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When management offers a flimsy solution to a serious maintenance problem, following directions can become wonderfully inconvenient.

This tenant reported ants and termites, but the property manager said nobody could inspect or repair the apartment.

Instead, they suggested covering every possible entry point with tape.

The resident took that recommendation very seriously.

I put in a work order for ants and termites in my apartment (something they have told us is considered an emergency during all this).

The property manager tells me they cannot get pest control out due to all this. No pest control has happened since lockdowns started.

That information is about to become very valuable.

Maintenance cannot enter to re-caulk the loose window they are entering through.

Property manager suggested taping the areas I think the bugs are entering through.

Two colors of duck tape and one of painter’s tape later, I secured every possible entrance point against the ants.

Then she documented it thoroughly.

I took pictures and emailed them with written confirmation that the very visible tape was placed as per their directive.

Code Enforcement was already investigating the property and has been doing regular checks.

Now we wait.

Here is what people are saying.

Missed the point, but true.

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If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a college student who decides to send his university a counter-bill after they try to get him to pay “inconvenience fees.”

Precarious is not the right word. But doing it yourself could anger the property manager.

The tenant sealed every possible entrance with three colors of tape, then documented the conspicuous result as management’s official solution.

With code enforcement already inspecting the property, that temporary fix could soon become some very visible evidence.

Nothing says professional pest control like an apartment wrapped for shipping.

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Author

Chris Allen