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Social Housing & the Benefits of Excellent Property Maintenance

Ensuring Tenant Safety and Comfort – property maintenance in NSW social housing

A primary reason for prioritising property maintenance in social housing is tenant safety. Regular inspections and timely repairs prevent minor issues from escalating into major hazards. For example, addressing structural concerns, fixing faulty electrical systems, and maintaining plumbing are vital to creating a safe living environment.

Comfort is equally important. Properly maintained properties ensure that tenants have access to functioning amenities, such as heating, cooling, and clean water. These elements are essential for maintaining a basic quality of life and fostering a sense of security within the home.

Preserving Property Value and Longevity

Routine maintenance extends the lifespan of social housing properties, reducing the need for costly renovations or rebuilds. Addressing wear and tear promptly ensures that buildings remain in good condition for years to come. This is particularly important in NSW, where high property values and construction costs make social housing a significant investment.

Preserving property value also benefits the broader community. Well-maintained social housing contributes to the overall aesthetic and functionality of neighborhoods, preventing the stigma often associated with neglected properties.

Supporting Sustainability Goals

Sustainability is a key focus for property maintenance in NSW social housing. Upgrading properties with energy-efficient systems, such as solar panels and LED lighting, not only reduces environmental impact but also lowers utility costs for tenants. Water-saving measures, such as efficient plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems, further enhance sustainability while addressing NSW’s ongoing water conservation challenges.

These efforts align with government and community goals to create environmentally responsible housing solutions that benefit both tenants and the planet.

Promoting Tenant Well-Being and Stability

For many residents, social housing represents a stable foundation in times of financial or personal hardship. Maintaining these properties to a high standard fosters a sense of dignity and pride among tenants, improving mental health and overall well-being.

A well-maintained property also encourages long-term tenancy, reducing turnover and associated administrative costs. Stability within social housing programs enables tenants to focus on personal growth, employment, and education, ultimately contributing to broader social and economic outcomes. So, property maintenance in NSW Social Housing contributes to building a better community.

Fulfilling Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

Property maintenance is not just a best practice—it’s a legal obligation for social housing providers in NSW. Compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and tenancy laws is essential to avoid legal repercussions and protect the rights of tenants.

Ethically, maintaining social housing demonstrates respect for tenants and their right to a safe, secure home. It reflects a commitment to addressing inequality and supporting some of the most vulnerable members of society.

Property maintenance is a critical component of social housing management in NSW. It ensures tenant safety, preserves property value, supports sustainability goals, and promotes well-being and stability for residents. Beyond meeting legal requirements, proactive maintenance reflects a commitment to creating inclusive and thriving communities.

By investing in regular upkeep and sustainable upgrades, social housing providers or community housing providers (CHP) can make a meaningful difference in the lives of tenants while contributing to a better future for all.

Contact us at Star PM to learn more about our expertise in property maintenance and how we can support social housing initiatives in NSW.

Property maintenance is more than just keeping buildings in excellent condition; it’s about fostering a connection to the environment and the communities where we work. At Star PM, our team thrives on the opportunity to work on location, embracing the diverse environments and rich community cultures that surround our properties. This hands-on approach not only enhances the quality of our service but also strengthens our ties to the local areas we serve.

In this blog, we’ll delve into how being on location enables property maintenance teams to connect with communities, why it matters, and how these connections enhance the overall experience for property owners and tenants alike.

Appreciating Local Environments

Strengthening Community Relationships

Working on location provides invaluable opportunities to interact with local communities. Our team frequently engages with residents, business owners, and even local organizations during routine property maintenance tasks. These interactions build trust and demonstrate our commitment to the people who live and work in the areas we serve.

For instance, maintaining a shared commercial space may involve discussions with tenants about their needs or collaborating with neighborhood associations on beautification projects. These connections make property maintenance more than just a service; they create a partnership aimed at enhancing the community’s overall appeal and quality of life.

Supporting Local Economies

Engaging with local communities extends beyond building relationships; it’s also about supporting the local economy. Whenever possible, we source materials and hire services from nearby suppliers and businesses. This practice not only ensures faster service delivery but also boosts economic growth within the community.

For example, hiring a local landscaping company or purchasing eco-friendly supplies from nearby vendors helps create a ripple effect of positive economic impact. It’s a win-win for Star PM, our clients, and the communities where we operate.

