The Housing Standards Board has jurisdiction to receive and act upon complaints when a dwelling is deemed to be “unfit for human habitation” by the Health Officer, the Fire Chief, or ten citizens of the Town of Ashland.
HOUSING STANDARDS BOARD MEMBERS
Steve Heath, Fire Chief/Life Safety Officer (member by RSA)
Scott Vien, Health Officer (member by RSA)
[Open Position]
[Open Position]
[Open Position]
MEETING SCHEDULE
The Housing Standards Board meets as needed, after receiving a complaint forwarded to it by the Health Officer and/or the Fire Chief.
FORMS AND DOCUMENTS
FORM: Housing Standards Board Complaint Form
LETTER: Landlords of Rental Properties (April 2015)
Inspection Requirements Guidebook for Multi-Family Residential Dwellings and 1 & 2 Family Rental Units
COMPLAINT PROCESS
Before filing a complaint with the Housing Standards Board, the tenant should contact the landlord and describe any issues concerning “unfit” living conditions. If the landlord takes no action, the tenant should contact the Health Officer and/or the Fire Chief/Life Safety Officer and set up a time for them to review the dwelling and the conditions.
Applicable Conditions for Filing a Complaint
- Fire safety (emergency light, carbon monoxide detector)
- Life Safety 101 violation
- Rodent or insect infestation
- Defective plumbing or faulty septic or sewage system
- Exposed, improper or defective electrical conditions
- Roof or wall leaks
- Falling plaster from walls or ceiling
- Holes in floors, walls or ceiling
- Unsound porches, stairs or railings
- Accumulation of garbage or refuse
- Inadequate water supply or hot water
- Gas leaks or defective pilot lights
- Inadequate heat (heat must be maintained to a minimum of 65 degrees F)
MINUTES of the Housing Standards Board
2014 Minutes
2013 Minutes