Why the dead-rodent odor is the landlord’s job
A strong, foul odor that appears out of nowhere often means a rodent died inside a wall, ceiling, or floor. Report it to your landlord right away, because finding and removing the dead rodent — and clearing the smell — is generally the landlord's responsibility.
Rodents that are poisoned or trapped inside a building often die in hard-to-reach spots, and the odor can last for days or even weeks as the animal decomposes. Because locating and removing it usually means opening up part of the structure, this is typically the landlord's job, not something a tenant can reasonably handle alone.
A lingering dead-animal odor is also a sanitation issue that can make a home hard to live in. Document the smell and when it started, and keep your written report to the landlord. If your landlord will not locate and remove a dead rodent causing the odor, a free review can help you understand your options.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.