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AGENDA
Community Services Committee Regular Meeting
5:30 PM - Monday, December 12, 2016
Council Conference Room, 7th Floor, City Hall – 1055 S. Grady Way
1. HOUSING REPAIR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM POLICIES
a) AB - 1810 Community Services Department recommends adopting the revised policies for
the Renton Housing Repair Assistance Program.
b) Presentation
AB - 1810
City Council Regular Meeting - 05 Dec 2016
SUBJECT/TITLE: Revised City of Renton Housing Repair Assistance Program policies
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Refer to Community Services Committee
DEPARTMENT: Community Services
STAFF CONTACT: Karen Bergsvik, Human Services Manager
EXT.: 6652
FISCAL IMPACT SUMMARY:
N/A
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
The Housing Repair Assistance Program (HRAP) is proposing to shift its emphasis from health and safety
repairs to healthy homes. Healthy homes promotes safe, decent, and sanitary housing as a means for
preventing disease and injury. There is scientific evidence linking health outcomes such as asthma, lead
poisoning, and unintentional injuries to substandard housing. The seven principles of a healthy home are:
keeping it dry, clean, pest-free,safe, contaminate-free, ventilated and maintained. While HRAP does some
components of healthy housing, it will be expanding what it does in moisture control, mold, and venting. This
is particularly needed for households that have children. We are proposing that the maximum expenditure per
year be increased from $4000 to $6000, due to the rising costs of replacing essential things like furnaces and
roofs. Currently the individuals and families that have the lowest reported adjusted gross income (0-30% of
median income) receive up to $4000 per year in assistance, and those that have higher incomes (50-80% of
median) get $750 per year in assistance.We are proposing to eliminate the different levels of assistance and
help all applicants up to $6000, based on staff's discretion and clear criteria for service priorities. The Human
Services Advisory Committee has reviewed the proposed policies and supports this change.
EXHIBITS:
A. Red line version of Housing Repair Assistance Program policies
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the revised policies for the City of Renton Housing Repair Assistance Program.
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Page 1 of 7
CITY OF RENTON
Community Services Department/Human Services Division
Housing Repair Assistance Program Policies
The Housing Repair Assistance Program (HRAP) provides and promotes the repair and
maintenance of housing for individuals and families living within the Renton City limits earning
80% or less of area median income as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD). HRAP is partially funded through the Community Development Block Grant
Program (CDBG) and must conform to CDBG regulations. These regulations provide overall
guidelines that must be followed but are designed to allow agencies greater flexibility in program
implementation. strives to provide and promote the maintenance and rehabilitation of housing in
a manner that is conducive to the good health of its occupants. The occupants must live within
Renton city limits, own their home for one year, and earn 80% or less of area median income as
defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Due to increased demand and limited resources of the Housing Repair Assistance Program, the following policies have been adopted to assist staff in implementing this program. Meeting the
eligibility requirements listed below does not guarantee services will be provided. In order to
maximize the effectiveness of the limited resources available, staff will be responsible for
interpreting and applying the policies set forth below and will make the final determination on the
provision of services. HRAP affirms the seven principles of a healthy home and takes into consideration the habits and behaviors of the occupants of the home.
The Seven Principles of Healthy Homes
KEEP IT DRY – Moisture in homes is linked to a wide range of health problems; from respiratory problems to creating a favorable environment for mites, rodents, molds, and roaches, all of which
are associated with asthma. HRAP will prioritize repairs to eliminate moisture problems, to
minimize mold, and other problems related to moisture.
KEEP IT CLEAN-A clean home helps ensure that people are not exposed to contaminants and
chemicals. HRAP will use green products in the home, and will help educate the homeowner
about the importance of cleanliness. HRAP will use HEPA furnace filters so that dust, allergens,
pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mildew, and mildew spores are eliminated. When carpeting is a
trip hazard or very worn, it will be replaced with flooring that is easier to clean.
KEEP IT PEST-FREE – Studies show that there is a casual relationship between mice and cockroach
exposure and asthma episodes in children with asthma. HRAP will prevent pests from entering a
home, and will treat, manage, and monitor to minimize pest activities.
KEEP IT SAFE – Hot water tank earthquake straps, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, motion
detectors, security lighting, and ramps will be installed. Prevention of falls is a priority; HRAP will
make changes to the home so that a person can feel safer and has less risk of falling. HRAP will
install grab bars in the shower or tub, ensure clients have a place to sit if needed, and install non-slip surfaces. Steps will have handrails and adequate lighting.
