Finding the path

  1. Confirm the source is outside the unit

    Smell the unit with the door closed, then smell the corridor. A stronger smell in the corridor points to a source outside.

  2. Check the entry door seal

    Look at the weatherstripping on all four sides and at the door sweep. Daylight under or around a closed door is a sign of air leaking.

  3. Check the threshold

    A worn threshold or a gap where the door meets the floor lets corridor air flow in.

  4. Inspect openings in walls and ceilings

    Look at utility penetrations, outlet boxes on shared walls, and gaps around pipes under sinks.

  5. Test with smoke or a tissue

    A light tissue near suspected gaps shows airflow direction. Use only approved methods and follow the community's safety rules.

  6. Seal what can be reached

    Replace seals, adjust the sweep and close small gaps with materials suitable for the location.

Where the smell comes from

Two broad cases, with different fixes.

Path through the door

  • Corridor odors such as cooking or a trash room smell.
  • Often strongest near the door and fades inward.
  • Fixes: weatherstripping, sweep, threshold and door adjustment.
  • Check any corridor pressure or ventilation issues.

Path through walls and openings

  • Smells from a neighboring unit or a shared chase.
  • Often strongest in a kitchen, bathroom or closet wall.
  • Fixes: sealing penetrations and checking shared ducts.
  • May need a fire-rated sealing method; follow building rules.

Small gaps worth checking

Door sweep
Worn rubber or a bent strip leaves a gap along the bottom
Weatherstripping
Compressed or missing along the strike side
Pipe penetrations
Rings of open space around plumbing under sinks
Outlet boxes
Openings on shared walls where air can pass

What to do once the path is found

  • IfThe gap is at the entry door seal or sweepReplace or adjust it as routine maintenance and recheck the smell the next day.
  • IfThe gap is around a pipe in a shared wallUse a sealing product rated for the location; confirm the method with the building's maintenance lead.
  • IfThe source is in the corridor itselfLook at corridor ventilation, trash handling and nearby unit doors left open.
  • IfThe path leads to a shared chase or ductTreat it as a building issue and involve the appropriate vendor or supervisor.

Common questions

Can residents seal door gaps themselves?

Residents may be able to add simple draft strips if the community allows it. Most gaps are better handled by maintenance, particularly those in fire-rated doors or walls.

General information for Centennial, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.