The sight of roaches in a property owned by Eastern Mainland Housing in New Glasgow is prompting concerns and frustrations by tenants.
Rick Hartling who lives at Autumn Crest in New Glasgow said that he saw the roach crawling out of an apartment on his floor.
“I called housing, and right away the maintenance guy came in,” said Hartling. “I had killed it because it was going really fast, and the maintenance guy said, ‘that’s not a spider.’”
One week later, Hartling says that Eastern Mainland Housing confirmed to him that it was a roach, but the housing authority’s hands appear to be tied when it comes to cleaning out the apartment where the roach crawled out from.
“I asked them what they’re going to do about it. Imagine what else is over there, but she didn’t say anything.”
The maintenance response guidelines for all regional housing authorities require all vermin/pest assessments to take place within four hours of being reported.
“In assessing requests concerning vermin, safety of the client is paramount,” says the guideline.
According to Hartling, issues around the unit where the roach was seen coming out of have been on-going for at least two years.
“Nothing’s been done. To me it’s a health hazard,” said Hartling about the unit which he also claims has a constant bad odour.
The Nova Scotia Housing Authority requires that applicants provide positive references and they must also be able to live either independently or with appropriate supports.
“We take all client related issues very seriously and staff work with housing authority,” said Shannon Kerr, communications advisor with the housing authority in an email. “Housing authority staff are ready to engage external resources and professional service providers in the community when necessary, including mental health services with clients on a case-by-case basis when concerns do arise.”
Hartling would like something done sooner.
“Just get in there and clean it,” said Hartling.
Eastern Mainland Housing maintains 620 senior units in Pictou County and employs two staff for cleaning.
