Asthma-Safe Homes Program: Overview for Property Owners
Learn more about the role of property owners who have tenants participating in the Asthma-Safe Homes Program.
Benefits
As the owner of a single-family or multi-family rental property, there are many benefits to you and to your tenants for participating in Asthma-Safe Homes Program.
Property owner benefits
- Free healthy home assessment
- Home repairs and improvements up to $5,000 completed by insured contractors at no cost to you
- Increased energy efficiency of your property (depending on the type of repair)
- Marketing edge that makes it easier to rent your property in the future
- Healthy tenants who miss fewer days of work and are better able to stay current on rent payments
Tenant benefits
- Healthier and safer home environment with fewer asthma triggers
- Energy efficiency and weatherization repairs that can save tenants money on utility bills
- Better controlled asthma that leads to fewer health care visits and costs, and fewer missed days of school or work
- Better quality of life with less suffering
What to expect
If you have a tenant participating in the Asthma-Safe Homes Program who is eligible for home repair services, you can expect to:
- Receive a phone call from an Asthma-Safe Homes Program environmental services provider in your area to discuss the program and get your permission to complete a home assessment.
- Receive a list of free home improvements valued up to $5,000 once the assessment is complete. Possible improvements include installation of kitchen or bath ventilation, carpeting/flooring upgrades, moisture control measures, pest management, and more.
- Provide input on and approve the scope of work.
- Receive communication from the Asthma-Safe Homes Program environmental services provider and contractor(s) regarding scheduling and completion of the work.
Frequently asked questions
Not if you don't want to. The home assessor will provide you with a report of all of their findings from the assessment which may include repairs not included in the final scope of work.
There is no requirement for you to address them. The assessor may be able to assist you in finding other available resources.
You will not need to complete an application but will be asked for permission to perform the home assessment and to sign off on a scope of work.
While $5,000 is a relatively small investment, it can greatly impact the health of your tenant and make helpful improvements to your property such as removing worn carpeting and reducing moisture issues.
The home assessor is not associated with local code enforcement and does not report possible violations.
As part of the program the tenant meets with an asthma educator and receives information about things they can do to reduce asthma triggers in the home.
Healthy homes resources
Check out these additional resources to learn more about creating healthy, asthma-friendly housing.
- Healthy Homes: Keep Your Home Safe and Healthy
- Green and Health Homes Initiative
- A Healthy Homes Checklist
- A Healthy Home for Everyone: The Guide for Families and Individuals
- The Principles of a Healthy Home
Questions? E-mail the Asthma-Safe Homes Program at DHSAsthmaSafeHomes@dhs.wisconsin.gov for more information or call 608-266-1112.