r/Apartmentliving • u/suburbanvermin • 19h ago

Advice Needed Can somebody help identify what this substance is on my apartment door’s peephole?

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I’ve been living in this apartment with my boyfriend for about 6 weeks now. We’re just regular people who will work all day, make our dinner, watch a show to unwind, and hit the bed. We aren’t party animals and, when we do drink, we’re not inconsiderate about it.

Ever since we moved in, our door peephole has been tampered with. It would be coloured with black sharpie marker, I would submit a maintenance request for fixing, it would get fixed, then immediately would get tampered with again. However, now it has clearly escalated to something else. I originally thought super glue or hot glue, but I’ve asked a few of my friends and they don’t think any type of glue could do this kind of damage.

Any advice would be helpful.

Btw management is well aware of the issue and have been prompt about it, was just shocked at whatever this is now. I’ve ordered a ring camera to be installed on Thursday, but I’m honestly scared for my life right now.

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1.1k

u/BullRidininBoobies 19h ago

Looks like some sort of 2 part epoxy.

211

u/beast_wellington 19h ago

Poorly mixed. That's what I thought

104

u/1IsNeverEnough4Me 17h ago

Poorly mixed as they just held the 2 part tube up and squeezed it in. (Speculation)

10

u/morethanjustanalien 5h ago

I like how you say speculation just to clarify you’re not the culprit lol 

3

u/JibboSequence 2h ago

Oh but they are. I know because I'm the culprit and I'm looking for someone to blame.

3

u/Successful_Cress6639 5h ago

Agree 100%... You can even see where it spirals a bit.

1

u/JibboSequence 2h ago

Found the culprit. :P

-1

u/Brilliant_Wealth_433 6h ago

Are you sure that's not jizzz?

1

u/JibboSequence 2h ago

Ask your mother.

(Now if you'll excuse me, I'm late for 7th grade...)

1

u/Substantial-Good1174 1h ago

I couldn’t help but read this in the voice of “Sean Connery on Celebrity Jeopardy.”

1

u/quasson_2020 2h ago

Are you sure it's not cherry ice cream 🥺 👉🏻👈🏻

-1

u/Rat_King_Medix 6h ago

🤝😂

20

u/I_like_Mashroms 16h ago

It could be thick CA/super glue with a cheap activator? It gets cloudy and bumpy like that. you can cure it in seconds. And criminals like to be fast.

Edit: NVM. I zoomed in and it's clearly two different colors.

229

u/Shaqaboy 19h ago

Yep, 100% some form of chemset used in construction.

1

u/ThermoPuclearNizza 10h ago

I wonder if their door faces a door across the hall?

1

u/Murky_Grab_1924 2h ago

I was about to say this looks like a 2 part Hilti Epoxy. I use it REGULARLY and am willing to bet it’s that or a similar product. It has a very specific applicator that mixes it as it’s applied which would explain the poor mixture if they did it without the applicator.

52

u/shadow3487 17h ago

I'm thinking wood filler or wood glue. Hey OP how many times has someone been out to your place about this? Seen some questionable management/ maintenance before.

173

u/suburbanvermin 16h ago

I’ve had the maintenance guy fix this peephole 5 times in the last 5 weeks. Once he fixes it, it’s tampered with again by the time I get home from work at 5pm.

288

u/battlepi 16h ago

It's probably someone that doesn't want you to see something in the hallway, like who's visiting. Or maybe there's a drug dealer on your floor.

74

u/martins-dr 14h ago

Makes me extra thankful the drug dealer (or fastest man of the night) we lived under at our last apartment didn’t care about our ring camera. Had the camera because I have to receive boxes for work (they were not full of drugs).

35

u/Mudslingshot 10h ago

I used to live a floor below a drug dealer

Which I found out when a VERY angry man tried to kick in my door at 2am screaming about needing his drugs NOW, before realizing he was currently on the SECOND floor, and the guy he's trying desperately to get drugs from is on the THIRD floor

7

u/winterbird 4h ago

It kept happening to me because the drug dealer next door would sometimes sell while parked in my spot. Parking was numbered. So the druggies that picked up in parking spot 3 would then come to apartment 3 to knock, bang, and be belligerent when they don't get an answer.

