What exactly is mould?

Mould is a part of a group of very common organisms called fungi that also includes mushrooms and yeast. It is present virtually everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.

Mould may grow indoors in wet or moist areas lacking adequate ventilation, including walls/wallpaper, ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets, insulation material and wood. If moisture accumulates in a building mould growth will often occur. Many different types of mould exist and all have the potential to cause health problems.

What are possible health problems from contact with mould?

In order to reproduce, mould produces tiny particles called spores. Spores are carried in the air and may cause health problems if inhaled by people who are sensitive or allergic to them. These include a running or blocked nose, irritation of the eyes and skin and sometimes wheezing. Occasionally, people may have more severe reactions. Very rarely, people may develop a mould infection, usually in the lungs. For people with asthma, inhaling mould spores may cause an asthma attack.

It is important to note that most people will not experience any health problems from coming in contact with mould.

Who is at greatest risk of health problems from contact with mould?

People with asthma, allergies, or other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mould. People with weakened immune systems (such as HIV infection, cancer patients taking chemotherapy or people who have received an organ transplant) and with chronic lung diseases are more at risk of mould infection particularly in their lungs.

How to prevent mould from growing

There are a number of steps to take that will prevent mould growing in your home.

How to remove mould

The earlier you remove the mould from walls and windows, the easier it is to keep it under control. It is much harder to remove mould once it takes hold.

• First wash off the mould using bleach mixed with three parts water or a commercial product. Make sure you use a clean sponge or cloth to wash off the mould.
• Remember to protect your skin, eyes and clothes from the bleach. You should also open the window so there is plenty of fresh air while using the bleach.
• Always read and follow the directions on the packet on how to use the product.
• A cheap alternative is to use straight white vinegar and a clean cloth to wipe down the affected area (throw the cloth out after using it).
• Do not dry brush the mouldy area. This could release spores in the air which can spread the mould further as well as cause an allergic reaction in some people. If a room needs to be repainted, please call your local office.

Rising and lateral damp

Rising damp is ground moisture rising up a brick or stone wall. Poor sub-floor ventilation or moisture in the sub-floor area will worsen the problem. There are various methods to fix the problem and reference should be made to the Asset Maintenance Department to investigate the cause and any works required.

The family room

• Switch appliances off at the wall - TV's, DVD players, computers, stereos and game consoles still use energy in standby mode. When not in use, switch these appliances off at the wall.
• Use a power board – A power board can supply electricity to multiple appliances at the same time and allows you to switch off all appliances using the same switch.
• Use lamps or spotlights – If you only need a small amount of light, use lamps or spotlights instead of main lights.
• Use energy-saving globes – Change your old light globes to compact fluorescent ones.
• How many lights are on – Turn off lights in the rooms you're not using.

The kitchen

• Microwave oven – Thaw food in a fridge to reduce the amount of time and energy used.
• Using the stove top – Keep lids on pots when cooking to reduce the amount of time and energy used.
• Boiling water – Use an electric kettle rather than the stove.
• Dishwasher – Use the economy cycle for everyday washing and only run the dishwasher when it is full. This will help save water.
• Fridge and freezer – Set your fridge temperature to 4 or 5 degrees Celsius and your freezer temperature between -15 to -18 degrees Celsius. Keep fridges and freezers in a cool, well ventilated spot away from the oven and the sun to save electricity. Keep a five centimetre gap around your fridge so air can circulate freely.

The laundry

• Washing clothes – Only run the washing machine or dryer on full load. Use cold water to wash clothes and spin them thoroughly before drying.
• Drying clothes – Use a clothes line instead of a dryer wherever possible. Only use a dryer with a full load and when clothes are wrung well first. Clothes should never be placed in the dryer dripping wet. Keep the filter clean.

The bathroom

• Use water wisely – Set the hot water temperature to 50 degrees Celsius. Installing water saving showerheads in your home will reduce the amount of hot water and energy used. Shorten showers to less than 5 minutes.

