Latest news with #propertymaintenance
Daily Mail
24-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Australian woman could be kicked out of her housing comission home over alarming issue
A woman living in a three-bedroom social housing home is facing eviction after she was unable to keep up with the property maintenance. Michelle, in her 60s, has lived in the housing commission home for 13 years but has increasingly struggled to keep her garden and home clean. Nathan Stafford, who's gained a massive following for tidying the homes of those in need for free, shared a video earlier this month after Michelle reached out for help. 'I've been told that if this is not cleaned up - and there's a few rooms inside that need a bit of a help - that you're gonna be evicted,' Mr Stafford asked Michelle. The tenant nodded and added she'd taken the eviction threat to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. 'The tribunal has made orders that if I've not commenced action on the house by the first of August, they're coming between 11th and 12th, I will be evicted,' she said. 'I will be homeless. I don't have any family, I don't have any friends.' Mr Stafford assured the woman she didn't 'need to feel ashamed or anything like that' and showed viewers the home in a separate clip. While the garden was overgrown, Mr Stafford said it was far from 'the worst' he'd seen. Inside the home was also a mess, with several rooms filled with clutter from floor to ceiling. Mr Stafford asked his viewers to avoid judging Michelle, saying: 'Understand sometimes life can be difficult for some.' However, hundreds of commenters turned their judgment towards the housing department and the woman. They claimed social housing should be treated as a 'short term solution' and questioned why Michelle was living in a home she couldn't manage. Many questioned why a three-bedroom home was only occupied by one woman - when a family could live there. 'She's on her own and can't maintain the home. Department of Housing should swap her into a small unit with no maintenance. The property would probably be better utilised by a family,' one wrote. 'Why does she get to live in a three-bedroom home when it's only her? So many families could use a house,' another said. 'There is so many commission houses that are three bedrooms near me that have only one person living in them. No wonder so many families are living on the streets in our country,' a third added. 'If she has no family and cannot maintain the property, then transfer to a unit,' a forth said. 'She definitely should be moved into a unit. My mum was downsized from four-bedroom house to a two-bedroom unit once us kids moved out on our own,' another said. 'Ideally she needs to be moved to a smaller home where it's more manageable,' a sixth wrote. Others questioned why Michelle hadn't sought the help of homecare services before facing eviction. 'There are aged care services that can keep it maintained for her,' one commenter wrote. 'I'm on a pension, paying shared private rent and have to pay someone to do my yard. Surely she could have done the same,' a second added. 'Gee I'm on a pension paying shared private rent and have to pay someone to do my yard - surely she could have done the same,' a third said. Remaining commenters focused on applauding Mr Stafford for taking on the difficult job. 'Well done Nathan. You are an awesome human mate,' one wrote. 'You are an amazing, true, genuine man helping someone struggling,' another said.
Associated Press
20-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Why More North Tonawanda Homeowners Are Choosing Proza Tree Service for Their Tree Care Needs?
Proza Tree Service is a trusted, locally owned company based in North Tonawanda. The company is committed to providing reliable and professional tree care across Western New York. They bring years of experience to ensure safe service with a focus on customer satisfaction. It has helped them build an unmatched reputation. North Tonawanda, NY - The area is located between the Niagara River and the Erie Canal. That means the city has plenty of mature trees and green spaces. That tree-filled charm is great for curb appeal but requires expert care to keep properties safe and beautiful. That's why relying on a company that has local tree knowledge makes everything different. The team has established itself as the go-to option for homes throughout the city due to its reputation for local trust and dependable, reasonably priced service, preserving property values, and ensuring family safety. In addition to safeguarding people from hazardous branches and unsteady trees, their expert tree care preserves property values. 'We're not just here to remove trees. We're here to protect homes and families, preserving what makes this city beautiful,' says the company owner. Learn more about them at Proza Tree Service offers 24/7 emergency support, expert care, and the use of advanced equipment to handle any tree issue safely and efficiently. With free quotes and affordable pricing, homeowners get real value with every call. 'We had a tree down after a storm, and they were at our house within hours. I just couldn't ask for better service,' said an Erie County resident. By providing safe, reasonably priced, and skilled tree care services, Proza Tree Service has gained the trust of residents in North Tonawanda. They remain the best option for dependable tree care because of their years of experience and dedication to excellence. With glowing five-star reviews and trusted service, it's no wonder more locals turn to them. 'They treated our yard like their own - quick, clean, and kind,' added one happy customer. They offer expert tree removal, trimming, stump grinding, and fast emergency response to keep properties safe, clean, and beautiful. Each of their services plays a vital role in local tree maintenance. 