Why lower-level units smell

A garden-level unit sits partly below ground, so it shares every moisture issue a basement has: cool walls, limited windows, sometimes shared laundry or mechanical rooms next door. Add the moisture that daily life produces, such as showers, cooking and laundry drying on a rack, and humidity can climb quickly in a small space with little ventilation.

Some causes belong to the building: seepage through a foundation wall, a leaking pipe in the ceiling, a missing bathroom exhaust fan, or a crawl space under part of the unit. Others come from how the space is used: furniture pressed against cold exterior walls, wet towels hung in closets, or windows that are never opened.

Colorado law sets habitability standards for residential rentals, and mold associated with dampness is among the conditions those rules can cover. The specifics, notice requirements and timelines matter, so tenants dealing with a serious problem may want to read current state guidance or talk to a tenant resource organization.

Usually the tenant's part, usually the owner's part

Leases differ; check yours.

Things a tenant can usually do

  • Run bathroom and kitchen fans during and after use.
  • Keep furniture a few inches off exterior walls.
  • Use a small dehumidifier if the lease allows.
  • Report leaks and damp spots promptly in writing.
  • Keep stored items off the floor and out of cardboard.

Things that usually fall to the owner

  • Repairing plumbing leaks and foundation seepage.
  • Providing working exhaust ventilation where required.
  • Addressing mold growth on building materials.
  • Fixing drainage, gutters and window wells.
  • Replacing water-damaged carpet or drywall.

Documenting the problem

  1. Write it down.Note when you first noticed the smell, where it is strongest and whether it changes with weather.
  2. Photograph.Take dated photos of any stains, growth, damp carpet or condensation.
  3. Measure.Keep a simple log of humidity readings from an inexpensive hygrometer for a few weeks.
  4. Notify in writing.Send the landlord or property manager a dated written notice describing the problem and asking for repair. Keep a copy.
  5. Follow up.Record each response, visit and repair, and whether the smell changed afterward.

Questions to ask the landlord or manager

  1. Has this unit or the one below or beside it had water problems before?
  2. Is there a crawl space or mechanical room next to the unit, and has it been inspected?
  3. Can a dehumidifier be provided or will you allow one?
  4. Will someone check the bathroom exhaust fan and the window wells?
  5. What is the timeline for an inspection?

General information for Lakewood, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.