Resident Responsibilities for Maintaining a Clean and Safe Living Environment
To improve the quality of living in units subsidized by the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach, we have established uniform standards for resident housekeeping. It is essential for tenants to maintain their dwelling units and assigned areas in a clean and safe condition. The following guidelines serve as a comprehensive reference. Items that pose a health or safety hazard will result in inspection failure, and failure to meet cleanliness standards may lead to termination from the program.
General Housekeeping Standards Inside and Outside the Dwelling:
- Walls: Keep walls clean, free of dirt, grease, holes, cobwebs, and fingerprints.
- Floors: Ensure floors are clean, clear, dry, and free of hazards.
- Ceilings: Keep ceilings clean and free of cobwebs.
- Windows: Maintain clean windows that are not nailed shut; ensure shades or blinds are intact.
- Woodwork: Keep woodwork clean, free of dust, gouges, or scratches.
- Doors: Maintain clean doors, free of grease and fingerprints, with working doorstops and locks.
- Heating Units: Dust heating units and keep access clear.
- Trash: Properly dispose of trash; do not leave it in the unit.
- Unit Condition: Ensure the entire unit is free of rodent or insect infestation.
Kitchen Guidelines:
- Stove: Keep the stove clean and free of food and grease.
- Refrigerator: Maintain a clean refrigerator with a properly closing freezer door (no more than one inch of ice).
- Cabinets: Keep cabinets clean and neat, free of grease and spilled food, and avoid overloading.
- Exhaust Fan: Ensure the exhaust fan is free of grease and dust.
- Sink: Keep the sink clean, free of grease and garbage; wash dirty dishes promptly.
- Food Storage Areas: Keep food storage areas neat and clean, free of spilled food.
- Trash/Garbage: Store trash in a covered container until removal to the disposal area.
Bathroom Guidelines:
- Toilet and Tank: Keep clean and odor-free.
- Tub and Shower: Maintain a clean space, free of excessive mildew and mold; use shower curtains where applicable.
- Lavatory: Keep the lavatory clean.
- Exhaust Fans: Ensure exhaust fans are free of dust.
- Floor: Keep the floor clean and dry.
Storage Areas:
- Linen Closet: Keep the linen closet neat and clean.
- Other Closets: Maintain neat and clean closets; avoid storing highly volatile or flammable materials.
- Other Storage Areas: Keep storage areas clean, neat, and free of hazards.
Exterior Guidelines:
- Garage: Organize the garage for its intended purpose; do not use it as a sleeping area.
- Patios, Walkways, Entrances: Keep these areas free from hazards, trash, and litter.
Please refer to your Owner’s Lease for additional items identified as tenant responsibilities. Your cooperation is essential in creating a safe and welcoming community for all residents.