'Our goal isn't just to cut trees but to care for them. Whether it's a removal or a pruning job, we make sure it's done with safety and long-term tree health in mind,' said the lead arborist. One of the top reasons why locals like this company is that they are available around the neighborhood during all kinds of tree emergencies. Other than North Tonawanda, the tree service company serves Erie County, Niagara County, and nearby areas. They are a reliable tree care company that understands the region's unique tree conditions and seasonal challenges. That local knowledge leads to quick, smart solutions. As one homeowner shared, 'When a big limb crashed during a storm, the team showed up fast and had the job done before lunch. I won't call anyone else.' The crew offers free quotes, expert consultations, and fast, flexible scheduling. Whether it's routine care or emergency help, they're just a call or click away. Connect with Proza Tree Service at About Proza Tree Service Proza Tree Service has won the trust of North Tonawanda homeowners with safe, affordable, and expert tree care. Their customized and on-demand service keeps tree owners at ease. Location: Media Contact Company Name: Proza Tree Service Contact Person: David Prozapas Email: Send Email Phone: 716-535-0865 Address:4639 Kriston Ln City: North Tonawanda State: NY 14120 Country: United States Website: Source: King PR
BreakingNews.ie
19-06-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
OPW has spent €2.5m maintaining vacant properties in past five years
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has spent €2.5 million maintaining vacant properties over the past five-and-a-half years, new figures have revealed. The agency owns a total of 73 vacant properties, including 19 former Garda stations that have remained empty for more than a decade, and two decentralisation sites that have been vacant since 2007. Advertisement A total of €2.5 million has been spent maintaining these sites and buildings since the beginning of 2020. The most expensive vacant property to maintain was the former debtors' prison on Halston Street in Dublin, which has cost the OPW just over €1.1 million during that period. The agency had to seek a High Court order to evict squatters who had occupied the disused building in 2016 with the stated aim of converting it into a community art space. The OPW said the 18th century building was unsafe. Another €314,810 was spent on a vacant site on Hawkins Street in Dublin between 2020 and 2022. No further maintenance costs have been incurred in respect of this property since then. Advertisement The former Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum has cost the OPW €259,399 to maintain since it was vacated following the transfer of the National Forensic Mental Health Services to Portrane at the end of 2022. Almost €100,000 has been spent maintaining a former Garda station in Kilfinane, Co Limerick since 2020. The five-bedroom property was formerly a fever hospital and was closed as a Garda station in 2013. The 73 vacant properties include 18 former Coast Guard premises, seven former Customs properties, two former Met station sites and buildings, and two former Garda residences. It also includes two sites in Portlaoise and Waterford that were acquired as part of the ill-fated decentralisation plan in 2003, which envisaged the relocation of 10,000 jobs to 53 locations across 25 counties. Advertisement Details of the expenditure on the maintenance of vacant OPW properties were provided to Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly by Minister of State Kevin Boxer Moran in response to a parliamentary question. Mr Moran said there was a 'general approach' by the agency to endeavour to maintain properties in their current condition pending decisions on their future use. 'The OPW, like other property holding State bodies, has engaged with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and with the relevant local authorities to identify vacant properties that may be suitable for housing,' he said. 'It should be noted, however, that many of the properties managed by the OPW are commercial buildings, such as Garda stations, warehouses or office buildings that in most cases are not suitable for residential use.' The minister added that more than 50 properties had been transferred by the OPW to local authorities for housing and alternative use over the past five years.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Got 'Clutter' In Your Backyard Or A Drained Pool? Insurance Companies Are Using Aerial Images To Decide If You'll Keep Your Coverage
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. California and Texas homeowners are finding out the hard way that what's visible from the sky could result in losing their home insurance. More insurance companies are using aerial images and footage from satellites and drones to decide whether to renew a policy, and it has nothing to do with wildfire zones. In California, KGO-TV reported in 2023 that long-time AAA customers are being dropped for reasons like backyard clutter, old roofs or even empty swimming pools. In one case, CJ Sveen of Oakley said AAA told him his policy wouldn't be renewed because of 'debris and hazards' in his yard. Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Invest Where It Hurts — And Help Millions Heal: 'Apparently, they have some pictures and they noticed clutter,' Sveen told KGO-TV. 'I find that offensive. How dare you judge me because of my stuff!' Sveen said he had no chance to fix the issue. 'There was no chance to mitigate, clean up, do anything, it was just, you're fired.' Another homeowner, George Nadeau of San Rafael got dropped because AAA said his roof had 'exceeded its useful life.' But Nadeau says that wasn't true. 'I think obviously that their drone surveillance was bogus,' he told KGO-TV. 