Small homes and shared lots
Sunnyside's houses are mostly modest early-twentieth-century homes, many with basements and some with accessory dwelling units built in the backyard. Duplexes and houses split into units are common. Irritant residue in a small house concentrates quickly, and where two households share a lot, a release in one can drift into the other through open windows or a shared garage.
Many residents rent, so landlords handle the structure while tenants handle their belongings. Clear written communication matters from the first day.
Questions to ask right away
- Was the release inside the house, in a garage, or outside near windows?
- Was the furnace or air conditioner running at the time or since?
- Does any other unit on the lot share air, walls or a garage?
- Who owns the structure, and who has been notified?
- Does anyone in either household have asthma or other breathing conditions?
Who usually handles what
| Item | Owner | Tenant |
|---|---|---|
| Walls, floors, ceilings | Cleaning and repairs | Report and allow access |
| Furnace, filters, ducts | Inspection and cleaning | Do not run it until cleared |
| Clothing, bedding, furniture | Clean or replace; renters insurance | |
| Broken windows or doors | Secure and repair | Report damage |
Older houses and ADUs
Sunnyside's early-1900s homes often have plaster walls, wood floors and basements that hold residue like other older homes: in texture, gaps and the air system. Backyard units are newer and smaller, with drywall and compact HVAC or mini-split systems. Each needs its own check, even if the incident happened in only one, because shared yards, open windows and shared garages let residue move between them.
If the units are on separate systems, the unaffected unit may need only a light cleaning; if they share anything, plan for both.
Common questions
Can an ADU tenant be affected by an incident in the main house?
Yes, if windows were open or the units share a garage or yard where residue drifted. Check for symptoms and residue in both.
Who pays for cleaning my belongings?
Usually the tenant, through renters insurance if they have it. The owner's policy generally covers the building.
Do mini-split systems need cleaning?
If residue reached the room, the indoor head's filter and coil should be cleaned per the manufacturer's instructions.
Is a shared garage a problem?
Yes. Residue on stored items and surfaces there can be carried into either unit; clean it early.
General information for Berkeley, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.