KEEP IT CONTAMINATE-FREE – Homes have many potential contaminant exposure risks, including
lead, radon, pesticides, tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide and asbestos.
KEEP IT VENTILATED – Studies show that respiratory health is related to fresh air. Increasing a
home’s fresh air supply reduces moisture, improves air quality, and increases respiratory health.
Air sealing and ventilation through fans will be a priority. HRAP will install, repair, and maintain
existing ventilation systems.
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
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KEEP IT MAINTAINED-The purpose is to keep the home operating and functioning normally. HRAP
does an assessment of homes initially, and notes the age and general condition of the home and
the plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. A health home maintenance checklist will be provided to the clients.
Due to the demand and limited resources of HRAP, the following objectives have been adopted to
assist staff in implementing this program. Meeting the eligibility requirements below does not
guarantee services will be provided. In order to maximize the effectiveness of the limited resources that are available, staff will be responsible for applying the policies set forth below and
will make the final determination on the provision of services.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
A.Provide and promote the maintenance and rehabilitation of minor housing repair
services to eligiblehomeowners. with incomes meeting HUD guidelines.
B.Maintain the ability of clients to remain in their own homes and to be independent.
C.Encourage the participation of service providers, service groups, the business
community, and the residents of the City of Renton to to support housing
maintenance and repair assistance to the local community. healthy housing.
D.Housing repair services will focus on maintaining the safety and health of the occupants and
preserving the dwelling.
D.The program will Sstrive to have 80% or less of area median income Renton
homeowners as the clients that reflect the most current demographics of the City of
Renton.
1. Eligibility RequirementsELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
In order to be considered for services in this program, the applicant must:
o Reside within the Renton city limits.
o Own and reside in the dwelling requiring services for at least 12 months prior to
requesting service. The home cannot be for sale at any time while in the program.
The gross annual adjusted gross income for the household must not exceed the income level
by household size as defined by HUD income guidelines. must be 80% or less of the area
median income for the household income, as defined by HUD. The household applicant will
be required to report the income for all persons residing in the household over the age of
eighteen.but may exclude the income of a caregiver assisting them during an illness.
If a household is deemed ineligible for services through the normal application process and if
that household’s income or family size changes during the year, they can reapply to the
program due to the extenuating circumstance.
a)A new application must be submitted. Upon acceptance in the program, the
applicant will be eligible for six months. Maximum expenditure is $2000. A home
assessment will not be done, and all other program policies apply.
b)The applicant must provide documentation for the change in employment, income,
or family size.
c)There must be a health or safety need that requires immediate action.
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
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2. Program LimitationsPROGRAM LIMITATIONS
Staff may deny services to any dwelling homewhere an unsafe or unhealthy working
situation exists.
Services will not be provided if the service work is covered by the homeowner's property
insurance policy or by warranty.
Services for condominiums will be for interior work only,unless written permission is
provided to HRAP by the client from the HomeOwners Association. Exterior work will be for
handrails at entries only.
Services for a multifamily unit will be done only on the part that is owned and occupied by
the client.
Services must comply with all Home Owner Associations and/or Manufactured Home Park
policies.
HRAP serves Eligibility for manufactured homes is limited to those built in the U.S. after
December 31,June 15, 1976., that are labeled and certified by the manufacturer to be built in
accordance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Construction and
Safety Standards in effect on the date the home was manufactured.HRAP does not prove
service to mobile homes that are built prior to December 31,1976.
Services are offered only for the primary housing structure and utility systems. Services are
not offered to for carports, free standing garages, and free standing items, like: appliances,
circulating fans, heaters, and lamps.
Intentional damage to the home will not be covered. The exception is in the case of domestic
violence. Repairs will be made only if the offender is no longer in the home.
Homes in violation of City of Renton building codes, fire or municipal codes will not receive
services until the code violations are fixed. The Housing Repair Assistance Program may help
a homeowner comply with the code(s), if the services required are within the scope of the
program.
Financial assistance will not be given to City of Renton residents of mobile home parks to
relocate to other mobile home parks, nor will they be eligible for any service once a mobile
home park has received written notice of an impending sale.
3. Definitions
The program provides services for single family residences, multifamily residences, condominiums,
and manufactured homes only. Unattached structures and structures that house vehicles will not
receive services.
A single-family residence is a one family dwelling which is not attached to any other dwelling by
any means except fences, has a permanent foundation and is surrounded by open space of yards.
