and apartment number, you will take seriously my promise to keep your information private.
I hope to hear from you soon,
Erica
----@----.com, Apt. 106
Dear fellow 5528 N. Kenmore resident,
This is an informal letter from one of your neighbors. I am hoping to get you involved in holding Krenger accountable on the matter or roaches, which I think they have been avoiding for years.
This is my third year of living in the same unit (106), and from the start, I have had problems with fairly large cockroaches visiting me on occasion (I am told they can also be called water bugs, Asian cockroaches, and sewer bugs). I have seen dead bugs in the basement common areas, talked to one other resident, and read online reviews, so I know it is not just me who is having this issue. Krenger has repeatedly sprayed my unit and had spaces plugged where roaches could get in. Pests may be just a fact of life in city dwellings, but I also think that dealing with these large bugs on a regular basis is not acceptable (and is likely a violation of the Residential Landlord and Tenants Ordinance).
I have talked to Krenger more often recently and am trying to get them to find a more permanent solution (such as a baiting program to target the nearby colonies where these bugs are coming from). Killing the bugs once they get in the building is not enough, and the monthly gel treatments don’t seem to be working. I’ve talked with a few technicians from Smithereen Pest Management, several people at Krenger, and recently with Marty Krenger. Despite my frequent calls to the office on this matter, he informed me he had just visited the building and not found a significant problem. As I tried to tell him why I found the situation unacceptable, he said he wanted me to email him specific information on where I’ve seen roaches, when, and where I’ve heard them (in the walls, in the vent, etc). He seemed to emphasize the need for documentation. Whether his call for documentation came from a serious willingness to solve this problem or just a way to get me off the phone, I don’t know.
I do know that we can make him accountable for the kind of standards he is or is not upholding, so I encourage you to (this week) email him a detailed list of where you’ve seen these roaches, when, and where you’ve heard them. Please send it to Marty Krenger at info@krenger.com. I would prefer you not mention me or this letter to anyone at Krenger.
I’ve spoken to a counselor at Chicago’s Metropolitan Tenants Organization (773.292.4988 or http://www.tenants-rights.org/), and he said I should consider calling in the city (311) to do an inspection. I suggest reviewing Krenger Real Estate Company on Yelp.com and ApartmentRatings.com (I will as well). Be aware, however, that though retaliation (such as Krenger not allowing you to renew your lease) is illegal but sometimes possible, so if you prefer to review anonymously, it’s up to you.
I would also like to launch a blog dedicated to reviewing Krenger’s company and documenting the experiences of residents of this building (including pictures). I would love to be able to add you as a collaborator on that blog or to paste in an entry from you. If you are interested in doing that, please email me or tape a written response to my door. I understand that you may not want to share your name, but I hope that by providing my name, email, and apartment number, you will take seriously my promise to keep your information private.
I hope to hear from you soon,
Erica
----@----.com, Apt. 106
Let the Blogging Begin!
I am a resident at 5528 N. Kenmore Ave in the north side of Chicago. I have lived in the same apartment for almost three years and after numerous calls to my landlord every spring and summer and sometimes in between, I have decided to fight back.
Roaches are not fun. Roaches alter your perception of the space you live in, and that's not a lie. After having a bad experience with one (and are there every any good experiences?), you will think you see them all the time. Then once you let your guard down, you will be all the more freaked out when you see another.
The roaches that I have seen in this building vary in size--sometimes between two and three inches, and sometimes about an inch in length. I have only found the larger variety in my apartment (which is not on the ground floor), but I have seen the smaller ones dead in other areas in the building. I am told that the roaches that I find do not live in the building, but rather come in from the sewers.
The purpose of this blog is to make public and somewhat formal what I (and others in this building) have been dealing with on a private and informal basis. Since March, I have stepped up my communication with my landlord (The Krenger Company) and have decided not to step down and hush up as I have done in the past.
Krenger is a good company. It staff are generally polite, and when something needs fixed, the work order is put in and carried out in a timely fashion.
