More Freebies: From Asbestos to Water Beds

The Consumer Affairs Department of the state of California is a good source for a wide variety of free consumer-oriented booklets. Among those of interest to renters and homeowners are:

Asbestos

--”A Consumer Guide to Asbestos” is a 12-page booklet that helps consumers identify asbestos in buildings, describes precautions to take to prevent harmful exposure when removing it and offers guidance on selecting and contracting with a company to remove asbestos. For a free copy, write to Contractor’s State Licensing Board, P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, Calif. 95826. Specify booklet desired.

Credit

--”From Credit Despair to Credit Repair” is a guide to obtaining credit, and correcting or improving credit records. For a free copy, write to Credit Repair, P.O. Box 310, Sacramento, Calif. 95802.

--”California Immigrants and Credit” provides basic information on how to obtain and manage credit. Available in 10 languages. For a free copy, write to California Immigrants, P.O. Box 310, Sacramento, Calif. 95802. Please specify language desired.

Home Improvement

--”What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor” tells consumers how to select a qualified contractor, negotiating a clear contract and preventing and resolving disputes. For a free copy, write the Contractor’s State Licensing Board, P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, Calif. 95826.

--”A Consumer Guide to Filing Construction Complaints” describes the functions of the Contractor’s State License Board and how to file a complaint against a contractor. For a free copy, write the Contractor’s State Licensing Board, P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, Calif. 95826.

--”Tips on Purchasing Insulation” provides information on different types of insulation, advantages and disadvantages, and precautions. For a free copy, write to Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation, 3485 Orange Grove Ave., North Highlands, Calif. 95660.

--”Consumer’s Guide to Hiring an Architect” tells how to hire an architect, what to look for in a contract, and what to do if a problem occurs, including how to file a complaint with the state Board of Architectural Examiners. For a free copy, write to the Board of Architectural Examiners, 400 R St., Suite 4000, Sacramento, Calif. 95814-6200.

--”Consumer’s Guide to Hiring a Landscape Architect” tells how to hire a landscape architect, what to look for in a contract, and what to do if a problem occurs, including how to file a complaint. For a free copy: Board of Landscape Architects, 400 R St., Suite 4020, Sacramento, Calif. 95814-6200.

Home Furnishings

--”Don’t Remove This Tag Under Penalty of Law” is a consumer’s guide to home furnishings, explaining various aspects of the Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation, including licensing, labeling, registry numbers, complaints, flammability and advertising. For a free copy of this and other guides listed below, write to Bureau of Home Furnishings, 3485 Orange Grove Ave., North Highlands, Calif. 95660.

--”Flammability of Consumer Products” explains state and federal flammability regulations for clothing fabrics, children’s sleep wear, mattresses and upholstered furniture. Available in English and Spanish. Specify desired booklet and language.

--”Protective Treatments for Upholstery Fabrics and Carpets” explains what protective treatments are and why they are applied and gives points to consider before purchasing fabric treatments. Specify desired booklet.

--”Tips on Purchasing a Water Bed” explains labeling requirements and other standards. Available in English and Spanish. Specify desired booklet and language.

--”Tips on Purchasing Feather and Down Products” provides information on down and feather-filled pillows, comforters, sleeping bags and upholstered furniture, and explains labeling required for these products. Available in English and Spanish. Specify desired booklet and language.

--”Tips on Purchasing Mattresses and Foundations” explains labeling rules and flammability standards for mattresses sold in California and gives tips on mattress selection. Available in English and Spanish. Specify desired booklet and language.

--”Tips on Purchasing Upholstered Furniture” outlines labeling rules and flammability standards that must be met by upholstered furniture offered for sale in state. Available in English and Spanish. Specify desired booklet and language.

Moving

--”Consumer’s Guide to Moving” provides help in choosing a moving company, how to get an estimate, weighing your goods, and filing damage and loss claims. For a free copy, write to Moving Fact Sheet, P.O. Box 310, Sacramento, Calif, 95802.

Renters

--”California Tenants: Your Rights and Responsibilities” covers such topics as the rental application and agreement, security deposits, dealing with discrimination, repairs and habitability, rent increases, right to privacy, moving out, terminations and evictions and resolving problems. For a free copy send a stamped, self-addressed 7-by-10 inch envelope to California Tenants, P.O. Box 310, Sacramento, Calif. 95802.

Pest Control

--”Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Structural Pest Control Inspections” answers such questions as “Under what conditions is a pest control inspection report required?” and “How can a consumer tell if a house has been inspected before or if any work has been completed?” The booklet also includes a sample inspection report and a sample Notice of Work Completed and Not Completed. For a free copy, write to Structural Pest Control Board, 1422 Howe Ave., Sacramento, Calif. 95825-3280.

--”Questions and Answers Regarding Fumigation for Pest Control” answers fumigation questions about preparations on the house and how consumers can find out what fumigant is used. For free copy, write to Structural Pest Control Board, 1430 Howe Ave., Sacramento, Calif. 95825.

--”Questions and Answers Regarding Household Pests” answers queries on general household pest inspections and pesticides. For a free copy, write to Structural Pest Control Board, 1430 Howe Ave., Sacramento, Calif. 95825.