Environmental Stewardship Through Property Maintenance

Being on location allows us to play an active role in environmental stewardship. By identifying opportunities for sustainable practices, such as installing energy-efficient lighting or implementing water-saving irrigation systems, we help property owners reduce their environmental footprint.

Additionally, our team ensures that property maintenance practices respect and preserve the local environment. Whether it’s protecting native plants during landscaping projects or responsibly disposing of waste, we’re committed to leaving each location better than we found it.

Why It Matters to Property Owners and Tenants

For property owners, having a property maintenance team that’s deeply connected to the local community and environment translates into higher-quality service. We can ensure that we address immediate concerns and proactively identify ways to enhance the property’s appeal and functionality.

For tenants, this commitment fosters a sense of belonging and pride in their space. When properties are well-maintained and integrated into the community’s fabric, tenants are more likely to stay longer and enjoy their experience, which ultimately benefits property owners.

At Star PM, property maintenance is about more than just upkeep—it’s about connecting with the environment and the people who make each community special. By working on location, we gain insights that help us provide tailored, efficient, and environmentally conscious services. These connections not only strengthen the communities we serve but also ensure that every property we manage is a source of pride for its owners and tenants.

Contact us today to learn how Star PM can bring personalized property maintenance solutions to your location while building stronger ties to your community.

How often do you clean your carpets?

We’re not just talking about vacuuming (although you should be doing it at least once or twice a week!), we’re talking about a deep carpet clean that will get all the imbedded dust and dirt out of it.

And if you regularly have guests and visitors that wear shoes indoors and walking on top of your carpet, everything that is on the ground outside – germs, dirt, soil, pollen, and more – is going to be transferred onto your carpet and ground into the carpet pile, making it tougher to remove.

In fact, according to Philip M. Tierno, PhD, a microbiologist and immunologist at New York University Langone Medical Center and the author of The Secret Life of Germs, about 200,000 bacteria, including E. coli, staphylococcus, and salmonella, live in each square inch of carpet. That’s 700 times more than the average household toilet!

And when it comes to spring, carpet cleaning is essential to help you manage pollens and allergens indoors to reduce spring allergy symptoms. Let Star PM walk you through the ins-and-outs of carpet cleaning to keep your property fresh, clean, and allergy free.

How Does Deep Carpet Cleaning Help With Allergy Relief?

You might be wondering, I vacuum all the time! How much can a deep clean really affect the cleanliness of your carpets?

A regular vacuum cleaner is sufficient in removing surface dirt, but miniscule allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites get trapped deep in the carpet fibres. Over time, these allergens accumulate, leading to worsening symptoms for allergy sufferers. Even the most powerful vacuum cleaner can’t reach the dust that gets trapped at the very base of your carpet.

That’s where a deep carpet clean steps in. The cleaning products can reach every centimetre of your carpet, eliminating the particles that vacuums can’t reach.

For a typical household, a deep clean every 6 to 12 months is recommended to maintain fresh and allergen-free carpets. However, if you have pets, children, or have high foot traffic, such as commercial properties or offices, consider carpet cleaning even more frequently to keep allergens under control.

Why Choose November For Your Carpet Clean

To be completely transparent, any time of year works for carpet cleaning. However, deep cleaning in spring offers unique benefits.

With November being peak allergy season with all the trees and flowers in full bloom, a deep carpet cleaning now can dramatically improve allergy relief for the whole household by clearing pollens and other allergens out of your carpet, helping you breath easier indoors.

Investing in carpet cleaning in November also has the added bonus of clearing any winter dirt and mud that got tracked into your property. It’s a win-win!

Taking Care of the Different Types of Carpet

As you may expect, different carpets need different care methods, especially when it comes to allergy relief. Check what type of carpet you have and find out what the best carpet cleaning practice is for you.

