Are Landlords Responsible For Air Duct Cleaning?
Some parts of HVAC maintenance, like replacing filters, are easy enough. However, the average person can’t justify heavy-duty tasks, like cleaning the air ducts. That’s especially true for renters, who aren’t required to clean the air ducts of an HAVAC system.
Landlords are required to clean air ducts, as dirty air ducts can make a living space uninhabitable. That’s because dirty air ducts can impact the indoor air quality and contribute to mold. Call your landlord if it’s been 3-5 years since the last cleaning, and you notice restricted airflow. You can tell it’s time to clean the ducts if filters get dirty in only a few weeks.
Don’t let your landlord off the hook unless your lease agreement says you’re responsible for cleaning the air ducts. However, that is almost unheard of and should be a red flag before signing the lease. Follow along as we explore everything you must know about your landlord’s responsibility for cleaning the ductwork.
Who Is Responsible For Cleaning Air Ducts In An Apartment?
The landlord is responsible for cleaning the air ducts in an apartment in most cases. In rare cases, the lease agreement may say otherwise, but that would be highly unusual. However, lease agreements almost unanimously stipulate that tenants must routinely change the air filter.
Cleaning air ducts is a much bigger chore, and the average person isn’t equipped to do so. It requires equipment that only HVAC technicians typically have, and landlords know that. Landlords are responsible for anything that affects a property's safety and habitability, which includes air duct maintenance.
Dirty air ducts can negatively impact the indoor air quality and even develop mold. Both of these factors contribute to a living space becoming deemed uninhabitable, which falls on the landlord. Contact your landlord if you suspect the ductwork is dirty and overdue for a cleaning.
How Often Should Apartment Air Ducts Be Cleaned?
Ideally, the air ducts in an apartment should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years. That is the recommended timeframe for air duct cleaning throughout all residences, including houses and apartments. However, going 5 years without cleaning the air ducts can be devastating in some apartments, depending on several factors.
The size of the space has a lot to do with how quickly air ducts get dirty. Similarly, how many people and pets live in the space can largely determine how much dust and debris enters the ductwork. Naturally, the air ducts in a small apartment with multiple residents and a pet or two will get dirty fast.
Each person in a space generates dust, debris, and loose hair, which gets worse when pets are in the mix. Because of that, duct cleaning may be needed sooner than every 3 to 5 years in some apartments.
Five Signs That Air Ducts Need Cleaning
1. It’s Been Years Since The Last Cleaning
If you’ve lived in your home for years without the air ducts getting cleaned, they’re probably overdue for it. Going longer than 3-5 years without air duct cleaning typically means that your air ducts are filthy. All of the dust, debris, and loose pet hair in your air ducts can’t get out on its own.
It’s worth asking your landlord when the last time the air ducts were cleaned before you move in. That way, you can make a mental note of it, and you’ll know when to bring it up to your landlord. Don’t let too much time pass between air duct cleanings, or else you’ll have to deal with poor indoor air quality.
2. Your Air Filters Get Dirty Too Quickly
As a tenant, it’s your job to regularly replace the air filter and furnace filter in your home. This is typically necessary at least once every 3 months, depending on several factors. However, the dirtier your ductwork is, the sooner your air filter will need to be replaced.
If your air filter gets dirty within a month or less, your air ducts are probably filthy. When air ducts are filthy, tons of dust, loose hair, and debris will circulate throughout your HVAC system. The filter will catch the brunt of this dust and debris, so it won’t take long to get dirty.
Your filter will likely get dirtier faster if you have a small home with several tenants. Check your filter monthly to keep track of how quickly it gets dirty, as that will give you an idea of what shape your ductwork is in.
3. You Notice Musty Odors
Clean air ducts don’t give off much of a smell, but dirty air ducts are distinctly musty. Air ducts can smell musty if they’re full of years of dust, but the problem gets worse if moisture is involved. Moisture can accumulate within ductwork due to the mixture of cold and warm air when the AC or furnace runs.
This moisture can become trapped in air ducts that are caked with dust and debris, which can become damp. The more debris there is, the more likely it is to stay moist indefinitely, as the moisture cannot evaporate. This is why mold and mildew often form in dirty air ducts, which can be dangerous.
You’ll especially notice the musty odor when standing next to air vents. Masking the odor can provide temporary relief, but it won’t fix the problem. Contact your landlord and explain the situation to ensure the air ducts get cleaned.
4. Your Airflow Is Restricted
Sometimes, it’s hard to tell when the airflow in your ductwork isn’t as strong as it once was. Tons of dust and debris in the air ducts can eventually significantly restrict the airflow. Once this happens, you’ll notice that the stream of air coming from the vents is weak.
While restricted airflow can be subtle at first, you’ll notice something is wrong when extreme weather comes. For example, you can tell your ducts are clogged when warm air barely comes from the vents on a cold day. You can even hear a low humming sound when your HVAC system runs if your air ducts are clogged.
Once the airflow is restricted, you’ll likely notice that your bills are higher than usual. That’s because your HVAC system must work much harder than it should, which can strain the system. Cleaning the air ducts should fix this problem.
5. Renovations Recently Took Place
Renovations can get quite messy, and this gets worse in smaller spaces. Naturally, some of this debris will likely wind up in the air ducts, no matter how careful everyone is. That’s especially true for drywall work, which can make a huge mess throughout your apartment or house.
Having had recent renovations doesn’t automatically mean you must get the air ducts cleaned. However, it’s worth asking your landlord to get the air ducts cleaned after renovations if they haven’t been cleaned in years.
Summing It Up
Landlords are responsible for cleaning air ducts, whereas tenants must replace air filters as per most lease agreements. Dirty air ducts can make a home uninhabitable due to the poor indoor air quality. Contact your landlord if it’s been 3-5 years since the last time your air ducts were cleaned.
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Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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