musty student

[mustyfreeplease]

I recently rented the basement area of my home (it is a dry, finished drywalled, carpeted, three-room area) to a mature student, who moved in with a pile of old computers and boxes of stuff (I do not know the contents of these).
After 3 weeks, I began to notice some musty odors which seemed to worsen daily. Now (week 4) the situation is so bad, the musty odours are circulating through my heating system, and I am feeling the effects of it in my lungs.
I have lived in this home for 6 years and have never experienced any musty odor problems before. I am afraid it is contaminating all of my living area as well -- not only the the carpet, couch and bedding downstairs.
The student doesn't seem to be aware of the smell the same way I am, and is claiming that the source is my home.
I realize that I may have to ask the student to leave, but am also worried that I will be left with replacing the carpet and....
Is there any way of dealing with this short of getting the student to move out with his "stuff", and then tackle any fallout?

mustyfreeplease

[Basement MD]

If its musty smelling this is usually from something getting wet or damp. The water source could be from a bathroom, shower? Ground water, dryer or some other source. You may just need a good dehumidifier or remove the moisture source. If the windows are open it could also be from outside air.