A basement apartment that smells musty
- Where I am
- Your clothes and bedding have a damp, earthy smell.
- Where I want to be
- Dry air and a home that smells fresh.
- What's in the way
- Below ground, walls and floors hold moisture and the air barely moves.
Landlord's job? Report it in writing with dates, and keep a log. Who fixes what depends on your lease and where you live.
Try this first, free: Open windows for an hour on a dry day and pull furniture a hand's width away from outside walls.
The fix
- Put a small humidity gauge in the room, so you know where you stand.
- Run a dehumidifier to bring the air down. Empty the tank or run it to a drain.
- Keep furniture off outside walls, and keep boxes up off the floor.
- Look for wet patches, leaks or stains. Take photos and tell the landlord.
What this won't fully fix: A dehumidifier lowers the damp in the air. It can't fix water coming through the walls or floor, which is the landlord's repair.
Moving out: Empty the tank, wipe it dry and take it with you.
What to get
These open an Amazon search, so you can pick the one that fits. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.