One North Carolina renter says that when a monthslong HVAC leak in their apartment left the area around the unit soaked and rusting, the maintenance team used a plastic bottle as part of its drainage solution.
The renter then took to Reddit's r/HVACAdvice community to ask: "Is this normal?"
Here's what to know
According to the Reddit thread, the original poster said they have been dumping out "a tote of water approximately every other day" and have noticed a new "damp/musty smell."
The OP also said the wood near the HVAC was "visibly wet," the metal looked "heavily rusted/corroded," water was "actively dripping," and part of the condensate drainage setup involved a plastic bottle.
(Click here if the embedded video does not appear.)
The renter said the newest maintenance ticket had gone unanswered for two weeks and described it as their fourth request over the same issue. They also asked what tenant-rights options might apply in Raleigh and whether anyone in a similar situation had received a rent concession.
Commenters were blunt.
One user urged the renter to "just send a video of this to the housing inspector."
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"No, NOT normal or correct," another wrote.
The top comment read: "I'm sure the insurance agency would love to know about this."
Another Redditor added that the OP should "report to your local building inspector, and look into rent abatement law in your city. You shouldn't be paying rent until this is fixed."
More background
Leaking HVAC systems can be more than a nuisance. Persistent moisture around a unit can damage floors, walls, and wood framing, while standing water can contribute to odors and other indoor air-quality concerns.
Even if the exact cause is "just" a condensate drainage problem, a setup that relies on improvised containers instead of a proper repair can point to a broader maintenance failure.
Unfortunately, renters often have little control over inefficient or poorly maintained equipment.
Still, photos, video, copies of maintenance requests, and records of any property damage can help show that the issue is ongoing rather than isolated.
For homeowners looking to avoid expensive HVAC breakdowns and cut monthly energy costs, Palmetto's Comfort Plan network can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with vetted installers.
And if you're not ready to spend upfront, the Comfort Plan includes $0-down options that can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 50% and includes 12 years of free maintenance.
Where can I learn more?
These stories spotlight renters dealing with broken or poorly maintained cooling systems.
• A renter said an overseas landlord refused to fix broken air conditioning despite 90-degree heat.
• Another tenant posted a disgusting air conditioning unit that commenters feared was covered in black mold.
• One renter found a fraudulent AC system that seemed like pure landlord deception.
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