In Crown Heights, New York City, a tenant named Adam Schleser has been enduring ongoing rat infestation issues in his apartment at the Brooklyn Jewish Hospital since October 2024. Despite 13 attempts by the property management company, Alma Realty, to address the rat problem, it has yet to be resolved. Schleser decided to take matters into his own hands by setting up a “Rat Cam” live-streaming camera to document the activities of the rats in his ceiling, aiming to pressure his landlord into thoroughly addressing the issue.
According to Schleser, the rats would run around, squeak, and even fight right above his head, causing disturbances and sleepless nights. With the camera installed, he was able to witness the rats’ movements firsthand, sometimes even capturing them staring back at the lens. His homemade “Rat Cam” system utilizes fiber-optic lenses to transmit real-time footage through small holes in the ceiling to the internet. Schleser also composed a song titled “I Am a Rat” to express his frustration and helplessness.
Schleser revealed that rat activities peak during the night, leading to prolonged insomnia and heightened stress, significantly impacting his daily life. He stopped paying rent since February and faced a lawsuit from the landlord in March for non-payment. Using WhatsApp, Schleser connected with other tenants in the community to gather reports, showing that as many as 26 residents had also heard rats inside their walls at night or witnessed them scurrying around their homes.
In a statement, Alma Realty mentioned that following the initial complaints received in early 2025, they have implemented a “multi-faceted rodent eradication plan,” including daily inspections, weekly exterminations, and sealing off all potential entry points. The management emphasized that the rat infestation exacerbation is related to regional changes such as nearby MTA subway construction, new developments, and nursing home projects.
Currently, Schleser continues to live stream, focusing the camera on the rats’ activities in the ceiling. He stated his determination not to give up and will persist in advocating for his rightful living conditions. This issue has garnered attention from both the community and the media, sparking discussions about tenant rights and responsibilities in addressing infestation problems effectively.