8 Ways to Improve IAQ in Your Rental Properties This Allergy Season

Allergy season is right around the corner, and for many residents, that means sneezing, itchy eyes, and discomfort in their own homes. As a property manager, ensuring good indoor air quality (IAQ) in your rental properties is one of the best ways to enhance resident satisfaction and minimize maintenance issues. Clean air isn't just a luxury—it’s a necessity for health and comfort.

By taking proactive steps before peak allergy season hits, you can make a meaningful difference in your residents’ quality of life. Here are eight ways to improve indoor air quality in your rental properties and create a healthier living environment.

1. Upgrade and Maintain HVAC Air Filters Regularly

The first line of defense against allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander is a high-quality air filter. Standard filters capture some airborne particles, but upgrading to high-efficiency filters (such as MERV 8–13 rated filters) can significantly improve indoor air quality.

Regular replacement is just as important as filter quality. Dirty filters reduce airflow, overwork HVAC systems, and allow allergens to circulate. A convenient way to stay on top of filter changes is by leveraging an air filter subscription service like FilterTime. It ensures you always have fresh filters on hand, making timely replacements hassle-free.

2. Encourage Residents to Use Air Purifiers

While HVAC filters help remove airborne contaminants, standalone air purifiers with HEPA filters can add an extra layer of protection—especially in bedrooms and high-traffic areas. Consider providing a list of recommended air purifiers to your residents, or offering incentives for using them, such as a rent discount for tenants with documented allergies.

3. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

Routine HVAC servicing is crucial to ensuring proper airflow and reducing allergen buildup in ductwork. An annual or bi-annual HVAC check-up should include:

• Cleaning and inspecting air ducts
• Checking for mold or mildew buildup
• Ensuring vents and registers are dust-free

Preventive maintenance not only improves air quality but also extends the life of the system and reduces emergency repair costs.

4. Promote Proper Ventilation

Stagnant indoor air can trap allergens and pollutants. Encourage residents to keep windows open when weather permits and use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to improve airflow. If properties have whole-house ventilation systems, make sure they are well-maintained and functioning correctly.

5. Minimize Indoor Pollutants

Common household products contribute to poor air quality. Help residents reduce exposure to indoor pollutants by recommending:

• Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) cleaning supplies and paints
• Scent-free or hypoallergenic laundry detergents
• Houseplants that naturally purify the air, such as peace lilies or snake plants

Providing a move-in guide with these suggestions can help new tenants create a healthier indoor environment from day one.

6. Reduce Mold and Moisture Issues

Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, which significantly impacts indoor air quality. Property managers can help prevent mold issues by:

• Addressing leaks immediately
• Installing dehumidifiers in damp-prone units
• Educating residents about proper humidity levels (ideally between 30-50%)

Proactive moisture management reduces repair costs and enhances tenant satisfaction.

7. Implement a Resident Air Filter Replacement Program

Even with the best intentions, many residents forget to change their air filters regularly. A subscription-based air filter replacement program can solve this issue by providing tenants with filters on a set schedule. Services like FilterTime deliver filters directly to residents, making it easy for them to swap out old filters without the hassle of remembering when it’s time.

As a property manager, you can partner with an air filter subscription service to include filter replacements in lease agreements, ensuring that air quality remains a priority in all rental units.

8. Provide Resident Education on IAQ Best Practices

Many tenants aren’t aware of how daily habits affect indoor air quality. Simple actions like removing shoes at the door, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, and avoiding smoking indoors can make a big difference. Consider sending seasonal newsletters with tips or hosting an annual "Healthy Home" webinar to keep residents informed.

Prioritize Air Quality for Happy, Healthy Residents

By taking proactive steps to improve indoor air quality, you not only enhance resident satisfaction but also protect your rental properties from long-term maintenance issues. Allergy season doesn’t have to mean misery for your tenants—simple measures like regular air filter replacements, HVAC maintenance, and ventilation improvements can make all the difference.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to stay on top of air filter replacements, consider an air filter subscription service like FilterTime. With regularly scheduled deliveries, you can ensure that every rental unit gets the clean air it deserves—all season long.

For more information on making air quality a priority in your rental properties, schedule a demo with us today!