Living in home with a previous pet, what should I do about allergies?

March 10th, 2004 by admin

pet allergies
Marisa H asked:


Hey Everyone,
I live in a City where if you can find a place to rent that you can afford and its clean… you take it!
So I started renting this place last week and the previous renters owned a cat. Now I’m allergic to cats (my throat closes and my nose runs) but I don’t have anyother choices of place to rent.
What should I do?
Get allergy shots? Get the place cleaned?

Any advice would be greatly apprciated!

Thanks

6 Responses to “Living in home with a previous pet, what should I do about allergies?”

  1. brokenasiam Says:
    March 11th, 2004 at 7:03 am

    Talk to the landlord about cleaning the carpets and what not and IF they did it before you moved in, they’re supposed to. If they cant do anything I suggest talking to your doctor about medicine or tricks to get rid of the allergins, like air purifiers.

  2. Life is Grand! Says:
    March 11th, 2004 at 7:00 pm

    Professional shampoo for the carpets

  3. ;) Says:
    March 13th, 2004 at 11:40 pm

    Have the place thoroughly cleaned. I am assuming the apartment is not furnished prior to you moving in. Especially have the carpet and any draperies cleaned. If you can afford it, get a hepa air filtration system. Any dander or dust that is floating around due to air ducts will get trapped in the filter. You should also get filters for the air vents in all the rooms to ensure your air quality. If the apartment was furnished, have it all cleaned as well. Find out if the property manager/landlord will help cover the cost for the cleaning.

    Good luck! ;)

  4. Dylan aka Dilly Says:
    March 15th, 2004 at 7:08 pm

    I’m assuming the home has carpet.Depending on how long you want to rent,you can ask the landlord if hardwoods/or laminate can be installed.Most will if you pitch in on the costs or do the labor yourself because it will increase the value of the property.Another route is to have it professionally cleaned,do-it-yourself machines won’t work in the case.Allergy shots are okay if you want to keep getting them but why would you unless you have pets of your own.

  5. turdl38 Says:
    March 16th, 2004 at 2:38 am

    I would say make sure that it is truly clean and in the mean time try some claritin or something.

  6. Barberry Says:
    March 19th, 2004 at 7:19 am

    If the place is furnished, you’ll need to get the sofas and chairs (not hardwood) cleaned, as well as the carpets. The drapes should be taken down and cleaned or replaced. A very thorough vacuuming of the entire place (use a hepa mask while you do it) will also help remove the dander. All that should have been done before you moved in. You could ask the landlord if he/she would pay for carpet and drape cleaning because of your allergies.

    I agree with the Claritin suggestion, until the place is spotless.