'We've lived in this house for 50 years and have maintained our roof in a very effective way.' He said he installed a new roof seven years ago and even spent $4,000 on an upgrade later on. He submitted invoices and photos to prove the roof had been replaced and upgraded. After his appeal, AAA reinstated his policy. Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: . Marilyn Smith and her husband in Northern California were dropped for draining their pool to conserve water. They now use the empty pool as a hothouse to grow potted tomatoes and lettuce. 'I think I was in so much shock, I couldn't believe it,' she told KGO-TV. The AAA notice cited 'deferred maintenance' due to the empty pool. 'We decided well, we don't use it... that saves us on maintenance and then just the water,' she said. In a statement to KGO-TV, AAA parent company CSAA Insurance Group said it uses aerial imagery from satellites and fixed-wing aircraft to assess properties and determine whether they meet underwriting criteria. 'To continue offering industry-leading insurance coverage, we must periodically evaluate our exposure to risk,' the company said. , KUT in Austin, Texas, reported just last month that this drone surveillance policy continues. Tracy Gartenmann got an email from insurance company Travelers telling her she had two months to trim her trees or lose her coverage. Attached were two blurry photos taken from above her home. 'I thought it was a scam,' Gartenmann said. 'It wouldn't have crossed my mind that that would've been a mechanism or technique that a corporation could use.' Alaina Callahan, who lives outside Houston, was told she needed a new roof even though hers was just five years old and in good condition. She never got to see the photos. 'I had no recourse as a homeowner. None whatsoever,' she told KUT. Consumer advocacy group Texas Watch told KUT that the use of aerial images and AI removes the human touch and increases the risk of error. In one case, a homeowner lost coverage because the company used the wrong house image. KGO-TV reported that some homeowners have been able to find new coverage, often through insurers catering to military families. Others, like Nadeau in California, got reinstated after pushing back and sending documents about their roof being in good condition. Read Next: With Point, you can This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to .This article Got 'Clutter' In Your Backyard Or A Drained Pool? Insurance Companies Are Using Aerial Images To Decide If You'll Keep Your Coverage originally appeared on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Huntsville City Council holds work session to discuss unkept properties
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Huntsville City Council hears from concerned community members about unkept properties all the time. A work session was held Friday morning to address these concerns. The number of these rose to a point where District 2 Councilman David Little asked for a work session to discuss what the council can do to address these issues. Madison County School employees receive $1,000 salary raises During the work session, Huntsville Community Development Manager Scott Erwin gave a presentation to the council on what his department does to enforce the upkeep of properties. Erwin said the department issued about 8,300 notices in 2024. A majority of which were due to the condition of people's yards and houses. Around 5,600 people voluntarily complied and fixed the issue, while 2,600 didn't in the time allowed. Therefore, the City had to step in. 'One of our priorities is educating our community and increasing our voluntary compliance rates for grass, weeds, junk, house structures,' Erwin said. 'We find that we have a very high success rate when we educate and inform our community when there is an issue they might be in violation of.' City leaders hear the frustrations of those living near the nuisance properties, but said they have to give everyone due process to fix the issues. Decatur Morgan Hospital achieves CLABSI infection rate of zero 'If we are not following due process, then all of a sudden it is a federal issue,' Little said. 'It could be something as small as a weed issue could become a Supreme Court issue.' Due to the number of people who voluntarily complied after receiving a citation, District 3 Councilwoman Jennie Robinson said during the meeting that if the Community Development Department issued more citations, it could help properties get cleaned up faster. Erwin said the department has seven inspectors, which can make it hard to get out to every area of the City in a timely fashion, which led to the council being introduced to a new technology that could help. Huntsville's Chief Innovation Officer, Larry Lowe, presented an option that the council could consider, which would add cameras to garbage trucks. These cameras would scan people's properties when picking up trash. 'Essentially, what would happen is the garbage truck would drive every single road, they would take an image, and they would process the data,' Lowe said. This would alert the department to potential violations but wouldn't automatically result in a citation. 'It simply gives us where a potential violation may be,' Erwin said. 'We will lay eyes on it, again, we are not going through neighbors looking, it actually tells us where they may be a condition that exists.' Little said he's all on board with this and wants the council to act quickly on it. He also said that he knows enforcing the care of these properties can be a double-edged sword. 'Somebody's having a hardship, you know well, let's give them another 10 days,' Little said. 'There's other times when people are gaming the system, or hard to track down, and now the neighbors are dealing with this blighted property, so what can we do to protect them too.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