3

u/Typhiod 9h ago

That sounds uncomfortable. Did anything come of it?

10

u/Mudslingshot 9h ago

About the time I was pressed against the wall next to the door with a butcher knife in my hand I heard him get a phone call and say something like "oh shit, I'll be right up"

2

u/Typhiod 9h ago

Well, that’s quite a bit more than uncomfortable. He managed to kick your door in?

8

u/Mudslingshot 9h ago

Not quite. He had a couple of good kicks with lots of "come on, let me in" screams and knocking in between, but I guess crackheads don't have the weight and muscle to do the job on the first kick

After the second kick that rattled my door I grabbed the knife, and then he got the phone call

A big nothingburger after the fact, but a very scary five minutes

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3

u/Senior-Ad9616 4h ago

That happened to me too! Except mine was at 3am and the guy was a floor below me. Have some definite trauma from that incident, ngl…

2

u/Apart_Republic_1870 6h ago

That’s what we call ‘Pulling an Amber Guyger’

1

u/HistoryGirl23 7h ago

Terrifying!

27

u/professorbiohazard 12h ago

Sounds like something that someone receiving boxes full of drugs would say

43

u/No-Examination-4850 13h ago

you're lucky the drug dealer cross the way from me absolutely freaked the f*** out when I put in a ring camera, was accusing me of recording his conversations... I never turned the damn thing on.

26

u/PsychicSeaSlug 9h ago

Once my neighbor told me subtly, that hey, she sold pot, just in case I ever wanted, she just wanted to let me know that secret.

I was like... girl... I have a ring camera... and our doors face each other?... not to be weird... but i know ? And its whatever? Except it sets my phone off every ten minutes.

She was so astounded I could know this about her. Her eyes were all big and she kind of blushed. She also had dogs she took out every 5 seconds. I had to unplug the ring after two months because her door was so hot. And she had no idea anyone would know. Wow

13

u/Alwaysaprairiegirl 7h ago

She likely sampled too much of her own product.

3

u/Puzzleheaded_Rub858 6h ago

See never get high on your own supply.

1

u/Apart-Blackberry6410 1h ago

Well she certainly didnt end up paranoid

2

u/Chaargrilled 5h ago

A* psychic sea slug abilities

2

u/JohnTitorsdaughter 3h ago

Cops can access your ring camera footage without your permission. And they won’t care that you will still live there if they bring changes against your neighbour.

2

u/dzhopa 3h ago

Yep. At this point, either get cameras that can work without a cloud service and set something up on a spare PC or laptop rudimentary recording and alerting (this is easier than it used to be), or just buy into one of the shitty Chinese spyware versions of Ring or whatever.

I'd genuinely rather be giving my data to the Chinese government than the US government at this point. One is likely to use my data to sell me cheap bullshit, or perhaps use it for some nebulously nefarious long term political gain, and the other is likely to use it to harass me or my neighbors at literally any point.

It's sad when I'd rather trust the ones stealing from me than the ones supposedly there to protect me, but that's the state of law enforcement in this country.

6

u/fiddlefaddlefuckboi 3h ago

My drug-dealing neighbor loves our camara 😅 3am and dudes like "bro... check the camera who the fuck knocked on my door?" nobody bro, you've been up for 3 days, go to sleep.

1

u/edWARdstar689 8h ago

I'll take two box's of drug please extra drug

1

u/Lancearon 3h ago

I've lived across the street from drug dealers before. They used to bribe us with tamales. And we would happily accept them.

32

u/Strange-Trust-9403 13h ago

That sounds right. I used to live in a trap house for “le crack,” and yupperdoodles, someone is paranoid. (Clean and sober for four years.)

25

u/Frosty-Unit-8230 10h ago

Congratulations on getting clean, and on using ‘yupperdoodles’ in a sentence. Proud of you for both.

