Chicago, Illinois — A Chicago tenant says months of complaints about a worsening rodent infestation ended in a terrifying ordeal when he awoke in the middle of the night to find rats allegedly chewing on his face inside his apartment.
The incident has intensified an ongoing dispute between residents and the property’s management company, with tenants claiming unsafe living conditions while management says it has made significant investments to improve the complex.
The incident is also drawing renewed attention to rodent problems affecting large cities across the United States.
Tenant Says He Was Attacked While Sleeping
Heriverto Hernandez said the frightening incident happened inside his garden-level apartment in the Rogers Park neighborhood after he returned home from work and went to sleep.
According to Hernandez, he suddenly woke around 3 a.m. after feeling movement on his face.
“I was sleeping at night. I work in the city, and I was really tired. I went to sleep, and they attacked me around 3 a.m. I felt them on my face and threw them off of my face.”
Photographs shared after the incident showed injuries to Hernandez’s face, including swelling around one eye and several cuts across his forehead.
Following the incident, Hernandez sought medical treatment, where he received a rabies vaccination and antibiotics as a precaution.
He said his eye remained irritated following the alleged attack.
Tenants Say Rodent Problems Have Persisted for Months
Hernandez is one of several residents involved with Fuerzas Activas de la Damen, a tenant union affiliated with the All-Chicago Tenant Alliance.
The organization says residents have repeatedly reported rodent infestations and cockroach problems throughout multiple units in the apartment complex.
According to tenant advocates, maintenance requests have gone unresolved for months despite repeated complaints.
Residents argue that the alleged conditions have created ongoing health and safety concerns for those living in the building.
Property Management Disputes Claims
The management company overseeing the apartment complex said it has been working to improve conditions at the property.
In a statement, ARK Management said it has invested more than $1.5 million in renovations since March 2025 and has rehabilitated more than 20 apartment units.
The company also stated that Hernandez has been involved in eviction proceedings after allegedly falling behind on rent for approximately eight months.
Management further claimed it offered Hernandez opportunities to relocate into a renovated apartment, but those offers were not accepted.
“Our objective has been to improve the building, address longstanding issues, and provide safe, quality housing for our residents.”
The company added that it takes any reports involving tenant health and safety seriously.
Attorney Says Landlords Must Maintain Safe Conditions
Attorneys representing tenants involved in litigation say a landlord’s legal responsibilities remain unchanged regardless of rental disputes.
Attorney Jake Marshall-Braun emphasized that maintenance obligations continue even when eviction proceedings are underway.
“A landlord’s responsibility to maintain their building does not end when a tenant is behind on rent or is in eviction proceedings.”
The dispute between tenants and management remains ongoing.
Rodent Problems Continue to Challenge Major Cities
The incident comes as researchers continue studying how rodents are adapting to modern pest-control methods.
Recent scientific findings suggest that some mice are developing resistance to commonly used rodenticides, while rats have become increasingly skilled at avoiding traditional traps.
Researchers say those adaptations may require cities to rethink long-term pest management strategies while balancing concerns about the effects rodenticides can have on other wildlife.
As questions surrounding the Rogers Park apartment complex continue, both tenants and management remain divided over responsibility for the reported conditions.
What do you think landlords and city officials should do to address severe rodent infestations in residential buildings? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.