Landlords: Are You Responsible for Air Duct Cleaning?

There is a lot of debate surrounding air duct cleaning. Some people believe that it is a necessary part of property maintenance, while others claim that it is simply a way for companies to make more money. In this blog post, we will take a look at both sides of the argument and see if there is any truth to either one. We will also discuss whether or not landlords are responsible for air duct cleaning in general.

Is Air Duct Cleaning Necessary?

The jury is still out on whether or not air duct cleaning is actually necessary. Some people claim that it improves air quality and prevents health problems, while others say that it does nothing more than line the pockets of those in the business. So, what is the truth?

There is no denying that air ducts can get dirty. They are, after all, full of dust, dirt, and other allergens. However, whether or not these contaminants actually pose a health risk is up for debate. Some experts claim that they can cause respiratory problems, while others say that there is no evidence to support this claim.

So, what does science say? Unfortunately, there is not a lot of scientific evidence to support either side of the argument. Some studies have shown that air duct cleaning can improve air quality, while others have found no difference.

Here is the EPA’s recommendation:

EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned except on an as-needed basis because of the continuing uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning under most circumstances. EPA does, however, recommend that if you have a fuel-burning furnace, stove, or fireplace, they be inspected for proper functioning and serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. Some research also suggests that cleaning dirty cooling coils, fans, and heat exchangers can improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. However, little evidence exists to indicate that simply cleaning the duct system will increase your system’s efficiency.”

At the end of the day, it is up to each landlord to decide whether or not they want to invest in air duct cleaning. If you are concerned about the air quality in your property, it may be worth considering. However, if the tenants do not have any health issues, you may want to save your money.

Are Landlords Responsible for Air Duct Cleaning?

This is a tricky question, as there is no definitive answer. In some cases, landlords may be responsible for air duct cleaning, while in others, they may not.

Rental laws require landlords to maintain their property in a habitable condition, air duct cleaning could potentially fall under this category. For example, if the ducts are infested with mice, this will fall under the warranty of habitability.

Consider cleaning the air ducts only if:

  • There is visible mold inside and after getting a testing sample, it’s confirmed as mold. (see Is Landlord Responsible for Mold Testing?)
  • Visual examination of the ducts reveals that they are clogged with excessive dust and your tenant is highly allergic. Note that it’s hard to prove what’s causing the allergy.
  • Visual inspection reveals that they are infested with vermins.

Cleaning the air ducts should be done by professionals who are licensed to clean the entire system. Air duct cleaners in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas also need a special license.

Caution: Don’t allow the use of chemical biocides, chemical treatments, or ozone generators. This type of cleaning may create more problems than it solves.

While chemical biocides may kill some microorganisms, they can also create other problems. Ozone generators are also not recommended, as they can worsen chronic respiratory diseases. (see Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air Cleaners)

If you do decide to have your air ducts cleaned, make sure to use a professional who is licensed and has experience cleaning air ducts.

In conclusion, there is a lot of debate surrounding air duct cleaning. Some people believe that it is a necessary part of property maintenance, while others claim that it is simply a way for companies to make more money. In this blog post, we have taken a look at both sides of the argument and seen if there is any truth to either one. We have also discussed whether or not landlords are responsible for air duct cleaning. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to clean your air ducts is up to you. If you are concerned about the air quality in your property, it may be worth considering. However, if the tenants do not have any health issues, you may want to save your money.

Thanks for reading this blog post! We hope it was helpful. For more tips on being a great landlord, check out our other blog posts:

Is Landlord Responsible for Mold Testing?

The Best Mold Removal Products

First-Time Landlord’s Guide

About the author

Chris Christo owns a property maintenance company and writes for Rentce on all rental maintenance topics.
He is also a rehabber and a landlord.
When he doesn’t work on properties or writes about properties, he can be found fishing.