Is Your Home Making You Sick?

The National Center for Healthy Housing released a study using Census Bureau data that states that 1 in 3 homes in metro areas have problems that could result in illness for the resident. Landlords, Property Managers, and residents can easily prevent some of these conditions that result in unhealthy homes.

Unhealthy homes have significant impact on residents. Americans spend more than 90% of their time indoors. It increases their chance of getting sick due to the health hazard that may exist in the property. For example, since 1980 asthma has tripled amongst children and the major factor driving this increase is poor ventilation and water leaks.

Landlords, Property Managers and homeowners should take quick action on these 2 major issues in properties. Most of the times an ounce of prevention is the best fix to these problems. Below you will find suggestions and tips on how to prevent these problems in the most economical way.

1. Mold: A plumbing leak, roof or windows that makes an area continuously wet leads to mold. Ask your tenants to inform about any leak so that it is stopped quickly. Check the roof once a year especially the attic ceiling for leaks. Seal any leaks around pipes that extend into exterior walls, ensure that the windows and doors are well caulked. Also always check the gutters and downspouts to make that they are draining water properly.

2. Rodents: Rodents are one of the toughest to fight and they can cause significant damage over time to property. They have been known to gnaw through pipes, wood paneling, and contaminate stored food. Many landlords and property managers find use of traps, glue strips and bait stations quite effective in getting rid of this problem. In order to prevent the problem, ask your tenants to keep food sealed and generally keep the property clean.