Item3b_CDC-AustinCodePresentation_DW — original pdf
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MOLD REPORT UPDATE PRESENTED BY: Daniel Word, Assistant Director, Austin Code Department February 8, 2022 MISSION AND BACKGROUND MOLD REPORT UPDATE | AUSTIN CODE DEPARTMENT January 11, 2022 Austin Code Department Mission: To build a safer and greater Austin together through code education, collaboration, and enforcement. Background: On May 5th, 2021, the Austin City Council passed Resolution No. 20210506-040, asking the city manager to improve the City’s response to health and safety issues related to mold in rental housing. Mold Report Update Health Effects of Mold Development or worsening of asthma Respiratory symptoms Eczema Bronchitis Mold Report Update Current Practices and Regulations Austin Code Department (ACD) responds to all complaints received regarding mold growth in rental housing. On July 26, 2020, a memo was issued to all code inspectors to improve consistency in response to these complaints. Code Inspector is expected to look for source of water intrusion Inspector cannot explicitly determine whether mold is present (“mold-like substance”) Inspector looks for structural openings or gaps allowing water to penetrate interior of structure (siding, windows, doors, plumbing, equipment) RECOMMENDATION 1 Based on the findings, City staff provides five recommendations to improve the City of Austin’s response to mold in rental housing: Increase access to renters’ insurance Increase access to renters’ insurance Educate stakeholders regarding utilization of licensed mold assessors and remediators Provide additional funding to Rental Housing Development Assistance Establish general repair guides related to water damage Improve inspection practices related to moisture intrusion in rental housing RECOMMENDATION 2 Based on the findings, City staff provides five recommendations to improve the City of Austin’s response to mold in rental housing: Additional funding could be provided to the Rental Housing Development Assistance program Increase access to renters’ insurance Educate stakeholders regarding utilization of licensed mold assessors and remediators Provide additional funding to Rental Housing Development Assistance Establish general repair guides related to water damage Improve inspection practices related to moisture intrusion in rental housing RECOMMENDATION 3 Based on the findings, City staff provides five recommendations to improve the City of Austin’s response to mold in rental housing: Improve inspection practices related to moisture intrusion in rental housing Increase access to renters’ insurance Educate stakeholders regarding utilization of licensed mold assessors and remediators Provide additional funding to Rental Housing Development Assistance Establish general repair guides related to water damage Improve inspection practices related to moisture intrusion in rental housing RECOMMENDATION 4 Based on the findings, City staff provides five recommendations to improve the City of Austin’s response to mold in rental housing: Establish general repair guides related to water damage Increase access to renters’ insurance Educate stakeholders regarding utilization of licensed mold assessors and remediators Provide additional funding to Rental Housing Development Assistance Establish general repair guides related to water damage Improve inspection practices related to moisture intrusion in rental housing RECOMMENDATION 5 Based on the findings, City staff provides five recommendations to improve the City of Austin’s response to mold in rental housing: Educate stakeholders regarding utilization of licensed mold assessors and remediators Increase access to renters’ insurance Educate stakeholders regarding utilization of licensed mold assessors and remediators Provide additional funding to Rental Housing Development Assistance Establish general repair guides related to water damage Improve inspection practices related to moisture intrusion in rental housing RESOURCES AUSTIN CODE DEPARTMENT | DANIEL WORD January 11, 2022 Existing Resources Needed Resources GO Repair! Program Minor Home Repair The Emergency Home Repair Program Moisture Meters Training