Apartment hunting with allergies and and environmental sensitivities.
June 3, 2023 4:35 PM Subscribe
The last two places I lived had a significant mold problem (including where I am living now). I am living in university apartments, and I don't think its just mold either, I think its a lack of regular cleaning and like other maintenance. since the pandemic - weekly vacuuming the halls to only between semester breaks or if/when someone complains. It's left me sick as a dog. I don't want that again, but it seems to take time for symptoms to manifest, and even longer to realize they're pretty significant.
I don't/won't have a lot of money, which complicates things. I'll have to look for a room to rent and hope I can find someone more flexible. I'm also not working looking for FT work right now, but haven't done much as I was trying to power semester on prednisone and misery. But I to have enough for security deposit and a couple months of rent. The point is that if I were financially better off, I think it would be easier to find a place or break a lease if I have the same health issues.
So with that being said, I am looking for tips on how to best optimize my chances of finding a place with minimal environmental allergens, and possibly other chemical sensitivities or smells (I think I'm on the spectrum, and my aversion to strong smells tracks with what I've read about sensory overload.). I'm obviously going to look a lot closer than I have prior, but any other tips? Some of this can come from areas that aren't visible, and I don't know how hardcore to be re: looking in vents, etc... My allergies weren't nearly as bad as they are now, but I and my doctor suspect I've been sensitized from living in these environments for a length of time. I may even have an inflammatory arthritis from it, although rheumatologist isn't sure if its that or if its reactive arthritis from that or from the infected tonsils that seem to keep coming back, likely from exposure to allergens.
Prior to living in these to places, I had allergies, but they were pretty manageable and mostly sniffles/itchy eyes and congestion at their worse. I've had them pretty severe in the past, but the last round of immunotherapy about 10 and some change years ago really helped a whole lot. So I don't if my allergies will be "reasonable" if the allergens are at a reasonable level. Its pretty bad where I am now, other students are experiencing though as far as I know, not as bad as severely as I am. The university won't answer my question as to whether or not other students are complaining, so I only know from my roommate and WOM.
I do see an allergist next week, as I hadn't needed one in a number of years. So I will be asking for tips from them as well. But I'd love mefites suggestions on what I can do to try and check any future apartment is not a breathing deathtrap. Are any of those air quality monitors I have seen on amazon worth getting?
I don't/won't have a lot of money, which complicates things. I'll have to look for a room to rent and hope I can find someone more flexible. I'm also not working looking for FT work right now, but haven't done much as I was trying to power semester on prednisone and misery. But I to have enough for security deposit and a couple months of rent. The point is that if I were financially better off, I think it would be easier to find a place or break a lease if I have the same health issues.
So with that being said, I am looking for tips on how to best optimize my chances of finding a place with minimal environmental allergens, and possibly other chemical sensitivities or smells (I think I'm on the spectrum, and my aversion to strong smells tracks with what I've read about sensory overload.). I'm obviously going to look a lot closer than I have prior, but any other tips? Some of this can come from areas that aren't visible, and I don't know how hardcore to be re: looking in vents, etc... My allergies weren't nearly as bad as they are now, but I and my doctor suspect I've been sensitized from living in these environments for a length of time. I may even have an inflammatory arthritis from it, although rheumatologist isn't sure if its that or if its reactive arthritis from that or from the infected tonsils that seem to keep coming back, likely from exposure to allergens.
Prior to living in these to places, I had allergies, but they were pretty manageable and mostly sniffles/itchy eyes and congestion at their worse. I've had them pretty severe in the past, but the last round of immunotherapy about 10 and some change years ago really helped a whole lot. So I don't if my allergies will be "reasonable" if the allergens are at a reasonable level. Its pretty bad where I am now, other students are experiencing though as far as I know, not as bad as severely as I am. The university won't answer my question as to whether or not other students are complaining, so I only know from my roommate and WOM.
I do see an allergist next week, as I hadn't needed one in a number of years. So I will be asking for tips from them as well. But I'd love mefites suggestions on what I can do to try and check any future apartment is not a breathing deathtrap. Are any of those air quality monitors I have seen on amazon worth getting?
Try search terms like 'no scent', 'no fragrance', 'chemical sensitivity' wherever you are searching for a rental - there might be people just like you looking for a roommate.
Look for a place with hardwood or tile floors ie no carpet, no pets living there, even better if you can find buildings or apartments with 'no pet' policies (so you avoid moving into a place with decades of dog or cat dander embedded in the carpet and vents). Forced air heating has the disadvantage of lots of stuff blowing around, but has the advantage of keeping things warm and dry so helps with mold. Look for signs of mold - inspect the ceilings, especially in the bathroom. Avoid basements. Do windows open? Fresh air, even in winter, does a lot.
Come up with a set of criteria like this and see if you can find any places that fit all your criteria.
Also worth exploring if there's anything else ie diet that might be triggering your heightened allergies.
ps: I moved into a place where a dog had lived and yes, vents are a thing. When I first turned on the A/C I was blasted with 10 years of dog residue. Ugh. That's why I think it's better to find a 'no pet' building or space if it exists.
posted by lulu68 at 6:08 PM on June 3, 2023
Look for a place with hardwood or tile floors ie no carpet, no pets living there, even better if you can find buildings or apartments with 'no pet' policies (so you avoid moving into a place with decades of dog or cat dander embedded in the carpet and vents). Forced air heating has the disadvantage of lots of stuff blowing around, but has the advantage of keeping things warm and dry so helps with mold. Look for signs of mold - inspect the ceilings, especially in the bathroom. Avoid basements. Do windows open? Fresh air, even in winter, does a lot.
