The fine layer of dust that appears in your rented apartment can be frustrating as well as unhealthy if you have allergies. The first step to making your rental unit healthier is to understand how the dust forms and what you need to tell your landlord.
To determine if there is a problem with the dust you see in your rental apartment or home, you will need to identify its source and then decide whether or not to report this to your landlord. Continue reading below as we provide practical tips on how to lessen dust in your apartment.
If you are wondering how quickly your apartment becomes dusty, then you are not alone. A number of elements contribute to the likelihood of dust that accumulates in multi-unit dwellings versus single-family residences.
The problem often relates to a combination of your personal routines, the structure of your building, and those of your neighbors.
Below are the most likely explanations:
Identifying these sources is the first step toward controlling them and enjoying your space as a smart renter.
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Your home is filled with dust because it's created by both things you do every day and things that are out of your control. Here's a breakdown of where most of this dust originates and how it affects your home.
If the air in your apartment does not get circulated (i.e., air cannot move), then there is no place for the dust particles to go. So, the dust particles just float in the air until they fall on surfaces.
A lot of this occurs due to poor ventilation in buildings with sealed windows or old systems. Open windows to help remove some of the stale air with the dust, but some units don't provide enough airflow to force the air and dust out.
Dust is most likely to build up in areas that we normally do not pay attention to, such as under the bed, behind furniture, on top of ceiling fans, etc., at the bottom of walls and baseboards. Wiping down the surface dust will still be there if you wipe down just the surface area. Dusting or vacuuming regularly can help keep dust from building up as fast.
Pets, regardless of how well taken care of, produce dust. The fur on pets is an excellent trap for dust that enters from outside, as well as dander (dead skin) from pets that continually mix with indoor dust in homes where pets reside. Pet owners will likely need to vacuum more frequently than those without pets.
The heat pump or AC unit should be improving the air quality by removing dust particles from the air rather than blowing them all around again. Old or dirty filters can no longer remove dust particles from the air and simply recirculate those same dust particles back throughout your home. A dusty vent or poor airflow coming out of your vents may indicate the filter needs to be replaced or cleaned.
What is going on outside does not remain outside. Seasonal pollen, local building activity, etc., may bring dust and other debris into your home directly through your windows or doors. Simply walking through your apartment will also introduce airborne particles from the street. Area rugs near entrances and closing windows when there is a high pollen count will assist with the prevention of unwanted airborne invasions.
Don’t wait until dust is an issue in your home – cleaning for dust now means saving money in the long run. As small issues are allowed to grow into large repair jobs, here’s what it means to speak up and be proactive:
While a dirty vent may appear to be a minor problem, it usually indicates a larger HVAC problem. The dirtier your air filter gets, your unit has to work harder to pull in clean air. This will eventually cause your unit to break down.
Reporting poor airflow or excessive dust on your vents to your landlord will allow them to perform routine maintenance on the system, which could prevent a total system failure and result in costly emergency repairs to get your unit running again.
Dust collection around windows or along baseboards could indicate that outside air is leaking in due to structural gaps. Since the initial dust accumulation can lead to increased energy consumption, water damage, or insect/pest infestation, it's best to address structural gaps to reduce dust in the apartment.
Excessive amounts of dust combined with high levels of humidity create an ideal growing medium for mold growth. When your apartment has a sticky feeling or when you see dust clinging to colder surfaces, notify your landlord immediately.
The sooner the landlord checks for potential water leaks or inadequate insulation, the sooner the mold problem will be identified. If left unchecked, mold will begin to grow behind walls, and a minor fix will quickly turn into a much larger and more costly remediation project.
Neglecting to maintain your home (drywall, air ducts, etc.) can cause excessive dust to be present and therefore cause harm to your belongings and the dwelling unit itself.
Reporting concerns by putting them in writing will create a paper trail. Having a security deposit will help protect you from being held accountable for an issue that was caused by the building, and it will also ensure that your landlord has fulfilled their obligations.
You are essentially your landlord's "eyes" into the apartment. If the landlord does not know about something broken, then it cannot be repaired. When you inform your landlord promptly, they can work with a Washington DC rental property manager to help investigate and address maintenance concerns for a comfortable rental environment.
Living with some dust is normal, but having excessive buildup should never be ignored. By knowing what causes it and address through the tips we have shared makes breathing clear air easier. When issues go beyond your control, report it to your Washington DC property manager to schedule an inspection and discuss possible options to repair any issues detected in the property.
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