A multifamily residence is a one-family dwelling attached to one or more other one-family
dwellings by a common roof wall or floor.
A manufactured home is a home built in the U.S. after June 15, 1976, that is labeled and certified
by the manufacturer to be built in accordance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development's Construction and Safety Standards in effect on the date the home was
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
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manufactured.
4. Repair Budget LimitationsREPAIR BUDGET LIMITATIONS
A maximum of $10,000 per client dwelling will be spent every 10 years regardless of the
number of homes the client owns and resides in . There is an annual limit of $6,000 per
client starting on their date of certification and ending twelve months after that. If
services are completed by the Housing Repair Assistance Program staff, the cost of labor,
materials and supplies will be included. If a private contractor is used, total invoice cost
will be included.
Maximum expenditures per client per calendar year are as follows:
$4000 - Very low income (30% and below HUD income guidelines)
$2000 - Low income (above 30% to 50% of HUD income guidelines)
$750 – Moderate income (above 50% to 80% of HUD income guidelines)
The distribution of this funding will be at Human Services staff discretion. It will be based
on the priority of services. The highest priority services are: if it is moisture or air quality
related, an emergency, a hardship if the repair is not completed in a timely manner, the
scope of work, date of request, and cost.
If services are completed by the Housing Repair Assistance Program staff, the cost of
labor, materials and supplies will be included. If a private contractor is used, total invoice
cost will be included.
5. Services Provided
Safety
Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Staff will install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with homeowner approval. The units
will be installed according to manufacturer instructions and will be located per current City
of Renton Building Code or International Residential Code, whichever takes precedence.
Repair/replace and install security lighting if an existing electrical circuit is available
Install hot water tank security straps for earthquake preparedness
Repair or replace faulty exterior doors and stairways
Repair or replace faulty electrical switches, receptacles ceiling light fixtures, electrical
service panel circuit breakers and electrical circuits
Repair, replace and/or install locksets and dead bolts
Apply non-skid material as needed
Health
Replace furnace filters
Repair or replace furnaces and heaters that are not free-standing and are the sole source
of heat in the dwelling
Clear clogged drains
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
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Once a year professional licensed pest control service. No ongoing pest control
maintenance contracts
Repair or replace hot water tanks
Repair or replace faulty exhaust fans
Adaptations for disabilities
Install exterior ramps
Install/repair/replace special equipment like handrails, grab bars, door knobs, faucet
handles
Maintenance of basic structure
Repair or replace leaking faucets, toilets, sinks, drains or pipes
Repair decks only if used as an exit
Apply treatment to inhibit and kill moss on roof of main structure
Install water shut-off valves
Repair dry rot on the interior/exterior
Replace broken window panes
Weather-proofing
Repair minor roof leaks
Caulk door and window jambs
Caulk chimney flashing
Install weatherstripping to exterior doors
Repair or replace gutters and downspouts
6. Use of Contractors USE
OF CONTRACTORS
Contractors may be hired for services that need to be addressed immediately if staff is not available, or if the repair requires tools, licensing, or expertise not available from staff. To be a cContractors for HRAP, the business will need to complete a new vendor application, have a Uniform Business Code number, have a City of Renton business license, and meet the City’s insurance requirements. will be required to provide proof of liability insurance and a business license.
7. Service Priority
Priority for services will be determined by the seriousness of the repair relative to other pending
service requests, the hardship to the client if the repair is not completed in a timely manner, the
scope of work, date of request, and the income of the household. Those households with the
lowest incomes will be considered a higher priority than those with greater incomes.
8. ReferralsREFERRALS
Repairs Services estimated to exceed the client’s maximum expenditure limits will be referred to
other programs, organizations, and agencies. The homeowner will decide whether or not to work
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
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with these organizations. The City will not be liable for any referrals.
JOINT PROJECTS9. Joint Projects with Volunteer Groups
There may be home repair projects done jointly with volunteer groups and other organizations.
Staff will review all proposed volunteer projects. Depending on the project, HRAP may, be
responsible for training volunteers and making sure City Volunteer Policies are followed. Materials
and technical assistance may be provided when an organization has offered to contribute all or
part of the labor.
10. Grievance PolicyGRIEVANCES
If the applicant believes program eligibility requirements have been met and services have been
unfairly denied, applicant must submit a written request for review within 30 days of being notified
of the denial. This letter, containing the reasons applicant feels the decision to be in error, shall be
addressed by the Human Services Manager who will review the matter and respond with a decision
within 10 working days of receipt of applicant's letter.
