Empty office with dehumidifiers drying the carpet after a leak. Example of the work involved; the photo does not show a specific property or a job for this site.
On the tour
- Visit at least once with the HVAC running and once first thing in the morning after a closed night
- Smell at the entrance before the room has been aired out by opening doors
- Lift a ceiling tile if the broker permits and look for stains or residue
- Check every floor drain, sink and restroom for dry traps or sewer smell
- Look at carpet seams, wall bases and cabinetry for staining
- Note neighbors on each side and what they do
- Walk to the roof side or ask where rooftop units and vents are located
- Take dated photographs of anything unusual
Questions for the broker or landlord
- What was this suite used for before, and for how long?
- Has the HVAC serving this suite been serviced recently, and can records be shared?
- Have there been odor complaints from other tenants in the building?
- What is being repaired, cleaned or replaced before delivery?
- Who handles repairs if an odor appears after move-in?
What you notice and what it might mean
| Observation | Possible meaning | Follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| Strong cooking or chemical smell | Residue from a prior use | Ask about material replacement |
| Faint musty smell | Past water or condensate | Look above ceiling; ask about roof history |
| Smell near a drain | Dry trap or abandoned fixture | Ask who will check plumbing |
| Smell changes when HVAC starts | Air system or ducts | Request inspection before signing |
| Odor from the neighbor's side | Shared wall or plenum path | Ask about building design |
Getting it in writing
Verbal assurances during a tour are easily forgotten after the lease is signed. A lease exhibit that lists work to be completed before delivery, including any cleaning, replacement or duct work, gives both sides something specific to check. If the landlord agrees to correct an odor that appears within a set period, ask that it be written into the lease and have an attorney review the language. Leave room for a final walkthrough on the day keys are handed over, with the HVAC running.
If an odor is present on a tour, say so politely and note the answer you receive. A landlord who explains what will be done and writes it down is a better sign than one who dismisses the concern.
Common questions
- Is it unreasonable to tour twice?
- No. A second visit at a different time of day is a normal request, particularly when a suite is a second-generation space.
- Can an odor be a reason to walk away?
- Yes. If the source is unclear or the landlord will not address it in writing, that tells you something about what follows.
General information for Westminster, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.