Portland, Oregon — A longtime Portland couple has filed a lawsuit against their neighbor, claiming a powerful odor allegedly coming from a tiny mobile home next door has made their property nearly impossible to enjoy and caused serious health concerns.
The legal battle centers on allegations that a combination of sewage-related odors and chemicals created conditions so severe that the couple says they have been forced to wear gas masks whenever they step outside.
Couple Claims Smell Turned Their Home Into a Nightmare
According to the lawsuit, John and Trudy Benjamin have lived in their Parkrose Heights home for more than 40 years. However, they claim their quality of life changed dramatically after a small mobile home was placed on neighboring property owned by Karen Ward.
Trudy Benjamin, 67, said she first noticed the odor around August of last year and claims it gradually became impossible to ignore.
“My husband started walking by and started smelling it, and he said, ‘My God, what’s that?’” Trudy told OregonLive. “And I said, ‘Yeah, I’ve been smelling it for a while.’”
The couple described the smell as life-changing, alleging it prevented them from enjoying basic outdoor activities such as gardening or relaxing in their yard.
Lawsuit Alleges Sewage and Chemical Odors
The complaint alleges that the odor originated from a tiny RV-style home parked beside Ward’s residence.
According to the Benjamins’ attorney, Karl Anuta, a possible explanation could involve a chemical toilet overflowing and leaking into the surrounding ground.
Anuta suggested efforts to mask the smell may have worsened the situation.
The lawsuit argues that the combination of bleach and ammonia from urine could have created harmful fumes, potentially exposing nearby residents to dangerous conditions.
However, the exact source of the odor has not been officially determined.
Health Problems Allegedly Linked to Odor
The couple claims the smell has caused ongoing health issues for both themselves and visitors.
According to the lawsuit, they have experienced dizziness, nausea and other symptoms after being exposed to the odor.
The complaint also alleges that John Benjamin, 77, collapsed after being affected by the smell, resulting in a chipped kneecap that required surgery and extensive physical therapy.
On another occasion, Trudy claimed a friend could smell the odor lingering on their clothing.
Grandpa Dies After Receiving Rabies-Infected Kidney in Rare Organ Transplant Tragedy, Officials Say
The Benjamins say they now keep their doors and windows closed and wear gas masks equipped with carbon filters when leaving their home.
Neighbor Says Cleanup Has Already Taken Place
Ward disputed some of the allegations and said steps have already been taken to address concerns.
In comments provided to local media, she explained that the tiny home contained an “RV toilet” and “portable septic tank.”
According to Ward, both systems were removed in late April and the affected area was cleaned afterward.
Despite those efforts, the Benjamins maintain that the odor remains and continues to affect their daily lives.
Couple Seeking Damages and Permanent Fix
The lawsuit seeks non-economic damages of up to $200,000, with the final amount to be determined by a jury.
In addition to financial compensation, the couple wants the tiny home removed from the property or prohibited from being used until it is properly connected to a sewer system.
Their attorney summarized their goal by saying:
“All the Benjamins want is to be able to use and enjoy their home of 40 years, without having to wear industrial-grade respirators whenever they go outside.”
The case remains pending, and a court will ultimately determine whether the allegations justify damages or additional action.
What do you think about this unusual neighbor dispute? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