The company has responded to my complaints about roaches over the years by 1) recommending that I keep my drains plugged, 2) sending someone from the maintenance team to use caulking to fill in gaps where the roaches could get in to 3) sending someone from maintenance to spray or put down powder that will kill the roaches, 4) sending a technician from Smithereen Pest Control to treat my apartment, which has entailed the exact same process as maintenance except the spray is of a higher quality.
Despite their willingness to respond to my complaints, the problem has not been resolved. Roaches still regularly come into my apartment and in the apartments of others in the building.
In trying to find a more permanent solution, I have contacted several people at Krenger. After one episode in which I found a roach in my bed, I called and let them know that I wanted to talk to one person who I could hold accountable for what the management is doing to solve this problem. Ruth was very polite, but after a couple weeks of being put off by her because I was trying to find out what was decided after an inspection by her boss and someone from Smithereen, I was finally able to talk to Marty Krenger about the matter.
His demeanor indicated that he was not prepared to do much more than what had already been done, and he told me he found no significant problem. I was extremely disappointed in his attitude and what he was telling me, but he told me I should email him a more detailed record of where and when I've seen the roaches. I did so and will include the letters I send him as well as a summary of his responses.
All too often tenants have a negative experience in the building and then just move at the end of their lease or earlier if they can get out of it. Then the next resident moves in and has the same problem. I've thought of doing the same thing myself, but because I like everything about the apartment, location, and price, I want to stay.
I hope that this blog succeeds in making the buck stop here. If this problem is not solved, and I am forced to relocate, then at least potential residents will have more of a chance to find out what problems await them in this building.
Roaches are not fun. Roaches alter your perception of the space you live in, and that's not a lie. After having a bad experience with one (and are there every any good experiences?), you will think you see them all the time. Then once you let your guard down, you will be all the more freaked out when you see another.
The roaches that I have seen in this building vary in size--sometimes between two and three inches, and sometimes about an inch in length. I have only found the larger variety in my apartment (which is not on the ground floor), but I have seen the smaller ones dead in other areas in the building. I am told that the roaches that I find do not live in the building, but rather come in from the sewers.
The purpose of this blog is to make public and somewhat formal what I (and others in this building) have been dealing with on a private and informal basis. Since March, I have stepped up my communication with my landlord (The Krenger Company) and have decided not to step down and hush up as I have done in the past.
Krenger is a good company. It staff are generally polite, and when something needs fixed, the work order is put in and carried out in a timely fashion.
The company has responded to my complaints about roaches over the years by 1) recommending that I keep my drains plugged, 2) sending someone from the maintenance team to use caulking to fill in gaps where the roaches could get in to 3) sending someone from maintenance to spray or put down powder that will kill the roaches, 4) sending a technician from Smithereen Pest Control to treat my apartment, which has entailed the exact same process as maintenance except the spray is of a higher quality.
Despite their willingness to respond to my complaints, the problem has not been resolved. Roaches still regularly come into my apartment and in the apartments of others in the building.
In trying to find a more permanent solution, I have contacted several people at Krenger. After one episode in which I found a roach in my bed, I called and let them know that I wanted to talk to one person who I could hold accountable for what the management is doing to solve this problem. Ruth was very polite, but after a couple weeks of being put off by her because I was trying to find out what was decided after an inspection by her boss and someone from Smithereen, I was finally able to talk to Marty Krenger about the matter.
His demeanor indicated that he was not prepared to do much more than what had already been done, and he told me he found no significant problem. I was extremely disappointed in his attitude and what he was telling me, but he told me I should email him a more detailed record of where and when I've seen the roaches. I did so and will include the letters I send him as well as a summary of his responses.
All too often tenants have a negative experience in the building and then just move at the end of their lease or earlier if they can get out of it. Then the next resident moves in and has the same problem. I've thought of doing the same thing myself, but because I like everything about the apartment, location, and price, I want to stay.
I hope that this blog succeeds in making the buck stop here. If this problem is not solved, and I am forced to relocate, then at least potential residents will have more of a chance to find out what problems await them in this building.
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