How to Eliminate Odors in Rental Properties

As a property manager, keeping rental units fresh and odor-free is key to tenant satisfaction. Odors can make spaces feel unclean and uninviting, and addressing them promptly is essential to maintaining a welcoming environment. Whether it’s a musty smell in the carpets, lingering food odors, or pet-related scents, tackling the problem at the source can save you time and keep tenants happy.

In this guide, we’ll cover practical and actionable tips to eliminate odors in rental properties and maintain fresh, clean-smelling spaces. These solutions will help you manage odors effectively, improve tenant retention, and protect your reputation as a top-tier property manager.

The Importance of a Fresh-Smelling Rental Unit

A clean, odor-free unit doesn’t just appeal to current tenants—it also sets the tone for prospective renters. Foul odors can lead to complaints, bad reviews, and even higher turnover rates. As a property manager, being proactive about odors demonstrates care and professionalism, which boosts tenant satisfaction and reduces vacancies.

Common Sources of Odors in Rental Properties

Here are some of the most frequent odor culprits you’ll encounter as a property manager:

1. Pets: Pet dander, accidents, and unwashed pet bedding can leave behind unpleasant smells.
2. Cooking Odors: Grease, spices, and lingering smoke from cooking can permeate surfaces.
3. Mold and Mildew: Moisture buildup in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements often leads to musty smells.
4. Carpets and Upholstery: Soft surfaces trap odors over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
5. Garbage: Trash left too long or food particles in garbage disposals can cause strong odors.
6. Smoke: Cigarette or marijuana smoke clings to walls, ceilings, and furniture, making it a persistent problem.
7. Laundry: Dirty clothes and damp towels can create musty smells in laundry rooms and hampers.

How to Eliminate Odors in Rental Units

1. Replace Air Filters Regularly

• Air filters are the first line of defense against dust, dander, and other odor-causing particles.
• Replace air filters every 2–3 months, or more frequently in units with pets or heavy HVAC use.
• Bonus Tip: Upgrading to high-efficiency filters can help capture more particles and improve air quality.

2. Deep Clean Carpets and Rugs

• Soft surfaces like carpets and area rugs absorb odors over time. Regular vacuuming helps, but deep cleaning is essential.
• Schedule professional carpet cleaning at least once a year or between tenant turnovers.
• For quick fixes, sprinkle baking soda over carpets, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum.

3. Neutralize Odors with Vinegar

• Vinegar is a natural, cost-effective deodorizer that neutralizes odors rather than masking them.
• Use vinegar to clean surfaces, freshen garbage cans, and even deodorize drains.
• Simmer a pot of vinegar on the stove for a quick way to neutralize odors in kitchens.

4. Tackle Kitchen Odors at the Source

• Clean garbage disposals with lemon slices or a baking soda and vinegar mixture to eliminate food odors.
• Check refrigerators for expired food and place an open box of baking soda inside to absorb smells.
• Clean dishwashers regularly by running a cycle with white vinegar to remove lingering odors.

5. Address Bathroom Smells

• Bathrooms are prone to mold, mildew, and drain odors. Regularly clean sinks, showers, and toilets with a mix of baking soda and vinegar.
• Pour vinegar and baking soda down drains monthly to prevent buildup and neutralize odors.
• Encourage tenants to use ventilation fans or open windows after showers to reduce moisture.

6. Ventilate Regularly

• Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining fresh air in rental units. Open windows, use fans, and install air purifiers in common areas or units with poor airflow.
• During tenant turnover, air out the unit for several days to eliminate lingering odors.

7. Clean and Deodorize Garbage Cans

• Trash cans often hold onto odors even after being emptied. Wash them with a vinegar-water solution and sprinkle baking soda in the bottom to absorb future smells.

8. Handle Smoke Odors Thoroughly

• Cigarette or marijuana smoke requires deep cleaning to fully remove. Wash walls, ceilings, and floors with a vinegar solution.
• Use an ozone machine or professional odor removal service for units with heavy smoke damage.

9. Maintain Pet-Friendly Units

• For pet-friendly rentals, provide guidelines for pet hygiene and cleaning. Encourage tenants to bathe pets regularly and clean litter boxes daily.
• Between tenants, steam clean carpets and upholstery to remove pet-related odors.

Common Dangerous Odors to Watch Out For

Not all odors are harmless. Be aware of these smells, which could signal serious problems:

1. Rotten Egg or Sulfur Smell
   • This may indicate a gas leak. If tenants report this smell, instruct them to leave the property immediately and contact emergency services.
2. Fishy or Burning Smell
   • Electrical wiring issues can produce a fishy or burnt plastic odor. Call an electrician to inspect the property if this smell arises.
3. Musty Odor
   • Mold or mildew is usually the culprit. Address leaks and moisture issues promptly to prevent health risks and property damage.

Long-Term Strategies for Managing Odors

1. Create an Odor Management Checklist

• Implement a routine checklist for odor control, including tasks like air filter replacement, garbage can cleaning, and ventilation checks.
• Share this checklist with your team or tenants to ensure consistency.

2. Provide Cleaning Supplies for Tenants

• Offering basic cleaning supplies (e.g., baking soda, vinegar, or odor-neutralizing sprays) can encourage tenants to address odors themselves.

3. Offer Air Filter Delivery Services

• Simplify air filter replacement by enrolling tenants in an air filter delivery program. This ensures filters are replaced on schedule and helps prevent odor buildup.

4. Educate Tenants on Best Practices

• During move-in, provide tenants with tips for preventing odors, such as cleaning litter boxes daily, taking out trash regularly, and avoiding cooking with strong-smelling foods.

Why Proactive Odor Management Matters

Fresh, clean-smelling units are a reflection of your commitment to tenant satisfaction. Eliminating odors can:

• Reduce complaints and negative reviews.
• Improve tenant retention and renewals.
• Enhance the marketability of your properties.

Partner with Us to Keep Your Properties Fresh

We understand the challenges of managing rental properties, which is why we make odor control simple. Your Renters Kit by Beagle's air filter delivery service ensures your properties stay fresh, clean, and odor-free year-round. For just $4 per month, get air filters automatically delivered quarterly to all of your properties.

Sign up today to get started and make odor management one less thing to worry about. Your tenants—and your properties—will thank you.

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Related Blog Posts:

• How to Get Rid of Cat Dander in Your Rental Property | Complete Cleaning Guide
• How to Remove Mold from Carpet | A Property Manager’s Guide
• Essential Rental Property Maintenance Tips | Keep Properties in Top Condition

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