Suggested columns
| Column | Example entry | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Date and time | Mid-afternoon, a warm day | Links the report to conditions |
| Unit and building | Unit and building label | Finds clusters |
| Location of the smell | Kitchen, bathroom, corridor | Narrows the source |
| Description | Sour, musty, sweet, smoky | Suggests a cause category |
| Strength | Scale level | Compares complaints |
| Action | Inspection, cleaning, referral | Records what was done |
| Result | Resolved, recurring | Shows what worked |
Follow-up questions for the resident
- When did you first notice it?
- Is it there all day or at certain times?
- Does it change when the heating or cooling runs?
- Does it seem to come from a vent, a drain, a wall or the door?
- Have neighbors mentioned it?
Monthly review
- Sort by building and floor.
- Sort by description word and compare.
- Compare to the weather and to trash pickup days.
- List units with more than one complaint.
- Pick one pattern to investigate further.
Keeping the log useful
A log only helps if entries are written the same way each time. Agree on a short list of description words and a single place to keep the log, so the data can be filtered rather than read line by line.
Be careful about interpretation. A cluster of complaints on one floor may point to a shared chase or a corridor airflow problem, but it may also reflect a single complaining resident who talks to neighbors. Use the log to decide where to look, then confirm with an inspection.
Close the loop with residents. A short note saying what was found and done builds trust and reduces repeat complaints, and it gives the log an honest result column.
Keep the review short and regular. Fifteen minutes each month with the log open on a screen is usually enough to spot a pattern worth acting on, and the habit matters more than the length of the session.
If the community uses a work-order system, set up an odor category so entries can be pulled out without reading every ticket. A consistent tag turns months of scattered requests into a dataset that can answer practical questions about where and when smells occur.
Common questions
Who should have access to the log?
Management and maintenance staff who respond to complaints. Keep resident personal details out of the pattern review, and share only the conclusions with others.
Should anonymous complaints be logged?
Yes, with whatever location detail is available. Even a note that a smell was reported in a corridor helps build the picture, though it may be harder to follow up.
General information for Centennial, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.