Damp smell in Portland OR basement

[Jeff S.]

Have owned rental for many years and newer tenant complains of moist smell and imagines mold situation in basement. It has a rather dank smell but no visible moisture or mold. Tenant wants a dehumidifier.

[Chris Shepard]

I would check your gutters ASAP and then the furnace condensate pump.   It’s been rainy and cold so those are my two guesses.

Gutters to sure that everything regarding rain water is draining properly.  And the condensate to make sure it’s not plugged (this only effects high efficiency furnaces, 80% do not have condensates).

I  would provide a dehumidifier, but also make sure that I solve the underlying problem as soon as possible.  

Good luck!