HomeMy WebLinkAboutRe-inspection 271 Old Townhouse and Initial inspection of 269 Old Townhouse 8-23-2023 email to Ron HagueDear Ron,
I wanted to provide you with the results of the recent re-inspection conducted on August 18, 2023, at 271 Old Townhouse Road and the initial inspection at 269 Old Townhouse Road by myself
and Assistant Health Director Barry Lewis. Both you and the tenant at 271 have made remarkable efforts to bring the unit into compliance, and I genuinely appreciate your proactive approach
in addressing the necessary improvements.
At 271 Old Townhouse Road:
I am happy to say you are almost in compliance. There are just a few remaining items that need attention before I can issue the rental certificate. These items should be addressed within
15 days of receipt of the certified letter, which will be sent out this week. Here's what remains to be resolved:
1. Kitchen Facilities (410.100): The stove is in better condition, but the lower drawer is missing. The tenant stated that a new stove is planned.
2. Weather Tight Elements (410.530) and Elimination of Pests (410.550): The basement window on the 271 side is still leaking and needs attention. Additionally, there are spider webs
and eggs present. During my visit on Friday, during a rainstorm, water was coming in through both the window and the bulkhead. It seems that the door inside leading to the bulkhead stairs
isn't closing properly and is being kept poorly closed by a cat litter container.
3. Refuse (410.560) and Maintenance of Areas in a Sanitary and Safe Condition (410.570): The basement has shown significant improvement with trash removal, but there are still mattresses
and a couch with a wet rug beneath. Addressing these remaining items will ensure the continued improvement of the space and not undo the progress already made.
4. Playhouse: Alexandria has already made progress in removing dangerous parts from the playhouse and plans to rebuild it. As the owner, the decision on rebuilding rests with you.
269 Old Townhouse Road:
The inspection for this unit was also conducted with Assistant Health Director Barry Lewis. I met with Bobbett, the tenant of 9 years, and identified several areas that require attention.
These items should be addressed within 30 days of the receipt of the certified letter:
1. Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms (410.330): The over-reaching concern was that there were NO working smoke detectors on the 1st (tenant stated it hadn’t worked in over a
year) or second level (it had been removed) I called Lieutenant Matt Bearse of the YFD who came to install working smoke detectors so that your tenants would be safe until you are able
to get there and check your property. As the owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that there are working smoke/co2 detectors, less than 10 years old, on every level, at least once
a year.
2. Installation of Screens (410.540): Missing screens were observed in the first-floor rear and front bedroom. Additionally, the screen in the storm door is broken and requires repair.
3. Bathroom Facilities (410.110): The bathroom has peeling paint, and the bathroom exhaust fan needs cleaning. Caulking around the entire bathtub is also required.
4. Venting (410.170): The clothes dryer is not vented outside. The tenant had to disconnect it due to rainwater coming through the vent.
5. Owner's Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Responsibilities (410.235): The outdoor light fixture is broken and needs repair or replacement.
6. Owner's Responsibility to Maintain Building and Structural Elements (410.520): The basement window on the 269 side has a noticeable gap that is allowing water to enter the basement.
Additionally, the inadequate venting of the dryer clearly contributes to this issue. This window requires repair or replacement.
I wanted to reach out via email first to provide you with this information and allow you to begin addressing the remaining items. Given the substantial progress you've made with 271,
I am genuinely interested in working with you to rectify the issues at 269 as well. Following this email, you can expect a certified letter providing the same details.
Should you require clarification on any of the violations or further guidance, please don't hesitate to contact me. I genuinely appreciate the strides you've taken thus far and thank
you for your commitment to improving our community's well-being.
Thank you and Kind Regards,
Debra Bruinooge
Housing Inspector
Phone: 508-398-2231 Ext.1294
Mobile: 774-212-9070
Web: Health Division | Town of Yarmouth, MA - Official Website <https://www.yarmouth.ma.us/127/Health>
Email: mailto:dbruinooge@yarmouth.ma.us <mailto:dbruinooge@yarmouth.ma.us>
Yarmouth Town Hall
Health Department
1146 Route 28
South Yarmouth, MA. 02664