Community Housing Limited will provide and maintain its properties in a good state of repair

CHL has developed benchmark property standards and we will make sure that the properties we manage meet these standards. This includes ensuring that we attend to both large items, e.g. new kitchens, carpets etc. and also less expensive matters such as re-hanging doors.

How do tenants make a request for repairs?

Renters/Tenants should always deal directly with CHL Assets through the call centre on 1300 424 573.

For leasehold renters/tenants in particular, we ask that you do not directly contact either the agent or the owner. Call or come into our office to make a request. CHL keeps records of all correspondence and this may become very important at the end of your tenancy.

How long should tenants wait for things to be fixed?

CHL will always endeavour to have maintenance matters attended to within the following time frames:

Note: on leasehold properties this may change as the landlord is responsible for the repairs but CHL will get urgent work fixed within 4 hours.

What type of maintenance will CHL attend to?

There are some items that renters/tenants commonly request that we are unable to assist with. Some of these matters are:

• Supply and installation of air conditioners or heating
• Landscaping and gardening
• Intruder alarm systems
• Installation of swimming pools
• Patios and pergolas
• Telephone supply and connections
• Installation of satellite or other pay TV services
• Supply and installation of grills, grids or shutters to windows
• Some types of pest control

IMPORTANT: Where renters/tenants have a serious medical problem or disability, we can often provide additional assistance. Refer to the CHL Disability Modifications Policy available from your local office or our website.

Can tenants organise work to the property if they are willing to pay for it?

If renters/tenants wish to undertake maintenance themselves, then they must apply in writing.

Renters/Tenants should also speak to one of our Area Managers who will provide them with all of the conditions that tenants might have to meet. These conditions can vary depending on the type of work being done and who will be completing the work.

How do tenants contact CHL outside of office hours?

CHL has an after office hours call centre: 1300 245 468

What can tenants do if things are taking too long to get fixed?

Renters/Tenants are to contact the call centre, who will help follow up on work not done or work not done correctly. CHL also has a formal complaints and appeals process where tenants can have their issues further investigated and resolved.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms can greatly increase your chances of survival in a house fire by waking you from your sleep and giving you an early warning of the presence of smoke.

As part of our efforts to provide a safe home for your family, CHL will provide a smoke alarm in all capital properties, making sure that the number of alarms (and where they are positioned) meets legal requirements. We will also ensure the owners of our leasehold properties do the same thing.

Evacuation Plans

Fire brigade services remind people not only to install smoke alarms in their home, but also have a home evacuation plan in case of fire. When a smoke alarm is activated, you must know exactly how to get out of the house and have a safe place to meet.

Work out what your evacuation plan will be in a fire emergency. Each member of the household should know what to do and where to meet. It will give everyone a better chance of getting out alive and reduce the level of panic felt. Draw your plan on a piece of paper, discuss it with your family and practice your escape plan.

Window Grills and Bars

Some of our tenants have asked for permission to install grills or bars on their windows to improve security. These grills may improve security but they are also a severe fire hazard, as they can prevent you and your family from safely evacuating your home in an emergency.

IMPORTANT: If you have deadlocks on you doors, it is recommended that you keep the key in the latch (in the panic of a fire emergency, you will not have the time to search for keys).

Facts about house fires…

• It takes less than 30 seconds for a small flame to turn into a large fire
• A house fire is most likely to occur between the time of midnight and 8.00am
• Children aged under 4 and older people are at greatest risk in house fires
• Almost 85% of house fires are accidental
• The leading cause of death in fires is asphyxiation, fire victims rarely see flames
• The heat from fires can melt clothes and scorch lungs in a single breath
• House fires quickly degenerate into black, choking smoke, impossible to see through

Floods

There are a number of things you can do to make sure you and your property stay safe during flooding and storms. Remember, for flood or storm emergency assistance from SES call 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies call Triple-zero (000).