The Trainer

PREPARING AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FOR SUMMER; BANNING DOOR-TO-DOOR SOLICITATIONS

In this month's feature, we discussed what you need to know to make sure your air conditioning system and individual units are ready to go as we head into summer. We pointed out the importance of this issue by noting that residents who are unhappy or uncomfortable due to nonfunctioning air conditioning may resort to withholding rent or deducting a portion of rent because you failed to ensure their physical comfort. Remember, some health conditions can be worsened by excessive heat, and you could be liable if your failure to maintain an air conditioning system compromises your residents' health. Furthermore, HUD requires you to meet certain physical condition standards at your site, which include maintaining a properly functioning air conditioning system.

In our article on banning door-to-door solicitations, we pointed out that such a ban at your site helps you in two key ways. It protects your residents from crime and injury, and it helps shield your residents from common nuisances and protects their privacy. Most people don't want to be bothered at home, so eliminating the chance of an unwanted knock at the door demonstrates to your residents that you respect their privacy and want to prevent annoying situations.

TRAINER'S QUIZ

INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the questions below has only one correct answer. On a separate sheet of paper, write down the number of each question, followed by the answer you have chosen—for example, (1) b, (2) a, and so on. The correct answers (with explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!

QUESTION #1

HUD inspectors check both central air conditioning systems that cool the entire site and individual systems that cool individual units. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

QUESTION #2

In the case of Wexler v. Occhipinti, a Louisiana owner was found liable for injuries a resident suffered when she slipped and fell on water that had dripped from a:

1. Bathroom ceiling.

2. Malfunctioning air conditioner.

3. Broken window.

QUESTION #3

A broken air conditioning system could give the resident grounds to:

1. Stop paying rent.

2. Have you arrested.

3. Sue you for libel.

QUESTION #4

The most important tip for proper air conditioning maintenance is:

1. Having a good personal relationship with the air conditioning manufacturer.

2. Performing regular inspections.

3. Turning the system off for a few hours every day.

QUESTION #5

According to HUD's rules on resident participation, you must permit organizers access to your site to do such things as:

1. Distribute leaflets to residents and place leaflets under doors and in common areas.

2. Approach residents and conduct door-to-door surveys to poll residents and offer information about resident organizations.

3. Both of the above.

QUESTION #6

In adopting a house rule on solicitations, you should outline the conditions for permitting resident organizers, such as how and when they can canvass residents. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

QUESTION #7

You can show that you will cooperate with residents who sell items or solicit for charity by:

1. Inviting them to contact you for alternatives to going door-to-door.

2. Making a donation to a charity of their choice.

3. Going out for a drink with them.

QUESTION #8

You should never request that residents report unauthorized solicitations. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.