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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Musty carpets in rental - What would you do?!

5 replies

onarollercoaster · 31/07/2026 20:44

Hi everyone, I really need some advice because I’m a bit upset by this!

im moved into a new place—not been here long, But the carpets are seriously musty and smell bad. I think the smell is catching in the back of my throat and flaring up my asthma at times.
I’ve checked absolutely everywhere for mold and can’t find a thing. I even had a friend come over to check I wasn't going mad! We’ve lifted the carpets to look underneath, and there’s no visible damp at all, the carpet is directly to concrete so no underlay to have degraded and very little dust underneath, but the smell is very noticeable. It’s the only thing that’s smells bad in the property so I’m pretty sure it’s that.
I spoke to the estate agent about getting them professionally cleaned. He actually mentioned off the record that ideally they need replacing but the landlord is not up for that.
Quite frankly, I’m not willing to pay a substantial amount of rent every month to live in a house with carpets that smell awful and are potentially making me feel unwell.
My dilemma: I really don't want to be labeled a "problem tenant." I don't want to piss off the estate agent either, because I know I'll likely need them to help me find another place in the future. But I don’t want to carry on like this.
How would you approach this without burning bridges?

Will a professional carpet clean help significantly? (I’ll pay for it myself if needed)
Has anyone had success with air purifiers?

WWYD? Thanks in advance! x

OP posts:
ALovelyPinkUnicorn · 31/07/2026 20:45

Have you tried carpet cleaner or shake and vac (if they still make that!)

TheWildZebra · 31/07/2026 20:46

We had this problem - hired a carpet cleaner from Tesco and spent the weekend doing it ourselves. Improved quality of life (and air!) immeasurably

OnlyTomSaidThat · 31/07/2026 20:46

Could you not just hire a rug doctor and give it a go over? See if it makes a difference?

Yetanothername3 · 31/07/2026 21:20

Open the windows as much as you can. Hire a wet and dry carpet cleaner and leave windows open.

YorkshirePuddingsGreatestFan · 31/07/2026 21:27

Have you tried Neutrodol powder?

Sprinkle it over the carpet and leave it as long as you can before hoovering it up.

I've used it on various child/pet accidents and it's got rid of the lingering smell of urine, vomit and diahorrea from carpets.

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