• Nylon and Synthetic Carpets: These types of carpets are durable and are commonly found in high-traffic areas of homes and commercial spaces due to their durability, affordability, and stain resistance. They trap allergens more easily than hard floors, so frequent cleaning is essential for allergy relief. Good news is, they are well-suited for frequent carpet cleaning, so schedule them in for that carpet clean without worry!
• Wool Carpets: Wool is naturally resistant to dirt but can be sensitive to water and chemicals. They are often found in areas where comfort, luxury, and warmth are prioritised due to their soft texture, natural resilience, and insulation properties. For wool carpets, choose a gentle carpet cleaning method to avoid damaging the fibres while achieving effective allergy relief.
• Blended Carpets: Blended carpets combine different materials and require a balanced cleaning approach. Typically made from a mix of natural fibres like wool and synthetic fibres such as nylon or polyester, they are popular in areas where durability, comfort, and budget considerations intersect. Avoid using hot water or harsh chemicals, which can affect the fibres and reduce allergy relief over time.
• Specialty Carpets: Delicate and heirloom carpets need special care for effective allergy relief. It is rare to find these in public settings, or in places that see moderate or high foot traffic. It is best to leave cleaning these carpets to professionals so that you don’t compromise the quality of the carpet.

Carpet Cleaning DIY: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know what type of carpet you have, and what sort of cleaning product is good for your carpet type, it’s time to get deep!

Step 1: Vacuum Thoroughly

Start by vacuuming every inch of the carpet, focusing on high-traffic areas where allergens accumulate. This step is essential for ensuring a thorough deep clean later on and helping you achieve allergy relief from your carpet cleaning.

Step 2: Spot Treat Stains

Step 3: Choose the Right Cleaning Method

Even for deep carpet cleaning, there are different methods to get your carpet as clean as you want it. Choose the right method that suits your carpet type, property type, and climate type. For example, if your property is prone to mould, a dry clean or steam clean may be more suitable than a shampoo.

• Dry Cleaning: Ideal for wool and blended carpets, dry cleaning uses minimal moisture, making it suitable for delicate fibres and humid areas. It’s perfect for commercial spaces or homes needing quick drying. The method applies a cleaning powder or foam, which is then vacuumed, removing surface and embedded dirt efficiently.
• Steam Cleaning (Hot Water Extraction): Best for synthetic and high-traffic carpets, steam cleaning injects hot water (and sometimes cleaning solution) into the carpet, removing deep-seated dirt and allergens. It’s highly effective for allergy relief, making it ideal for family homes and properties with pets or children. This will require some drying time afterward.
• Shampooing: Effective for synthetic carpets, shampooing cleans surface dirt through a scrubbing process. It suits homes with moderate traffic and small businesses. While it removes allergens and stains, some residue may remain, so thorough rinsing is essential. Not recommended for wool or delicate fibres due to potential residue. This method also takes the longest time to dry.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

If you used a cleaning solution during your deep clean, it is essential to rinse out any remaining solution and allow the carpet to dry fully. This will prevent your carpet from attracting extra dirt after your hard work and prevent mould growth.

Two effective methods include:

• Using a wet/dry vacuum or carpet extractor with clean water, which thoroughly removes the solution and speeds up the drying process
• Manual rinsing by gently blotting with a damp, clean cloth, followed by a dry cloth to absorb moisture, which is recommended for smaller or more delicate areas.

Both will help you effective dry your carpet faster and avoid mildew.

Step 5: Air Out the Room

Keep Your Carpets Cleaner for Longer

Regular maintenance between deep carpet cleaning sessions is crucial for keeping your carpets fresher for longer. Here’s how to keep your carpets clean and allergen-free:

• Vacuum Regularly: Vacuuming high-traffic areas at least twice a week helps to keep surface allergens at bay. For more effective vacuuming, invest in a vacuum with an HEPA filter, empty the vacuum once it gets two-thirds full, and wash the vacuum filter every 6 months.
• Spot Clean Immediately: Address spills and stains right away to prevent allergens from settling in.
• Use Entry Mats: Placing mats at doorways reduces the amount of dirt and pollen that reaches your carpets.
• Go Shoeless Indoors: Shoes bring in dirt, pollen, and other allergens, so if possible, encourage a visitors to remove their shoes to keep carpets cleaner for longer.

For allergy sufferers, carpet cleaning every 6-12 months can provide substantial relief. A November clean will set you up for a fresh, allergen-reduced start to summer.

As a strata manager, you face unique challenges in maintaining the buildings under your care. From handling tenant concerns to managing large-scale repairs, the scope of your responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming.

However, adhering to strata maintenance best practices can help you stay ahead of issues, mitigate complexities, and maintain smooth operations so that you can balance all your responsibilities with the needs of your owners and tenants.

