I moved into an apartment in Amarillo, Texas that was supposed to be painted and cleaned by 10/15. It was indeed painted and the carpet looked clean when I went in. As the paint smell diminished, I noticed a another pungent smell. I soon discovered it was dog urine. I could still see discoloration by the patio doors.

I reported it to management and was told that it would be cleaned again and the dog hair removed from the perimeter of the carpet around the room. Didn't look like anything was done. If it was it was very minimum. The smell was still strong so the manager said they would try replacing the padding and then cleaning the carpet again. Nothing of the kind was done.

I went to her again and she said they would soak it with a deodorizer and try that. Nothing replaced. It has been 10 days worth of promises and no solution. I'm being 'very nicely' put off and lied to. My guests notice the smell and after being in the apt. for awhile I get headaches because of it.

I am getting nowhere trying to talk to the 'sweet' manager who seems to be sympathetic but never keeps her word.

Do I have a right to rent an apartment that does not smell like dog urine? Are they obligated to replace the carpet? She promised to at least replace the padding.

What do I do and who do I go to for help?
Thank you,
Ccm

You may have little luck trying to force them to clean but the local health department might give them a crack on the knuckles. Tell the manager that the smell is making you ill and a little dizzy and you want the department to inspect to make sure there isn't black mold or something. I think you may see new carpet and padding, which by the way, is the only option. Could be worse, previous owner could have had a cat, way worse.

Did you have any luck here? I'm in the same situation now.