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26A Guide to Proactive Rental Inspection Programschangelabsolutions.org <br />In Los Angeles, after repeated incidents in which city inspectors were unable to gain <br />entry into homes for lead inspections, the Healthy Homes Collaborative, an association <br />of community-based organizations, partnered with the Los Angeles Housing Department <br />and the L.A. County Department of Public Health to ensure that violations are repaired <br />safely. Under the partnership, a member of the collaborative visits selected homes <br />prior to scheduled city inspections. The collaborative representative assists residents <br />in preparing for inspections by educating residents about lead hazards and lead-safe <br />work practices, providing information and referrals about blood lead testing and how to <br />report unsafe repair work, listing potential defects, and informing residents of their legal <br />rights.182 Significantly, city inspectors who visited properties that were pre-visited by <br />collaborative staff have gained entry 80 percent of the time, compared with 20 percent <br />for homes that were not pre-visited.183 <br />Similarly, with difficult cases, such as those involving hoarding, overcrowding, or potential <br />displacement, housing inspectors should collaborate with social and legal services <br />agencies and community organizations, which can assist tenants by helping them access <br />critical supportive services. <br />Provide Training for Code Enforcement Staff <br />As proactive rental inspection programs bring inspectors into wider contact with <br />residents, it is very important that officers be able to interact effectively with a diverse <br />population. In tandem with implementing proactive rental inspection programs, localities <br />can provide training to code enforcement officers to ensure that they are prepared to: <br />conduct inspections in a culturally sensitive manner; be attentive to the special concerns <br />of particular groups (e.g., seniors, undocumented persons); and employ effective <br />strategies to overcome language and other communication barriers. In particular, having <br />multilingual inspectors and support staff ensures that all tenants are able to communicate <br />effectively throughout the inspection process. <br />The Boston Inspectional Services Department briefs and trains other city staff who might <br />interact with the program, such as the building division. Division heads are briefed on the <br />program’s budget, staffing, and operations at biweekly meetings.184 <br />Provide Education, Outreach and Ongoing Support for Landlords <br />and Tenants <br />Unlike complaint based-systems, PRI programs affirmatively aim to interface with most <br />landlords and tenants. Ensuring that all parties understand the program and their <br />obligations under the program helps to ease the transition. <br />A number of localities have developed programs to help educate landlords and tenants <br />about the rental inspection program and their obligations; many also provide written <br />materials and checklists for tenants and landlords on applicable housing code provisions. <br />Other localities carry out far-reaching publicity campaigns, including billboards, posters <br />on bus shelters,185 and notices on property tax and water bills.186 Los Angeles conducts a <br />full range of workshops and monthly drop-in sessions to address questions.187 Sacramento <br />requires that owners distribute city-approved forms concerning tenants’ rights and