How can you do this? Let our Star Know-how give you some essential insights. Read on to find out more.

More Than Just Repairs: The Complexities of Strata Maintenance

When it comes to managing strata properties, the maintenance side of things is far more complex than meets the eye. If you’re new to the the idea of property maintenance, read our previous introductory blog to get a better idea of what it’s really all about.

However, for strata managers, the complexities run even deeper. Unlike single property management, strata maintenance involves juggling multiple priorities, each with its own set of challenges. From ensuring legal compliance to managing multiple stakeholders, the scope of responsibilities is vast, and makes it hard to maintain strata maintenance best practices. Below, we dive into the specific aspects that can make strata maintenance particularly challenging:

Multiple Stakeholders and Decision-Making

Strata properties are unique in that they serve many different groups: tenants, owners, the body corporate, and contractors. And as you can expect, each group comes with their own expectations. Balancing the interests of these groups can make decision-making more complicated, especially in cases where urgent maintenance is needed but consensus is required.

Legal Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Strata managers need to stay up to date with evolving regulations regarding building maintenance.

For example, recent changes in NSW law require strict adherence to the Design and Building Practitioners Act, particularly for any repairs or works related to structural elements like waterproofing or balcony handrails. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties and legal disputes.

Long-Term Asset Management

Effective strata maintenance requires juggling immediate repairs with planning for the long-term management of the building.

Aging systems such as electrical wiring, plumbing, and fire safety equipment need regular inspections and upkeep to prevent costly future problems, whilst older buildings may need scheduled engineer inspections to ensure that the building remains structurally sound.

Tenant and Owner Expectations

Owners often focus on cost-efficiency and protecting their investment, while tenants expect prompt repairs and a safe living environment. Strata managers must carefully balance these expectations, ensuring that the building is well-maintained while staying within budgetary limits.

Understanding these complexities is essential for managers who want to adopt the right approach to building maintenance, which can help develop strata maintenance best practices.

Key Strata Maintenance Best Practices

Where can you start with developing your own strata maintenance best practices? Here are 5 top practices that can be easily implemented, regardless of your strata managing experience.

Develop a Detailed Maintenance Plan

Create a comprehensive maintenance schedule that covers regular inspections, cleaning, and minor repairs.

This plan should account for key building systems, such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and fire safety. Regular maintenance prevents small issues from becoming larger, more costly problems.

Document Everything

Document all reported issues as soon as they arise, including taking photographs and making detailed notes. This helps track the progression of issues, provides a record for legal purposes, and makes it easier for contractors to assess and address the problem.

Additionally, having written and photographic evidence of an issue greatly improves communication with repair contractors, allowing them to provide accurate solutions more efficiently.

Partner with Trusted Contractors

Get to know your contractors well and develop strong relationships with them. Working with reliable and experienced contractors is crucial for ensuring that repairs are completed fast, to a high standard, and meet legal standards.

Regular Communication with Owners and Tenants

Transparent communication with owners and tenants helps prevent misunderstandings

Notify them of upcoming maintenance, explain the reasons for necessary repairs, and provide timelines to manage expectations. Encouraging prompt reporting of issues by tenants ensures that problems are caught early, before they worsen.

Stay Updated on Legal Changes

Strata managers need to stay informed about legislative changes that affect building repairs and maintenance. For example, updates to the Design and Building Practitioners Act require specific compliance for structural repairs, which may necessitate working with licensed professionals to ensure adherence to these new regulations.

Managing Repairs and Resolving Disputes

One of the biggest challenges strata managers face is resolving disputes between tenants, owners, and the body corporate, especially when it comes to repair responsibilities. Understanding the legal obligations of each party can help resolve these conflicts effectively and contribute to maintaining strata maintenance best practices.

Clarify Rights and Responsibilities

Under the NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010, tenants are responsible for repairs caused by their negligence or carelessness. However, damage resulting from normal wear and tear is the responsibility of the landlord or body corporate. Clearly defining and communicating these responsibilities helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures fair resolution of disputes.

Establish a Formal Reporting Process

Having a formal process in place for reporting issues, such as online forms and regular updates, helps track maintenance requests, ensures transparency, and creates a record of actions taken. This documentation can be crucial in resolving conflicts or disputes that may arise over repair delays or responsibilities.

