Residents of a multifamily home in Bridgeport say a dead body left unattended for several days led them to file complaints with police and the Health Department.
Bridgeport police responded to 254 Black Rock Ave. Friday.
Residents say they are furious with the landlord for ignoring their repeated complaints about a foul smell for four days.
"This is deplorable conditions, and no person should have to live like this," said Tamika Nelson.
Residents say it began weeks ago when one of the neighbors on the second floor died in his apartment. Photos show the place overfilled with garbage.
They say the body was left unattended in the apartment for days until the landlord eventually called police, who discovered the body on June 19 and then had it removed.
"We had people walk by that could smell it from outside," said Terry Walsh.
In the weeks that followed their neighbor's death, Residents say their landlord put them up, on and off, at a hotel so the home could be cleaned and fumigated. But this past Wednesday, residents say the landlord requested their keys and boarded the home up with their pets inside.
Bridgeport health officials announced Friday they would be launching their own investigation and have cited the landlord for health code violations.
"There were flies, maggots, rodents, roaches," said Nelson.
Residents say after police got involved Friday, the landlord extended their hotel stay for a week. They have no idea what is going to happen after that.
"No person should have to live like this," Nelson said.
The pets are now safe, the residents say.
Residents say city officials have helped them every step of the way.
News 12 reached out to the landlord but has not heard back.