Cleaning a Toilet Full of Human Feces: A Landlord’s Guide to Ensuring Safety and Hygiene

Handling a situation where your renters have left a toilet full of human feces can be one of the most unpleasant experiences for a landlord. This situation not only poses a serious hygiene issue but also raises questions about the responsibilities of both the landlord and the renters. In this guide, we will walk you through the necessary steps to clean the toilet and the legal actions you can take to seek compensation for the damage.

Protecting Your Health

Before engaging in the cleanup, it is crucial to prioritize your health and safety. To protect yourself, you should don rubber gloves and wear a mask if available. The mixture of hot water and bleach can be used to disinfect the toilet, but wearing protective gear is essential to avoid direct contact and inhalation of harmful fumes.

Removing the Toilet

The simplest and most effective way to clean a toilet full of feces is to remove it completely. Follow these steps:

Materials Needed: Large heavy-duty trash bag, rubber gloves, bleach, hot water, and a flashlight.

Step 1: Turn off the water supply to the toilet.

Step 2: Remove the water tank lid and flush the toilet to empty it as much as possible.

Step 3: Disconnect the water supply line and dispose of any feces outside the bag before placing it under the toilet.

Step 4: Unscrew the toilet from the floor (be prepared for the smell).

Step 5: Place the toilet in the large trash bag, making sure to seal it tightly.

Step 6: Take the bag to a hazardous waste disposal facility.

Documenting the Damage

Once the toilet has been removed, it is essential to document the damage. Take pictures of the feces, the toilet, and the surrounding area. These photos can be crucial evidence in filing a complaint against your renters. Photographic evidence can serve as compelling visual proof of the severity of the situation, which might lead to the renters covering the costs of the toilet’s replacement.

Contractual Protections

As a landlord, you should have a comprehensive contract with your renters that outlines their responsibilities, including the expectation of leaving the property in good condition. Before the renters vacate, you should conduct an inspection to ensure the property is left in a clean and habitable state.

If the renters have left the toilet in such a state of disrepair, you can file a complaint with the local authorities or take legal action. Providing photographic evidence and documentation of the removal process can strengthen your case in court. The judge may be swayed by the visual evidence, which could result in the growers being ordered to compensate for the cost of repairs.

Additional Cleaning Steps

After removing the toilet, you should thoroughly clean the surrounding area. Ensure you clean the outer surfaces of the toilet, the bathtub, and the countertops. Open windows to ventilate the room and allow the smell to dissipate.

Use a solution of hot water and bleach to clean the area, followed by a thorough rinse with clean water. Remember to open the windows for additional ventilation and allow the area to air out fully.

Conclusion

Dealing with a toilet full of feces is a challenging but necessary task for a landlord. Prioritize your health and safety by wearing rubber gloves and a mask. Thoroughly document the incident and take legal action if necessary. Following these steps can help ensure that the property is cleaned and left in a safe, hygienic condition for future tenants.