My girlfriend and I have just arrived in Taiwan and are preparing to train to teach English as a foreign language for the next year. We’re currently unsure where we’ll be living, however we’ve just checked into our hotel where we’ll be staying for the next couple of weeks.
One thing we’ve noticed straight away is that many of the buildings including our hotel room seem to have a bit of a musty smell to them. This is of particular concern as my girlfriend developed pneumonia from living in a moldy house two years or so ago, and we definitely don’t want to reexperience that. While I’m not sure if must/mildew will have the same effect, I just thought I’d ask whether this must is a common thing in Taiwan? Is it likely that whatever apartment we end up in will have must problems?
Wherever you end up staying you’ll want to invest in dehumidifier(s), unless your landlord already has one (probably likely). But 1 might not be enough. We have 3 running non-stop. Humidity is just something you have to deal with in Taiwan, and you need to manage it or your clothes will never dry properly. Cheaper hotels will always have that musty smell you experienced.
Live in newer housing. They aren’t full of holes, contain safety features, AC units dehumidify as well and are higher quality and installations to the outside world, like windows are better sealed.
All of the responses so far are important things to do (lie in newer buildings, use dehumidifiers and A/C units with dehumidifiers, constantly clean, etc.).
The only thing I would add is that when you do start looking for housing, be very picky and thoroughly check everything in the unit. Not all, but some landlords will try to “hide” things when you go to see an apartment. Make sure to check all of the walls for mold, especially black mold. Check all of the faucets/sinks, the shower/ bathtub, toilet, etc.
Thanks everyone for the replies - very helpful. Dehumidifiers sound like the best option alongside the other tricks to keep must and mould out, so thanks for the contributions.
