Tenant Discovers Dead Cockroaches in Kitchen Cabinets — and Landlord’s “Fix” Horrifies the Internet
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — Moving into a new apartment should be an exciting experience — but one tenant’s horrifying discovery inside their kitchen cabinets has left social media users disgusted and outraged. After finding dead cockroaches and mouse droppings, the tenant’s landlord attempted a shocking “quick fix” that Reddit users are calling “absolutely foul.”
In a post shared under the username @Doodleyfish, the renter described moving into their new apartment on October 1, only to find the grim surprise days later while decorating the kitchen. “When I took a peek [on top of the cabinets], I saw they were covered in dead cockroaches,” the tenant wrote. “I guess the previous tenant had a roach problem… and a mouse problem!”
The renter said they emailed the landlord with photos of the infestation, who replied that maintenance would handle the issue. But when help arrived, things took a disturbing turn.
Maintenance “Painted Over” the Problem Instead of Fixing It
Rather than cleaning the mess, the tenant said maintenance workers painted over the dead roaches and glued a board over the hole that contained mouse droppings. “I doubt they cleaned it first,” the tenant added. “For $1,700 a month, I expect to be given a clean apartment.”
The Reddit post quickly gained traction, with thousands of users commenting on what many called an “unacceptable” and “lazy” repair. One user wrote, “Wow, the landlord memes have come to life. That’s unacceptable all around.” Another added, “Absolutely foul. I have a real fear of roaches and mice — you should terminate the lease if they don’t fix it.”
The viral post, which has now been shared widely on Reddit’s r/mildlyinfuriating and other forums, has reignited debate over landlord accountability and tenant rights in rental housing.
Why This Story Struck a Nerve With Renters
Beyond the shock factor, the incident has resonated with renters frustrated by poor maintenance standards in high-priced apartments. Many users noted that painting over pests could make infestations worse by sealing in bacteria and allergens rather than removing them.
Experts note that cockroach infestations pose health risks, especially for individuals with asthma or allergies. According to pest management professionals, roaches can enter homes through cracks, door gaps, plumbing leaks, and even luggage or grocery bags. Common signs include droppings, shed skins, and egg casings — all of which should be removed and disinfected by trained exterminators, not painted over.
Public health officials recommend contacting certified pest control services immediately if infestations are suspected. Keeping kitchens clean, sealing entry points, and reporting neglectful landlords can prevent issues from escalating.
Online Reactions Reflect Broader Housing Frustrations
In the comment section, users linked the story to a growing sense of frustration among tenants dealing with neglectful property management. One Redditor wrote, “This is what happens when landlords treat homes like investment machines instead of living spaces.”
Another joked, “Somewhere out there, a roach is now a piece of modern art.” Despite the humor, the post sparked serious discussion about how little recourse some renters have when landlords refuse to maintain basic living standards.
While Newsweek could not independently verify the Reddit post’s details, the viral reaction underscores how common these stories have become — especially amid rising rent prices and limited housing options in major cities.
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