Make Your Property Asthma FriendlyIf people can’t breathe, they don’t stay. Properties with more asthma triggers can lead to higher turnover rates.
Mold and Moisture can be triggers for people with asthma and allergies. Before renting out your property there are a few things you can do to address issues of mold and moisture. Addressing mold and moisture will help improve tenant retention and will increases the value of your property. Promptly address reports of leaks and moisture. Maintain roofs, gutters, and drainage. Provide dehumidifiers for damp basements. Consider installing mechanical ventilation in bathroom and kitchens, because who wants to shower next to an open window on a cold winter day?
Rodents and pests not only destroy your property, but they can also be triggers for asthma and allergies. The longer an infestation persists, the more the allergens build up around the house.
Current evidence shows that carpeting is problematic for people with allergies and asthma. Dust mites and other particulates that are contained within carpeting can be triggers. Despite the greater cost upfront, replacing carpets with durable, hard-surfaced flooring can be more cost-effective in the long run by reducing maintenance costs at turnover.
By enforcing smoke-free housing policies, you are providing a safe and attractive place to live. Secondhand smoke increases the severity and number of asthma attacks, and has be proven to even contribute tot he development of asthma in young children. HUD provides a useful guide on the benefits of implementing smoke-free housing.
For more information on making your property asthma friendly, contact the Healthy Homes Coalition.
More than ten million school days are missed each year due to asthma.
Toolkit for Smoke Free Housing(6.2 MB)
Here at Healthy Homes, we have a small, but mighty volunteer force. And, possibly no volunteer is more known around the offices as a go-to helper than Alex Markham. She has been a very regular giver of time, talent, and passion over the past three years, and we are thankful to have her as part of the team.
This fall, Healthy Homes is starting a new lead education program to help any local family who wants to learn more about lead, and how to manage lead hazards in their home.
Hugo Claudin is the newest full-time staff member in the Healthy Homes direct services department. He will be working directly with families struggling with environmental hazards in their homes, visiting them, making action plans for them, and building relationships with them. Hugo brings a unique perspective and experience to this position. Before coming here, he previously worked for Spectrum Health, LINC, and The Red Project, all in a community health capacity. He is also a well-known artist and musician, and an all-around interesting guy.