Is Your Wake County Rental Home Suffering From A Damp Crawl Space?

If you rent a home in Wake County, North Carolina, chances are your property has a crawl space instead of a basement. With 33% of homes in the area—specifically in Cary— being rental properties, students, professors, and faculty members from NC State University, Wake Forest University, and UNC Chapel Hill rely heavily on off-campus housing.

But what happens when your rental’s crawl space traps moisture, causes musty odors, or leads to mold growth?

Ignoring these issues could lead to higher humidity, poor indoor air quality, pest problems, and even structural damage. The good news? Landlords are responsible for maintaining a safe and habitable living environment—but they may not be aware of the issue unless you report it.

This guide will help you:

Identify common crawl space moisture issues in rental homes
Understand how excess humidity affects indoor air quality
Learn how to notify your landlord about crawl space concerns
Take steps to protect yourself and your belongings

How Crawl Space Moisture Affects Rental Homes

A damp, unsealed crawl space isn’t just a nuisance—it can cause long-term problems for tenants, including:

Musty Smells Throughout the House: Moisture in the crawl space can spread unpleasant, musty odors into the living areas above.
Increased Allergy or Asthma Symptoms: Excess humidity encourages health hazards, including mold growth and dust mites.
Higher Energy Bills: Damp air makes HVAC systems work harder, increasing heating and cooling costs.
Pest Infestations: Termites, rodents, and insects thrive in damp crawl spaces.
Structural Damage: Excess moisture can weaken wooden floor joists, causing floors to sag.

If you notice these issues in your rental, your crawl space could be to blame.

Common Signs of Crawl Space Humidity Problems in Wake County Rentals

Not sure if your rental has crawl space moisture issues? Look for these red flags:

Sign

Musty smell in rental home crawl space or throughout the house

Visible mold on baseboards or walls

Warped or cupping hardwood floors

Higher indoor humidity levels

Increased pests in the home

What It Means

Moist air from the crawl space rises into the home

Crawl space humidity affects living spaces

Moisture from below is seeping into the flooring

Crawl space allows excess moisture inside

Damp conditions attract termites and rodents

What To Do

Use a dehumidifier, report the issue to your landlord

Take photos & notify your landlord immediately

Report it before permanent flooring damage

Use a hygrometer to check humidity & report it

Keep records and notify your landlord

If you notice two or more of these signs of crawl space water damage, your crawl space is likely trapping moisture, and the issue needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

Why Wake County Rentals Are at Higher Risk for Crawl Space Moisture Issues

1. Humid Climate & Heavy Rainfall

North Carolina has a humid climate, which increases the risk of moisture buildup in crawl spaces.
Frequent storms can cause poor drainage, leading to standing water under homes.

crawl space with an open vent and ineffective vapor barrier

2. Older Rental Homes with Poor Crawl Space Sealing

Many homes, specifically in Cary, were built in the 1990s before modern basement crawl space encapsulation methods became common.
Lack of vapor barriers and poor ventilation leads to constant moisture problems.

3. Many Landlords Are Unaware of Crawl Space Issues

Crawl spaces aren’t visible in everyday living spaces, so landlords may not know there’s a problem.
Many tenants don’t report issues like musty air or sagging floors, assuming they’re minor—but they’re not!

How to Report Crawl Space Moisture Issues to Your Landlord

Don’t be caught off-guard by crawl space humidity problems in Wake County rentals like a Cary family that thought they bought their dream home. Stay vigilant and make issues known right away.

If your rental home has a damp or moldy crawl space, your landlord is responsible for addressing the issue.

Steps to Take When Reporting Crawl Space Moisture Issues:

1. Document the Problem

Take photos or videos of mold, warped flooring, or signs of water damage.
Write down dates & times when you notice musty smells or high humidity.

2. Notify Your Landlord in Writing

Send an email or written message explaining the issue.
Be clear, specific, and polite—explain how the moisture problem affects your comfort and health.
Example email template:

Subject: Crawl Space Moisture Issue in [Your Rental Address]

Hello, [Landlord’s Name],

I wanted to bring to your attention that I’ve noticed moisture issues in the crawl space at [your rental address]. There is a strong musty odor, and I’ve seen [describe the issue: mold, warped floors, high humidity]. I’ve attached some photos for reference.

The issue seems worse after rain, which makes me concerned about potential water intrusion or ventilation issues. I’d appreciate it if we could discuss possible solutions. Please let me know if you’d like to schedule a time to inspect it.

Thanks for your help!

[Your Name]

3. Follow Up If Necessary

If your landlord doesn’t respond, follow up after a few days.
If they refuse to address the issue, check your lease—some agreements require them to maintain the home’s structural integrity.

What Landlords Can Do to Fix Crawl Space Moisture Issues

If you’re a landlord, protecting your rental investment means preventing long-term water damage. Solutions include:

installing interior drains and sump pump in crawl space

1. Adding Crawl Space Drainage

Collect leaking crawl space water with an interior drainage system.
Pair these drains with a sump pump to remove water from the crawl space.

2. Encapsulating the Crawl Space

Install a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from seeping in.
Seal crawl space vents to control humidity levels year-round.

3. Installing a Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier can help regulate humidity, preventing mold growth.
Invest in an energy-efficient and self-draining unit for added peace of mind.

4. Improving Drainage Around the Property

Extend gutters and downspouts at least 6-10 feet from the foundation.
Grade the soil around the home to direct water away from the crawl space.

If the crawl space moisture issues are severe, landlords should consult an experienced crawl space waterproofing specialist to prevent costly damage.

Need Help Getting Your Landlord to Fix Crawl Space Humidity Problems in Wake County Rentals?

If your Wake County rental has a musty or damp crawl space, don’t ignore it! Excess moisture can ruin your belongings, create health risks, and make your home less comfortable.

Landlords are responsible for keeping rental properties safe.

Document the problem.
Report it to your landlord.
Follow up if needed.

If your landlord isn’t sure how to fix the issue, they can contact a crawl space waterproofing expert like Tar Heel Basement Systems for a free inspection.

Schedule Free Inspection

Crawl Space Moisture Issues FAQs

Will a crawl space dry out on its own?

A crawl space will not dry out on its own and requires active intervention. Without proper moisture control and potentially professional drying services, a damp crawl space can lead to mold, wood rot, and structural damage.

What is the ideal humidity level for a crawl space?

The ideal humidity level for a crawl space is typically between 40-50%. Maintaining humidity within this range is crucial for preventing issues like mold growth, wood rot, and poor air quality. To help achieve and maintain these optimal levels, we offer solutions including professional-grade dehumidifiers and comprehensive waterproofing systems. If you’re unsure about the humidity level in your crawl space or need assistance in managing it, contact us for a free inspection.

How can I prevent crawl space moisture?

Waterproofing solutions, including interior drainage and a sump pump, are the best defense against crawl space moisture. Additional measures like vapor barriers, dehumidifiers, and insulation offer comprehensive protection. Contact Tar Heel Basement Systems for a free crawl space inspection and repair quote.

Related Resources

Water in Crawl Space: Causes and Lasting Solutions

Plagued by standing water in crawl space? Learn what causes this problem and how to avoid further damage with professional repairs.

The Benefits of Crawl Space Inspections

Is it worth it to have a contractor come and look over your crawl space? What do contractors look for during this process?

5 Things to Know When Shopping for a Crawl Space Dehumidifier

Prevent a damp crawl space from affecting your home's health. Use these five tips to select a dehumidifier for a safer home.

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.