In last month's issue, the Insider explained how to identify when the brick façade on your building needs repointing work. Repointing work is the chiseling out of old, worn mortar between bricks and having it replaced with fresh mortar.
With ice, rain, snow, and low temperatures, winter is clearly the season that hits a brick façade the hardest. Problems already present in the façade are sure to grow as moisture in cracks and cavities expands in freezing temperatures. To the site manager, this means that summer is the best time...
On Aug. 16, HUD issued Notice H2011-20 on the subject of bedbugs in project-based assisted housing programs. Bedbug infestations have become a serious problem in housing throughout the country, and the notice provides information and references to best practices regarding the prevention and...
Having a well-maintained laundry room at one's site is a definite plus for owners and households. Owners can benefit from ancillary income, and households don't have to find off-site laundromats, where they may have to spend hours waiting for machines. But a laundry room can quickly turn...
On July 29, HUD posted Notice PIH 2011-44 entitled “Guidance on EPA's Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, HUD's Lead Safe Housing Rule, and the EPA-HUD Lead Disclosure Rule.” The notice provides guidance to public housing authorities (PHAs) and...
One sure way you can beat the heat this summer is to be certain that your air conditioning system and individual units are ready to go before the temperatures rise.
The REAC scoring system has long baffled site owners and managers. With its algorithms, weights, criticalities, and levels of severity, you might think you need a degree in advanced mathematics to understand it. Not so, says REAC inspections consultant Michael Gantt.
Unit kitchens can be a hot spot for deficiencies when inspection time rolls around. REAC inspectors check for an array of problems in the kitchen, both large and small, from missing or damaged countertops to leaking faucets to inoperable range hood exhaust fans. But you can minimize deficiencies...
While balconies are a welcome feature that can add to the appeal of units at your site, they do require extra attention to be sure they are maintained in a safe condition and to limit your liability if an accident occurs. If any of your units have balconies, your maintenance staff should inspect...
Both HUD and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have taken steps to require the use of practices that minimize lead hazards when you undertake renovation, repair, or painting projects at your site. In general, the requirements work together, but there are some differences.
It's not uncommon for residents to want to use devices such as air conditioners, fans, and space heaters for personal comfort and to better control the temperature in their unit. Some site owners and managers would prefer to prohibit such use, but it's likely that residents would use...
Mold at your site is more than just a nuisance. It can exacerbate health problems for residents and create a legal liability for you. To reduce these risks, take steps to educate residents and involve them in the fight to keep mold to a minimum.
