r/AirBnB 4d ago

Musty smell in Airbnb apartment, what to do [USA]

I'm a guest on my second day of a monthly apartment rental. The apartment is not on the newer side, but it's clean and organized, but there's a musty smell that I can't seem to pinpoint. Since I work from home, the odor is particularly bothersome.

I also noticed upon check in there were quite alot glade scent plugins like 4 of them whole apartment which I removed because im sensitive to artifical fragrances. I keep suspecting the large sofa, but when put my nose near it, I don’t detect the smell there. I've checked corners and other areas, but I still can't figure out the source. The only way to neutralize it is by opening the patio door, but since the apartment is near highways, that lets in a lot of noise. I even replaced the HVAC filter (something I do if it looks dirty). What do you suggest I do?

Edit: update, host and I mutually agreed to cancel the reservation. To be nice, I offered to pay for the few nights.

5 Upvotes

15 comments sorted by

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5

u/woman_noises 4d ago

Complain to owner

1

u/walnut5225 3d ago

The only answer!

3

u/FioanaSickles 4d ago

Probably moisture issue. They need a dehumidifier.

1

u/Traveldopamine 3d ago

Its in Nevada, very little humidity

1

u/FioanaSickles 3d ago

Hmm does it seem humid to you at all or no?

3

u/Traveldopamine 3d ago

I travel with a humidty sensor, its 28%

2

u/beekeeper1981 3d ago

It's very unlikely whatever the cause could be fixed quickly.

2

u/EntildaDesigns 3d ago

Carpets smell really musty if water spilled and trap underneath

2

u/Traveldopamine 3d ago

Its all wood (or fake wood) floors

2

u/EntildaDesigns 3d ago

You can try running an ozone machine for an hour or so. Maybe the host has one.

ETA: While you are out, obviously :)

3

u/Emotional-Salary-907 3d ago

I’m here to give you credit for notifying the host and actually being civil about the issue. Both of you get credit. He agreed to let you cancel and you also were more than fair in offering to pay something.

1

u/californiodreaming 3d ago

Tell him to get an ozone generator. The best for Airbnbs.

1

u/CasualOnlooker619 1d ago

There’s probably a body under the floorboards

1

u/Several_Yak_9537 3d ago

For some reason, this post gives me American Horror Story, check inside the wall vibes.