Are You a Landlord? 4 Reasons Your Properties Need Clean Ducts

Do you own rental properties? By law, you're required to provide your tenants with fit and habitable housing. If your properties have dirty ductwork, your tenants may be able to pursue legal action if they develop health issues associated with a poorly maintained property. At Dust Doctors, we're well aware of the potential problems that can result from dirty ducts because we've witnessed them firsthand. What can happen if you leave your ducts unattended? Take a look:

Potential Liability for Tenant Respiratory Issues

As a landlord, you're required to remedy conditions that affect the physical health or safety of your tenants. If your tenants complain of unexplained respiratory issues or severe allergy symptoms that were not previously present, dirty ductwork may be to blame. If you don't take care of the problem with a professional duct cleaning, you may face legal ramifications if the tenants decide to pursue the issue. Depending on the provisions set forth in your lease agreement, you may be responsible for HVAC maintenance.

Inefficient Heating and Cooling

Dirty ductwork can significantly reduce the efficiency of any HVAC system. If your tenants pay all-inclusive rent, debris buildup within your property's vents could be the culprit behind astronomical electrical bills. If your tenants are responsible for heating and cooling bills, dirty ducts may not affect your bottom line, but it would still behoove you to have professional duct cleaning. As the landlord, you are responsible for providing a fully functional heating system for your tenants. Excessive dust and debris within ductwork can render a heating system largely ineffective; to avoid tenant complaints, get those ducts cleaned.

Mold and Mildew Accumulation

Tenants can sue for mold-related health issues, so if your ducts have never been cleaned, you could be in trouble. Even a tiny mold colony inside your ductwork can launch thousands of spores into the ambient air. If you don't completely eradicate existing mold, recolonization can occur in no time at all. Health consequences of mold exposure include:

●        Contact dermatitis

●        Asthma

●        Memory loss

●        Depression

●        Anxiety

●        Organ damage

 If you'd rather avoid a trip to small claims court, make sure you have the ducts in all your income properties professionally cleaned. Ideally, you should have this service performed every two to five years.

Property Devaluation

If you happen to have mold colonies living within your ducts, they can seriously devalue your property when it comes time to sell. Mold often goes undetected until it's time for a pre-sale inspection, but when it's found, remediation can be a long and arduous process. Plus, depending on the severity of the mold infestation, you may need to conduct renovations before you can put your property on the market. Professional duct cleaning helps ensure your ducts stay mold-free, plus it's infinitely less expensive than remediation or remodeling. The choice is yours.

Contact Dust Doctors for Professional Duct Cleaning

At Dust Doctors, we know ducts—and we also know what can happen when they aren't maintained properly. As a landlord, you could face hefty fines and court costs if your tenants become sick as a result of substandard HVAC care. Don't take that risk! Whether you need thorough air duct cleaning, a/c cleaning, or furnace cleaning, our prompt, professional team is here to take care of your property. To request your free quote or to schedule your appointment, give us a call at 651-319-9777. Or, feel free to message us on our contact page.