Use Mediation and Fair Trading Resources

When disputes cannot be resolved internally, strata managers can turn to NSW Fair Trading for mediation. Mediation provides a neutral platform for reaching mutual agreements.

If mediation fails, Fair Trading can issue legally binding resolutions to ensure compliance from all parties.

Maintain Open Communication

Open communication is key to avoiding disputes. Regular meetings with owners, prompt notices to tenants about upcoming repairs, and encouraging early issue reporting help keep everyone informed, aligned, and on board with your strata maintenance best practices. This proactive approach prevents small issues from escalating into larger problems.

By following these steps, strata managers can navigate maintenance disputes efficiently and maintain strong, cooperative relationships between tenants and owners, crucial for maintaining strata maintenance best practices.

The sky is bright and the sun is shining, but… how come it still seems a bit gloomy?

If this is you, then you might be due for window cleaning.

Clean windows is a fast way to ensure that your spaces stay light, bright, and comfortable, for the people inside the building and people walking past.

Star PM’s 20+ years of experience have allowed us to go beyond just a squeegee and soap to master the art and science of window cleaning. Read on to discover our expert tips to help your windows not just look clean but shine as bright as any diamond in the sun.

The Benefits Of Having Clean Windows

How Often Should You Clean Your Windows?

Despite how great having clean windows are, we get it.

Getting out there to clean them is a hassle and a half. The good news is, this isn’t a chore you have to do regularly. However, several factors can significantly impact the frequency and effectiveness of your cleaning routine.

Location

Your geographic location can heavily impact how often your windows need cleaning. If you are located in a more rural area, your windows might accumulate dirt and pollen faster from nearby fields and trees, especially in Spring and Autumn.

On the other hand, urban environments, particularly those close to busy roads or industrial areas, expose windows to exhaust fumes, dust, and other pollutants that can quickly dull their appearance. This can also lead to long-term damage if not regularly cleaned, as some pollutants can be corrosive over time, affecting the integrity of the glass.

Coastal locations are particularly challenging, as the salty sea air can leave a film on windows, requiring more frequent cleanings to maintain clarity.

Weather Conditions

Weather plays a crucial role in how dirty your windows get. Areas with frequent rainstorms or high humidity might see windows dirtied by water spots, mould, or algae growth. Windy regions can blow dust, sand, and debris against your windows, leading to scratches or a gritty residue that require more frequent cleanings.

Building Type

The type of building can also influence window cleaning frequency. Commercial buildings, particularly those with a lot of foot traffic or near construction sites, can experience higher levels of dirt and grime.

Buildings with large windows or glass facades require more regular cleaning to maintain a professional appearance. Residential buildings, depending on their height and surrounding environment, may require less frequent cleaning, but factors such as children’s fingerprints, pet smudges, or proximity to trees can increase the need for regular maintenance.

5 Tips for Effective DIY Window Cleaning

While hiring professionals will ensure top-quality results, there are times when you might want to take matters into your own hands. Here are five tips to help you achieve sparkling clean windows without the help of a professional.

1. Choose the Right Time
The time of day you choose to clean your windows can affect the outcome. Avoid window cleaning in direct sunlight, as the heat can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times when the sun is less intense.

2. Use the Right Tools
Invest in a good squeegee, a microfiber cloth, and a quality cleaning solution. A squeegee ensures a streak-free finish, while a microfiber cloth is perfect for wiping away any remaining moisture and dirt. You can make your own cleaning solution by mixing equal parts of water and vinegar, or water and a few drops of dish soap.

3. Start with a Dusting
Before applying any cleaning solution, dust off your windows and sills. Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt and cobwebs. This step is crucial to avoid scratching the glass when you start cleaning.

4. Master the Squeegee Technique
When using a squeegee, start at the top of the window and pull down in a straight line. Wipe the blade with a cloth after each stroke to prevent streaks. For larger windows, work in sections, overlapping your strokes slightly to ensure you don’t miss any spots.

5. Don’t Forget the Edges and Frames
Often, people focus on the glass and forget the window frames and edges. These areas also accumulate dirt and grime, so give them a good wipe down with a damp cloth. Keeping these areas clean will help prolong the life of your windows.

Reasons for Professional Window Cleaning Over DIY