Formal Health, Safety, and Habitability Warning: Prospective Renters Please Read…read more
I am providing this notice to ensure prospective renters are aware of serious and persistent rodent infestation issues at this townhouse unit in Elmsford, NY 10523. Since June 2025, I have experienced a chronic rodent infestation, which continues into January 2026.
This is not limited to droppings; I have personally observed live mice throughout the apartment over this entire period. Despite repeated service requests and multiple pest control visits, the infestation remains unresolved. Health and Medical Implications
The ongoing infestation presents significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable household members:
-Asthma, making this family member who resides with me highly susceptible to respiratory distress, asthma exacerbations, and other pulmonary complications from airborne rodent urine, feces, and dander.
-My child has been directly impacted by the infestation. He now avoids moving freely throughout the apartment, refuses to stay in his bedroom, and sleeps with me out of fear of rodents. Note: droppings have been found in both of our bedrooms.
Rodent infestations are known to cause:
-Respiratory illness from airborne particles in droppings and urine
-Allergic reactions and asthma flare-ups
-Bacterial infections and zoonotic diseases, including Salmonella and Leptospirosis
-Contamination of food, clothing, bedding, and furniture
-Rodent droppings and contamination have been observed extensively throughout the unit, including:
-My bed
-Living room couch and dining room chairs
-My child's bedroom
-Stairs and laundry closet
-Kitchen floor near areas where food is prepared
These locations reflect only documented findings; rodents move freely, and additional contamination may exist elsewhere.
Mental Health and Psychological Safety
The chronic infestation has created substantial psychological distress for all household members:
-My son is afraid to navigate the apartment and will not remain in his bedroom
-I must shake my scarf, jacket, and purse before leaving home to avoid carrying rodents or droppings
-I cannot safely sit on furniture, including the couch and dining chairs, all of which I have found droppings.
-I have stopped inviting friends and family over due to embarrassment and concern for their safety.
-My overall sense of safety, comfort, and psychological security in my own home has been compromised
This persistent condition interferes materially with habitability, health, and daily living. A home should serve as a sanctuary, which is not the case in this unit.
Pest Control and Management Response
When pest control has visited the unit, their approach has consistently:
-Shifted responsibility onto the tenant, including advice on cleaning more thoroughly.
-Placed a few traps and sticky pads rather than addressing the root cause of the infestation
For example, I was accused of attracting mice by leaving my balcony door open (now I don't even enjoy the use of the balcony - door open or closed), despite maintaining the unit meticulously.
I come from a Hispanic family, where performing a deep cleaning of the home on Saturday mornings is customary. I am an neat and clean as they come. I was raised that way. Even with consistent care, rodents remain pervasive. Management is otherwise polite and professional, but kindness does not mitigate the infestation or restore habitability.
Who to Contact Prior to Lease Signing
Prospective renters should be aware that managements response to rodent issues is typically minimal and insufficient.
Before signing a lease, it is strongly recommended to verify that the unit is free of rodent activity and to keep the following contacts for regulatory support and formal complaints:
Westchester County Department of Health Environmental Health Division (914) 813?5000
Village of Elmsford Building Department / Code Enforcement (914) 345-1553
Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection (914) 995-2155
Additional Contacts for Persistent Infestation or Tenant Advocacy: Legal Services of the Hudson Valley Tenant Advocacy: (914) 949-1305
Westchester County Office of the Public Advocate / Ombudsman: (914) 995-2145
Village of Elmsford Health Inspector / Housing Complaints: Contact via Village Hall main line (914) 345-1553
If you value health, safety, psychological well-being, and basic habitability, it is strongly recommended to contact these agencies and inquire about any prior complaints before signing a lease.