Are you looking for a new place to rent? Consider more than just the location and the price. Take a closer look at indoor air quality.
Indoor air quality has received increasing attention in recent years, and renters today are likely to be more aware of this issue than they were a few years ago. There is more public awareness about the health risks associated with poor indoor air quality, as well as more information available about this topic online and elsewhere. A recent survey among renter households in the US found that 43% of respondents were concerned that their homes affected their health negatively, and that indoor air quality was the top concern. In addition, 37 percent reported that in recent years their concern has caused them or another household member to move or seriously consider moving.
In spite of this, many rental units do not offer healthy housing features that would alleviate tenants’ concerns, and many renters are unsure about how their landlords will handle healthy housing issues. In the wake of the pandemic, people have spent considerably more time at home. As a result, the need for safe and healthy housing has become even more pressing.
While searching for a new place to live, renters should express their concerns about indoor air quality. In addition to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health problems, poor indoor air quality can cause a variety of other health problems. To ensure your family’s health and well-being, it’s important to look for a home with good indoor air quality.
There are several things that renters should consider when it comes to indoor air quality before looking for a new place to live.
- Check for sources of pollution: Look for signs of mold, tobacco smoke, or other sources of pollution that could affect the air quality in the home.
- Consider the age of the home: Older homes may have more sources of indoor air pollution, such as lead paint or outdated heating and cooling systems.
- Look for energy-efficient features: Energy-efficient homes tend to have better indoor air quality because they are better sealed and have more efficient heating and cooling systems, which can help to reduce the amount of pollutants that enter the home.
- Ask about the home’s ventilation system: A good ventilation system can help to bring fresh air into the home and remove pollutants.
- Consider the location of the home: Homes located near sources of pollution, such as highways or industrial areas, may have worse indoor air quality.
It’s a good idea to ask the landlord or property owner about the indoor air quality in the home and any steps that have been taken to improve it. You may also want to consider investing in air quality improvement measures such as an indoor air quality monitor if you have concerns about the air quality in the home.