If services are still denied, the applicant may then request a review by the Human Services Advisory
Committee. This request must also be in writing and received within 20 working days from the date
the review decision was mailed. The Committee will review the issue and make a determination at
their next monthly meeting.
If the applicant still disagrees with the determination the Community Services Administrator will
review it. The written request for review must be received within 20 working days from the date
the Committee's decision was mailed. The decision of the Community Services Administrator will
be final.
If a client feels that work was not done satisfactorily, the Housing Repair Coordinator will assess the
work. If a mutually agreed upon solution costs less than the maximum yearly expenditure per client
the repair will be done. If it costs more, the client will be given information as how to file a claim
with the City of Renton.
. DefinitionsDEFINITIONS
The program provides services for single family residences, multifamily residences, condominiums,
and manufactured homes only. Unattached structures and structures that house vehicles will not
receive services.
A single-family residence is a one family dwelling which is not attached to any other dwelling
by any means except fences, has a permanent foundation and is surrounded by open space of
yards.
A multifamily residence is a one-family dwelling attached to one or more other one-family
dwellings by a common roof wall or floor.
A manufactured home is a home built in the U.S. after December 31,June 15, 1976, that is
labeled and certified by the manufacturer to be built in accordance with the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development's Construction and Safety Standards in effect on the date
the home was manufactured.
A mobile home is built before December 31,1976. It is not labeled or certified.
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
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Staff contacts:
Karen Bergsvik, Human Services Manager, 425-430-6652, kbergsvik@rentonwa.gov
Mark Baldridge, Housing Coordinator, 425-430-6693, mbaldridge@rentonwa.gov
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Housing Repair Assistance ProgramCommunity Services CommitteeDecember 8, 2016AGENDA ITEM #1. b)
Healthy Homes•Why shift from health and safety to healthy homes?•Healthy homes encompasses health and safety, and a lot more•Safe, healthy housing prevents diseases and injuries•Health outcomes like asthma, unintentional injuries are linked to substandard housingAGENDA ITEM #1. b)
Children are our future•Healthy housing promotes healthy growth and development of children•Has potential of large savings in health care costs•For their size, kids eat more food, drink more water, and breathe more air than adults•Young children spend nearly 80 to 90% of their time insideAGENDA ITEM #1. b)
Housing Repair Survey of clients•30% of 155 respondents have respiratory problems•Two top services that are desired: replace worn carpeting with hard surface flooring,strategically placed grab barsAGENDA ITEM #1. b)
Housing Repair clients•In 2015, served 217 households. 170 (78%) are older adults, of which 69 are disabled.•170 clients are white.AGENDA ITEM #1. b)
Proposed changesDry: •Moisture & Mold –mitigate and fix at source•priority repairsKeep it Clean: •Program will set example by using green products and shoe coverings to not introduce contaminants into the homeAGENDA ITEM #1. b)
•HEPA furnace filters will be used instead of standard filters•Worn carpeting will be replaced with floors that are easier to cleanPest‐free: •look for points of entry•seal at entry points•contract with companies that use integrated pest management practicesAGENDA ITEM #1. b)
Proposed ChangesSafe:•Fall prevention•Install grab bars, handrails•Adequate lightingVentilation:•Air sealing and ventilation is a priority•Install, repair, maintain existing ventilation systems, including timers on fans and moisture metersAGENDA ITEM #1. b)
Proposed changes•Raise maximum expenditure from $4000 to $6000•Remove arbitrary limits as to how much can be spent on a homein a year ‐$750, $2000, and $4000•Service priorities: moisture presentemergency repairhardshipscope of work to be donedate of requestcostAGENDA ITEM #1. b)
Emergencies•No potable water, unhealthy or undrinkable water, leaking hot water tank, broken/blocked sewage line, spraying water leak, water from room penetrating house•Failed heating system –no electricity; primary source of heat not working; hazardous electrical system•Opening in home that allows the weather in, such as broken window, and/or door or a hole in the roof, wall, or floorAGENDA ITEM #1. b)
Current Data‐base•Current Access data‐base developed by students 16 years ago•Limited capability to track services provided•Labor intensive: separate processes for work orders done by city staff and contractorslimited ability to produce reportsapplications and photographs stored separately from work ordersAGENDA ITEM #1. b)
New data base•Client’s information is in one place: application, work orders, pictures, notes, etc.•work performed by City staff will be done electronically –work orders will be completed in the field•Applications available on‐line and ability to complete/submit on‐lineAGENDA ITEM #1. b)