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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRe-inspection 271 Old Townhouse and of 269 Old Townhouse-09-28-2023 email to Ron HagueDear Ron, I trust this message finds you in good health. I'm reaching out to revisit the recent inspections conducted at your properties, 271 Old Townhouse Road, and 269 Old Townhouse Road on 8/18/2023, and the necessary repairs and improvements required for compliance. Firstly, I want to express my appreciation for the outstanding efforts you and the tenant at 271 Old Townhouse Road have made to address the required improvements. Your proactive approach is commendable. However, a few remaining items need attention, as detailed in my previous communication. For 269 Old Townhouse Road, there are also specific areas in need of immediate attention, as previously outlined. Given the ongoing repairs and improvements, I propose scheduling a follow-up inspection for both properties on Friday, October 13, 2023. This date allows us to assess the progress made and ensure that all outstanding issues are resolved, potentially enabling the issuance of your rental certificates, and concluding this matter. Please confirm if this inspection date works for you and the tenants or if there are scheduling conflicts. We can coordinate the specific time and details closer to the date to ensure a smooth inspection process. If you have questions or require clarification regarding any violations or repair requirements, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for playing a vital role in supporting the well-being of our community! Thank you and Kind Regards, Debra Bruinooge Housing Inspector Phone: 508-398-2231 Ext.1244 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 Rental/Housing Program | Town of Yarmouth, MA - Official Website <https://www.yarmouth.ma.us/423/RentalHousing-Program> From: Bruinooge, Debra Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2023 1:13 PM To: Ron Hague <ronhague@comcast.net> Subject: Re-inspection 271 Old Townhouse and Initial inspection of 269 Old Townhouse Dear 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