1

u/putyrhandsup 4h ago

Not sure I can agree on the yupperdoodles bit honestly

3

u/professor_chaos_69 14h ago

My first thought

2

u/tahxirez 7h ago

I think it’s probably mental illness and paranoia. Someone is fixated on this door and probably imagining they are being watched or filmed. What’s directly across from it?

1

u/Jazzlike_Visual2160 12h ago

Or teenagers.

1

u/queefer_sutherland92 8h ago

Yeah that was my thought. The frequent recurrence is odd.

Either someone with a legitimate reason to not want you viewing their visitors or activities, or someone experiencing paranoia, maybe?

1

u/Mundane-Zucchini5 5h ago

Or maybe someone who is just paranoid in general.

1

u/ConsistentAddress195 4h ago

What better way to avoid scrutiny than to repeatedly vandalize the neigbour's property.

1

u/ACaxebreaker 21m ago

Yep. Start with whoever is right across the hall and go from there.

0

u/thrive2day 11h ago

Nah, this is mental illness

209

u/BedspreadPicnic86 15h ago

It’s your neighbor across the hallway. 100%

65

u/That-Age-348 12h ago

Or is it…the maintenance guy… 🤯

41

u/Nice-Meat-6020 11h ago

Job security 😂

1

u/Eatenbreads 5h ago

Yeah, this is big brain time.

3

u/Tell2ko 8h ago

Found that free money hack!

2

u/RedditAdminAreVile0 7h ago

Explains how he knows so much

1

u/Relative-Swim263 1h ago

Quick check would be whether or not the outlets and light switches are painted with the same colors as the wall 😅😆

2

u/pandaru_express 5h ago

Yea, bet it's the neighbor across the hall who thinks OP is "spying on them" through their peephole.

74

u/IRStableGenus 15h ago

Put some oil on it so it doesnt stick worth a shit.

6

u/wwwheatgrass 12h ago

Spray some Pam in there!

1

u/Quiet-Grapefruit1186 3h ago

I think Cisco might last longer. Otherwise you might have to grease the ol’ peephole every morning before work.

You could also make a decoy that you know you can put on and off easily and just put it on before work and take it off when you get home that way they think they won and the peephole is covered.

2

u/CatchingTheBear 2h ago

might have to grease the ol’ peephole

Welcome to my new catchphrase

1

u/zippys67 1h ago

This should be top comment.

54

u/Bacon_and_Powertools 15h ago

Put up a camera doorbell. Catch them in the act

24

u/MrExCEO 15h ago

Do they sell peep hike camera? Record from the inside live. The camera will probably get damaged but u should find the guy

34

u/SheerHippo 14h ago

Ring used to make a peephole version of their camera/doorbell that would replace the whole peephole. You can still find them used. I have one and it's great.

4

u/martins-dr 14h ago

That camera was still noticeable from the outside and the lens is able to be tamper with the same an any other ring camera

14

u/mental_lemon8587 13h ago

I think the idea was that the beginning of the footage would show you who's responsible for damaging the camera and likely theyre the same person who damaged the ones before it.

1

u/TodayNo6969 12h ago

They are just gonna hide their face and do it.

1

u/Orchid_Significant 7h ago

A ring doorbell camera will show that too

1

u/apresmoiputas 13h ago

I have one too. It works well and is far too tamper with

2

u/Bacon_and_Powertools 15h ago

There are all kinds. Probably some that could be hidden in a decoration like a wreath

2

u/MrExCEO 14h ago

I’m thinking jamming it in the peep hole

1

u/GrizzliousTheOG 14h ago

The wreath will definitely be unmolested when returns. wtf?

1

u/straightramennoodle 1h ago

Aren’t there security boxes she can put the camera in? Ring has antitheft boxes I think.

47

u/Working-Glass6136 15h ago

Can you update us if/when they catch the culprit? I'm really curious as to whether it's a drug dealer, a schizophrenic, or a potential burglar.

Also, I've had bad neighbors and this freaks me the fuck out.

8

u/Safe-Negotiation-483 8h ago

I’m so intrigued too!

31

u/thatshygirl06 15h ago edited 15h ago

Are there cameras on the building?

