Renters and Indoor Air
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Quick answer: Changing a slide-in furnace filter, cleaning hood filters and running a portable air cleaner are usually things you can do (check your lease). Furnace service, gas smells, CO alarms, broken fans and moisture or mold problems go to your landlord. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
⚠ Safety first:
- Turn the system off at the thermostat before opening the filter slot.
- Gas furnace? Have working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. CO is colorless and odorless (EPA); if a CO alarm sounds or you feel headache, dizziness or nausea at home, get outside and call 911 or your gas utility.
- EPA recommends a trained professional inspect, clean and tune up furnaces, flues and chimneys every year.
Steps: easiest & free first
- Check your leaseFREE
Some leases say who changes HVAC filters. - Change the filterSHOP
See how. - Use a portable air cleanerSHOP
See choosing one. - Report problems in writingFREE
Report broken fans, odd furnace behavior and leaks. EPA tells renters to report moisture problems immediately. - EmergenciesPRO
CO alarm or gas smell: get out and call 911 or the gas utility first, then the landlord.
⚠ When to call a pro: a CO alarm goes off; you smell burning, gas or electrical odors; the furnace short cycles (turns on and off rapidly) or overheats after a filter change; ice on the A/C coil; or you want a higher-MERV filter and aren’t sure your system can handle it (EPA suggests asking an HVAC technician). Have a pro tune up the system each year (EPA). Renting? See what you can fix vs. call your landlord.