[EQAB-list] Additional idea: weatherization/insulation stds for rental properties

[Ellen Smith]

To EQAB list:

Below is an excerpt from an e-mail that I received from a citizen who
was unable to attend the forum, but heard about it from a spouse who did
attend. I summarize this suggestion as "set minimum standards for
weatherization/insulation in rental properties." (Apparently this
suggestion was also communicated orally to Joan Nelson.) 

I expect more suggestions will be submitted in the next few days. I
trust that there is some protocol for collecting these.

-- Ellen Smith

Message:
As a volunteer with ADFAC, I know there scores and scores of low-income
people applying for assistance in paying their utility bills (and/or
rent) each year. While many clients are not residents of Oak Ridge, but
reside outside the city limits, many do live in Oak Ridge. Liz Herbes,
Executive Director of ADFAC, can give you more/better detail on how much
assistance is given to Oak Ridge residents each year.  Applicants'
utility bills are often $300 or more per month, with past-due amounts
approaching $1,000.  Ultimately, many get their electricity turned off
when they are unable to pay.  ADFAC can help with a family's utility
bill, but funds are limited and can be exhausted before the cold (or
hot) season ends.

One of the many negative aspects of this situation is that the utility
bills low-income people pay are as they should be, because their
residences are not properly weatherized.  As a result, excessive amounts
of power must be used to keep the residences even minimally warm. 

Aside from the obvious humanitarian and financial considerations, the
excessive amount of power consumed has an adverse impact on our local
environment.  As far as I know, landlords have no obligation to make
their rental properties more energy-efficient -- although I'm guessing
they do take such measures in their own homes.  Landlords should be
required to provide insulation; storm windows or plastic overlays;
caulking around leaky windows, and whatever other measures are needed to
bring their rental properties to an acceptable R-level.  If there is
already a requirement for this in the city codes, I seriously doubt it
is enforced.

Such an ordinance would address not only the humanitarian and financial
considerations; it would also contribute to a greener city.