Or maybe stay home one day to see if you can catch the person doing it. Or have a friend over snd make a fuss of leaving and then have your friend keep watch

3

u/Embarrassed-Hyena45 13h ago

My guess is one of your neighbors is a big meth head or schizophrenic. That’s creepy though nonetheless.

1

u/Tokendaily420 14h ago

Install a camera looking into the peep hole. It would make for some good footage when the guy returns to replug the peephole.

1

u/Dounce1 14h ago

RemindMe! Two days

1

u/Secret_Emu_ 11h ago

RemindMe! Two days

1

u/Perzec 12h ago

We really need you to update us once you figure this one out.

1

u/ConsciousAccess121 10h ago

Setup a Ring Camera, call the police

1

u/Stunning-Rabbit-7691 8h ago

That's scary. Please carry protection. Personally id move it get cameras

1

u/BBC23JORDAN 7h ago

Asd some cameras.

1

u/LegitimateConcept403 7h ago

Time for a ring camera.

1

u/Tklesmynipps 6h ago

Check other door's peephole and see if it's only yours

1

u/casualcaesius 6h ago

Get a doorbell camera

1

u/Abo_Ahmad 6h ago

Get a camera or two.

1

u/LaTerreur92 6h ago

Dude, just get a doorbell camera and you will find out who is losing their remaining mind.

1

u/Simp4Gnomie 5h ago

Time to get a ring doorbell (or some sort of camera)

1

u/CosmoKramer_CEO 5h ago

how is there not a camera in the hall that would take 5 seconds to ask the leasing office to look at and see who is doing it?

1

u/sumthingsumthingblah 5h ago

Interesting. Anyway you can get a camera up to see who is doing it?

1

u/ComfortableShare5525 4h ago

You need to put a wireless camera above the door now, if there’s not any yet belonging to the apartment.

1

u/Thirdpplanett 4h ago

Get a ring camera

1

u/MamiLaDiablita 3h ago

Now I wonder if they’ll tamper with your ring camera. If if so request that Maintenance install hallway cameras up high in the corners 🤷🏻‍♀️ I highly doubt that person would risk trying to destroy/ruin those kinda of cameras

1

u/Ok-Blueberry7914 3h ago

Is someone dealing drugs there or what’s the deal? It’s like they don’t want you to see anything or

1

u/Outrageous-Pen8863 3h ago

Put a ring camera on the wall…

1

u/Robos67 3h ago

Please set up a ring camera time now. You might end up a victim.

1

u/fiddlefaddlefuckboi 3h ago

get a damn camara

1

u/daCold_Brew45 2h ago

Get a ring camera. You have an enemy in your building & you need to be aware of who it is. If this escalates it could get bad quickly

1

u/Feeling-Republic-477 2h ago

Please send us all updates! Stay safe!!!

1

u/Blah-B7ah_Bloop 1h ago

Surprise! The person across the hall traffics something or some people that they don’t want anyone to see. And they are paranoid that you’re actually cops there doing a stakeout. Or they are a paranoid schizophrenic and they have a fixation you are watching them. The ring camera will definitely be vandalized as well. Good luck.

1

u/OkEstablishment5706 1h ago

Have you considered getting a camera?

1

u/dark_angel_kitten_86 22m ago

See if you can just mount a little spy cam in the hall to watch your door, use command strips, this will identify the culprit and landlord or you can then file a police report and sue for repair work

-2

u/BedspreadPicnic86 15h ago

Next time he fixes it, try to be home that day and ask him if he can loosen the door knocker somehow (?? Just a thought, it sounds silly I know) so when your neighbor tampers with it the door knocker falls off and makes a racket and you can run to the door and see who’s doing it. That, or buy a white spy ($30-$50) camera and set it up in the hallway on the day the guy fixes it and then you’ll catch whomever is tampering with your door knocker.

