Air Duct Nastiness. Can i get my landlord to replace Air Ducts?

Question

I just peeked into the air supply duct in the house that I'm renting. It looks disgusting. There is at least an inch thick of dust and then beyond the dust is fiberglass that is peeling off. I checked out the whole duct system and it is in bad shape. Winter hasn't begun, but when I start cranking the heat, I'm afraid that all that dust and fiberglass is going to end up in my family's lungs. Is my landlord obligated to correct this. I looked at local codes and it just says that the HVAC system must operate, which it does.
thanks

Answer 1

No they don't have too what you can do is buy a furnace filter roll and cut it to size so that it fits behind air vents that will trap all the dust doesn't cost much either hope this helps

Answer 2

Unfortunately, renters sort of fall into a gray area as far as the law is concerrned. Caveat emptor (buyer beware!) especially applies to renters.

It's almost impossible for renters to force landlords to maintain their properties because maintenance requirements are not included in the terms of the lease (if there is a lease) and, here's the kicker - renters have an option if they don't like their rental - they can move out
Landlords cannot force you to endure the shortcomings of the property they rent to you so the authorities will respond to your complaints with, "Well, why don't you move?"

As for the dirty ductwork, an accumulation of dust is normal and is usually not a problem if undisturbed. I've seen 65-year old ductwork with a 1-1/2" blanket of dust inside and the residents had never had reason to complain. Of course, they may not have had any respiratory ailments to aggravate.

So, as the codes suggest, there is little you can do about the situation. You might help things by buying your own high-quality air filters and change them regularly on your own initiative. Good luck.

Answer 3

the landlord definately won't replace the ductwork, if he/she is a nice person you might be able to persuade him/her into a duct cleaning, but i wouldn't count on it. next time, just don't look. maybe get one of those air purifires