Come up with a set of criteria like this and see if you can find any places that fit all your criteria.
Also worth exploring if there's anything else ie diet that might be triggering your heightened allergies.
ps: I moved into a place where a dog had lived and yes, vents are a thing. When I first turned on the A/C I was blasted with 10 years of dog residue. Ugh. That's why I think it's better to find a 'no pet' building or space if it exists.
posted by lulu68 at 6:08 PM on June 3, 2023
So while new construction is potentially less moldy than old construction, you are potentially sensitive to VOCs of new construction. And any building can have mold if a water leak was not fixed correctly.
I think you might have to go outside the “undergraduate housing bubble” surrounding campus to get the housing quality up and the housing price down.
I suspect that you may find success via “word of mouth” / networking. Folks with allergies and sensitivities may be hesitant to post “room for rent” on Craigslist out of concern that prospective renters won’t understand the need for strict household policies.
posted by oceano at 9:25 PM on June 3, 2023
I think you might have to go outside the “undergraduate housing bubble” surrounding campus to get the housing quality up and the housing price down.
I suspect that you may find success via “word of mouth” / networking. Folks with allergies and sensitivities may be hesitant to post “room for rent” on Craigslist out of concern that prospective renters won’t understand the need for strict household policies.
posted by oceano at 9:25 PM on June 3, 2023
When you're doing a walk-through in a potential rental apartment, bring a flashlight. You'll turn the taps on and off in kitchens and bathrooms; open the cabinets beneath the sinks to check for leaks, water damage, and mold, and look in the corners of the tub or shower stall. On tile, look at the grout lines for mold discoloration, and look at the seal on the base of the toilet. If you have a friend with a highly sensitive nose (your own may be less so at the moment, from the irritants where you live and recent allergy treatments), bring them to check for wet, musty, moldy odors.
"Look for additional discoloration indicative of the use of bleach or other harsh cleansers. If you notice bright white or yellow patches throughout the apartment," that may mean previous tenants treated surface mold issues -- while the source of the problem went unaddressed. Check that the kitchen and bathrooms have adequate ventilation (ideally windows, not only exhaust fans). Shine the flashlight behind washing machines to see any mold and mildew caused by leaky hoses.
Look at the landscaping around the building, paying special attention to any greenery right outside your new bedroom's windows. Pollen and decaying plant debris will get tracked in on shoes, and pollen sticks to window screens.
Consider allocating $ for a professional 'deep clean' with appropriate products prior to move in? Maybe ask the allergist about mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) when you see them? I also think social networking will help you find your next home. Hope you feel better soon, [insert clever name here].
posted by Iris Gambol at 10:07 PM on June 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
"Look for additional discoloration indicative of the use of bleach or other harsh cleansers. If you notice bright white or yellow patches throughout the apartment," that may mean previous tenants treated surface mold issues -- while the source of the problem went unaddressed. Check that the kitchen and bathrooms have adequate ventilation (ideally windows, not only exhaust fans). Shine the flashlight behind washing machines to see any mold and mildew caused by leaky hoses.
Look at the landscaping around the building, paying special attention to any greenery right outside your new bedroom's windows. Pollen and decaying plant debris will get tracked in on shoes, and pollen sticks to window screens.
Consider allocating $ for a professional 'deep clean' with appropriate products prior to move in? Maybe ask the allergist about mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) when you see them? I also think social networking will help you find your next home. Hope you feel better soon, [insert clever name here].
posted by Iris Gambol at 10:07 PM on June 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
This sounds so tough! I hope you find relief soon. I am renting, and have to keep allergies in mind too.
I recommend limiting your search to places that specify no pets. Even if you clean the place upon arrival, pet dander can linger for up to six months. Have you also considered ventilation? Depending on the building and its ventilation requirements, you may be exposed to a constant influx of other tenants' pet allergens through the HVAC.
I'd also encourage you to live farther from the university. Not living in a central neighbourhood usually pushes rent down, which means that the same amount of money can find you a newer place that's in better condition. If your city is anything like mine, the price of a one-bedroom apartment near the university or downtown would also cover the price of a basement suite or small townhouse in a farther-out neighbourhood (both living situations where you're less likely to be exposed to other tenants' allergens).
posted by fire, water, earth, air at 10:03 PM on June 5, 2023
I recommend limiting your search to places that specify no pets. Even if you clean the place upon arrival, pet dander can linger for up to six months. Have you also considered ventilation? Depending on the building and its ventilation requirements, you may be exposed to a constant influx of other tenants' pet allergens through the HVAC.
I'd also encourage you to live farther from the university. Not living in a central neighbourhood usually pushes rent down, which means that the same amount of money can find you a newer place that's in better condition. If your city is anything like mine, the price of a one-bedroom apartment near the university or downtown would also cover the price of a basement suite or small townhouse in a farther-out neighbourhood (both living situations where you're less likely to be exposed to other tenants' allergens).
posted by fire, water, earth, air at 10:03 PM on June 5, 2023
« Older Best late night transport from Seattle Tacoma... | Can you do a podcast video interview with one... Newer »
You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments
posted by saturdaymornings at 5:17 PM on June 3, 2023 [1 favorite]