Documenting health hazards in rental housing may lead to
unintended adverse consequences for tenants. For example, landlords could undertake
unsafe repairs that aggravate hazards, retaliate against tenants or even board
up properties. Advocates need to put the well-being and rights of residents
first, ensure that residents understand these potential downsides, and take
appropriate measures to support residents. Advocates also need to take care
to respect the privacy, property and time of residents in whose homes they perform
investigations.
It is absolutely essential before the hazard investigation
process begins that families understand what is involved, are comfortable with
what they can expect from the community organization, and know what is expected
from them in return. A written agreement between the organization and residents
is strongly recommended. For families whose primary language is not English,
translation is essential.
Organizations have a responsibility to provide clear and
timely information to residents about hazards identified. Organizations also
have a responsibility to assist residents with practical solutions to address
immediate hazards.
Advocates should develop systems and policies related to
privacy and access to data, chain-of-custody and preservation of data. Before
hazard investigations begin, advocates must know exactly what they are going
to investigate, and have a plan for recording, organizing and safeguarding the
data. CEHRC-developed forms associated with various hazards should be useful
tools to assist with this. As a governing principle, community-based organizations
should secure residents' consent before releasing data that identify families
by name or properties by address to other people.