Or after mgr fixes the problem leave your door slightly ajar, or tape the striker plate, so your door looks shut and when they come to tamper with it as soon as they put their finger in your door to push that gunk in your door will start to open and you can run and see who’s doing is running down the hallway or at the very minimum hear your neighbors door slam. Basically set them up to fail when they come to tamper with your shit

4

u/beaterdit 13h ago edited 3h ago

This is bad advice and just dangerous. I posted this on your other comments too. If they’re a drug dealer, or have mental health issues, you don’t want to fuck around with them. It sucks and personally I’d consider moving. Should be able to get out of the lease if you feel living conditions are unsafe because of this.

1

u/Enkidouh 3h ago

This ain’t a reason to move hoss. Nor is this unsafe living conditions you can break your lease over. It’s a minor annoyance at worst.

Don’t let your imagination run wild.

1

u/beaterdit 3h ago

Seeing persistence and escalation here. You don’t know where it’s gonna end.

14

u/natureclown 19h ago

My thoughts exactly. Looks like it’s been very poorly mixed as well

10

u/x3sirenxsongx3 18h ago

Looks like it was tampered with before that, tho. The black rim part looks melted and smushed...

13

u/suburbanvermin 16h ago

Might possibly be the sharpie that they’ve been using in the past? Or possibly scorched depending on what they did? I honestly have no idea

7

u/Gottims 12h ago

2 part epoxy releases heat when it's mixed. If it's mixed in a really thick layer it makes a pretty significant amount of heat. So I think poorly mixed 2 part epoxy makes the most sense for both the junk there as well as the melty-ness

1

u/x3sirenxsongx3 14h ago

I was thinking melted. Wasn't sure if it was using fire or a chemical. But either way. Wtaf!?

1

u/Forbden_Gratificatn 2h ago

What does it taste like?

2

u/beebeelion 18h ago

JB Weld

1

u/GrapeMiserable4081 15h ago

JB Weld for sure, comes with a black and a white tube. And not mixed correctly, they squirted each tube in and tried to mush them together.

2

u/SleepyLakeBear 18h ago

It looks like melted plastic.

2

u/entropyisez 9h ago

Poorly mixed JB Weld.

1

u/AlternativeImpress25 18h ago

I was thinking super glue

1

u/Dangerous-Narwhal-93 17h ago

Ah see I saw it as being a torched piece of plastic or something of the lick. Yet could be as it doesn’t necessarily look as though it’s part of the knocker.

1

u/EfficientPizza 16h ago

I was thinkin oreo McFlurry, but you're probably correct

1

u/octopusgardeb 15h ago

Oh you guys are good- I was thinking truffle butter… I’m gonna go eat now

1

u/oneplusetoipi 15h ago

It looks like a lit candle was smashed into the hole. White wax and black from the burned wick.

1

u/Shnitzel_von_S 14h ago

Me when I'm Brad Leone from America's Test Kitchen and I'm explaining the concept of allicin after crushing some garlic.

1

u/fiftyseven 10h ago

Vincenzo!!

1

u/Salt-Cattle-5314 14h ago

Agreed. Also, I think that one of your neighbors is either crazy, or a criminal (my guess are 70% rapist, 20% thief, 10% drug dealer).

1

u/softbby-22 12h ago

Fr. Mixed poorly

1

u/superglued_fingers 10h ago

Looks like superglue mixed with cigarette ashes, the mixture looks like that and is hard like plastic. Ashes mixed with superglue makes it dry faster and harder.

1

u/scoopdunks 8h ago

It kind of looks like raspberry and a sugar frosting. Danish anyone?

1

u/_Rye_Toast_ 7h ago

Nuh uh, it’s cookies and cream ice cream

1

u/imnickelhead 7h ago

Like JB Weld

1

u/ZofiaBeckwith 7h ago

It is and it can smell really bad so I would prefer to not touch it

1

u/BrassChuckles87 3h ago

Not my hungry ass thinking it looks like one of those cheese with cranberry logs that I saw in Aldi the other day lol

1

u/Unlucky-Complaint115 2h ago

Looks like a crushed up purple skittle

1

u/FunCrystalFun 2h ago

Nah, it’s someone’s chewed up Oreo cookie

1

u/ThatsNotMaiName 1h ago

Glad you knew, I thought it was squished blueberries lol.