Three “R”s For Homeowners
Three R’s for keeping your home safe!
RIGHTS:
You have the right to “safe, sanitary, and habitable housing” — a safe place to live.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
You have the responsibility to keep your house clean; to use the plumbing and equipment carefully; to keep the water, gas and electricity on; to keep your family and guests from damaging the place; and to keep a smoke detector working. These everyday habits can make the difference between a safe place to live and one that has more and more problems. When you own the home, it is up to you to keep it in good condition for yourself, your family, and your neighborhood so that all of you can be safe.
RESOURCES:
You can find resources in the community for keeping your house in safe condition. McGirt-Horton Library at 2509 Phillips Avenue in Greensboro has a tool library for you to borrow the tools you need to make repairs. Some building supply stores have free classes about how to improve your home. The Greensboro Housing Coalition (336-691-9521) can help you know which way to turn when you have a housing problem.
HOW TO: Get repairs made when you do not have much money.
- The City of Greensboro (336-373-2144) has a loan and grant program to make repairs related to safety and health, including removing lead paint.
- Greensboro Housing Coalition (336-691-9521) can help you apply for repair programs when the problem with your house is a health or safety risk.
- The Weatherization Assistance Program can help you reduce your heating bills by making energy-related repairs on your home; call 279-8184 for an application.
- Some companies offer to work on your house if you sign papers with them. Do not sign anything you unless you understand every word, because the company may be a predatory lender who is trying to make you lose your house!
HOW TO: Protect your family from lead poisoning in your home.
Houses built before 1978 often used lead paint, so in older homes paint chips and dust can make children and even adults sick.
- Guilford County Health Department (641-3925) can help you reduce the dangers of lead in your home through special cleaning.
- You can get your children tested for lead poisoning at your doctor’s office or the Health Department (641-3771).
- Greensboro Housing Coalition (691-9521) can check for indications of lead paint in your home.
- If you do painting, repairs or remodeling on an older home, get a contractor who is qualified to deal with lead paint safely.
HOW TO: Avoid foreclosure.
When you are unable to make mortgage payments on time, the company you pay your mortgage to can foreclose.
As soon as you have a problem paying your mortgage, call Greensboro Housing Coalition (336-691-9521) for a housing counselor to negotiate a payment agreement with the lender. Most lenders will work with you if you have the income to pay the mortgage in the future. However, predatory lenders charge high fees and interest and often will not agree to payment plans.
To prepare to talk with a housing counselor, gather your papers about the loan and letters from the lender or its attorney. Write down all your income and expenses so that you and the counselor can see what payments you will be able to make.
Self-Help Credit Union (336-378-1840) may be able to refinance your loan.
Web & Phone Directory:
Emergency (Fire, Ambulance & Police): 911
Information and referral: 211
Duke Power (connect /disconnect): 336-378-9451
Piedmont Natural Gas (connect / disconnect): 1-800-752-7504
Water, City of Greensboro (connect / disconnect): 336-373-2344
Guilford County Department of Public Health: 336-641-7777
Housing Hotline: 336-691-9521