Introduction

Habitability means that a home provides a safe and healthy place to live. Yet hundreds of housing-related complaints are filed each year with Code Enforcement agencies in Marin County, Novato, and San Rafael, of which approximately one-quarter relate to health and safety concerns. Notably, only a sliver of the universe of habitability issues that arise for renters turn into complaints filed with Code Enforcement agencies. For example, only 5%-10% of habitability cases that Legal Aid of Marin works on will engage Code Enforcement. Involving a city or county Code Enforcement agency is often used as a last resort, yet it is an important avenue for tenants to use in ensuring the safety of their homes. Often, the populations most impacted by habitability issues are those who less frequently engage with public agencies.Common habitability complaints made by tenants involve pest infestation, electrical problems, heating malfunction or lack of heating, mold and dampness, and sewage inside of homes. Health outcomes relating to these issues vary. Pests, such as cockroaches and bedbugs, can exacerbate asthma and allergies, increase risk for hospitalization and unscheduled medical visits, and bite children and adults. Electrical problems can cause shocks, injuries, and fires. A lack of heating decreases general health status and increases the use of health services. Exposure to mold and dampness due to improper ventilation or plumbing problems has persistent impacts on allergies and asthma. Finally, exposure to raw sewage can lead to nausea and fever.Attention to habitability complaints and standards in the U.S. stretches back to the late 1800’s, when the predecessors to modern Code Enforcement agencies originated as an outgrowth of the public health department in New York City. At that time, the aim was to protect tenants from poor living conditions in overcrowded and poorly maintained housing in the city. Today, Code Enforcement agencies are the watchdog for habitability standards. While Code Enforcement agencies safeguard communities from the harms of poor quality housing, there are still opportunities to improve code enforcement practice across the nation.Legal Aid of Marin (LAM) and Human Impact Partners (HIP) are publishing this report to examine the possible health impacts that could be associated with modifications to Code Enforcement agency policies in Marin County, with the aim of informing public decision-making and agency practice across the County. This Executive Summary describes the background and findings of the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and proposes recommendations to improve Code Enforcement agency policies and practices.