Rental Home Air Quality

[Shirley Moser]

I am having a problem with a tenant who claims that there is a musky smell and too much humidity.  What is the best way to insure that the rental is safe and keeps a good humidity level?  Do I get an air quality test or do I have to put in a dehumidifier in the house.  I've already put in a dehumidifier in the crawl space that I bought at Home Depot for 1,000 square feet.   Thanks for any suggestions that work for you.

[Marcus Auerbach]

Order a hydrometer for under $10 so you know what the relative humidity is. You want to investigate where it is coming from. Maybe you kitchen or bath don't have an exhaust fan. Or they don't use it. In this case connect the fan with the light switch. Or install a fan that senses humidity. Most importantly talk to your tenant, because it might be something they do.

Are you in a damp climate? You can bring it down with the AC or a dehumidifier. The musty smell can be taken care of with an ozone treatment, you can rent an ozone generator or hire a service. We have one I use also when we have a turnover to sanitize the house and make if smell clean.