The situation
Illustrative example. Not a real job or customer.
A hypothetical older side-by-side duplex near West Washington Park has a continuous crawlspace under both units, with a single access hatch on one side and two foundation vents. One unit is owner-occupied; the other is rented by the same owner to a couple. In October, both units start to smell of skunk, the rental side much more strongly.
- The tenants report it in writing to the owner, who has noticed the smell too.
- Outside, a foundation vent on the rental side has a bent screen and fresh soil below it.
- A wildlife operator checks the crawlspace from the hatch and finds signs of a den near the rental-side vent, but no animal on a later check.
- The vent is temporarily covered after a one-way door period, and the operator confirms the space is empty.
- An odor provider enters through the hatch, removes the torn vapor barrier and the insulation batts near the den, and treats the soil and framing.
- Return ductwork under the rental unit, which ran through the crawlspace with loose joints, is sealed and treated.
- New vapor barrier and insulation go in, and the vent gets a new heavy screen.
- Both units receive an interior treatment, the rental unit more extensively.
Both units clear up. Because the owner kept the tenants informed with dates and gave notice before each visit, the work happened without conflict. The tenants note in their own records which personal items were affected.
Who handled what
| Task | Responsible party | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Reporting the smell | Tenants | In writing, with the date |
| Wildlife removal and vent closure | Owner, through a licensed operator | The structure is the owner's responsibility |
| Crawlspace and duct treatment | Owner | Covers both units at once |
| Interior treatment of the rental | Owner | Tenants given notice before each visit |
| Laundering personal fabrics | Tenants, with the owner discussing costs | Depends on the lease and the conversation |
| Keeping records | Both | Useful for any later questions |
Points where things could have gone differently
- IfOnly the rental side had been treatedThe shared crawlspace would have kept affecting the owner's side, and possibly re-contaminated the rental.
- IfThe duct joints had not been sealedThe rental furnace would have kept drawing crawlspace air into the unit.
- IfThe tenants had not reported in writingTimelines and responsibilities would have been harder to establish later.
- IfThe two units had different ownersBoth owners would need to agree on access, scope and cost sharing, ideally in writing.
Why shared spaces need a shared plan
Duplexes, triplexes and small apartment buildings are common in the denser blocks west of the park and toward Speer. When units share a crawlspace, basement or air system, a skunk problem under one unit is effectively a problem for all of them. Treating only the loudest complaint tends to leave the source partly untreated.
The simplest approach is to treat the shared space as a single job and the individual units as separate follow-ups, with one person coordinating access and keeping everyone informed. That person is usually the owner or the property manager.
General information for Washington Park, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.