Before a family with a Housing Choice Voucher can move into your apartment, QHA must inspect the unit to ensure it meets HUD’s National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE).
If the unit passes inspection, all parties may execute the lease and Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract, and the family may move into the unit.
If the unit does not pass inspection, the owner will be notified of any deficiencies and provided a timeframe to make the required repairs. Life-threatening deficiencies must generally be corrected within 24 hours, while non-life-threatening deficiencies must be corrected within the timeframe established by HUD and QHA. The family may not move into the unit until the unit passes inspection.
Units assisted under the Housing Choice Voucher Program are subject to periodic inspections throughout the tenancy. QHA will notify the owner and family when an inspection is scheduled. If deficiencies are identified, the owner and/or tenant will be responsible for correcting the items, depending on the nature of the deficiency. Failure to correct deficiencies within the required timeframe may result in abatement of housing assistance payments, termination of the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract, or termination of program assistance, as applicable.
HUD’s NSPIRE standards must be met for a unit to pass inspection. Owners are encouraged to review the QHA NSPIRE Pre-Inspection Checklist prior to the inspection. Additional information regarding HUD’s NSPIRE standards is available through HUD’s landlord resources. https://www.hud.gov/reac/nspire
HUD’s Housing Quality Standards must be met in order to pass a unit. A copy of the standards can be found below.
Standards
Below is a list of common and easily rectified issues that will cause an apartment to fail an inspection:
- NSPIRE Pre-Inspection Checklist for Owners
Before a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) inspection, owners are encouraged to review the following items to help ensure the unit meets HUD’s National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE).
Please note: This checklist is not all-inclusive and is intended only as a general guide. Units must comply with all applicable HUD NSPIRE requirements, as well as state and local health, sanitary, building, and fire codes.
Life Health & Safety
The most common reasons units fail inspection are inoperable smoke/CO detectors, missing electrical cover plates, plumbing leaks, trip hazards, blocked exits, and owner-supplied appliances that do not function properly.
☐ Smoke alarms are properly installed and operational.
☐ Carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed and operational.
☐ All exits are accessible and unobstructed.
☐ Handrails and guardrails are secure and present where required.
☐ There are no exposed electrical wires or other electrical hazards.
☐ Electrical outlets, switches, fixtures, and cover plates are intact and secure.
☐ There are no conditions that present an immediate fire, shock, fall, or injury hazard.
Doors & Windows
☐ Exterior doors close securely and lock properly.
☐ Windows open, close, and lock as intended.
☐ Window glass is intact and free from significant cracks or breaks.
☐ Doors and windows are weather-tight.
Plumbing & Bathrooms
☐ Toilets flush properly and are securely mounted.
☐ Sinks, tubs, and showers operate properly.
☐ There are no active plumbing leaks.
☐ Bathrooms have adequate ventilation through a window or exhaust fan.
☐ Tub and shower surrounds are in good condition and prevent water intrusion.
Kitchen
☐ Kitchen sink operates properly and is free of leaks.
☐ Owner-supplied appliances are operational.
☐ Cabinets, countertops, and surfaces are in sanitary condition.
☐ There is no evidence of excessive mold, water damage, or deterioration.
Heating, Utilities & Building Systems
☐ Heat is operational and capable of maintaining safe indoor temperatures.
☐ Hot and cold running water are available.
☐ Required utilities are active and functioning.
☐ Water heaters, furnaces, and other mechanical systems appear safe and operational.
Interior Conditions
☐ Floors are free of tripping hazards.
☐ Walls and ceilings are free from significant holes, deterioration, or water damage.
☐ Units are free of excessive garbage, debris, and unsanitary conditions.
☐ Peeling or chipping paint has been addressed.
☐ The unit is reasonably clean and ready for occupancy.
Exterior & Common Areas
☐ Walkways, stairs, porches, and entrances are safe and free of hazards.
☐ Common hallways and exits are free of obstructions.
☐ Trash is stored in proper containers.
☐ Basements, exterior grounds, and shared spaces are maintained in a safe and sanitary condition.
Before the Inspector Arrives
☐ Utilities are turned on.
☐ The unit is accessible for inspection.
☐ All areas of the unit can be inspected, including basements, attics, and common areas, if applicable.
☐ Any previous inspection deficiencies have been corrected.
Important: Passing this checklist does not guarantee that a unit will pass inspection. QHA inspectors will evaluate the unit in accordance with HUD NSPIRE requirements and applicable state and local codes.
Please note that this list is not all-inclusive. Owners are responsible for ensuring that units comply with all applicable HUD NSPIRE requirements, as well as state and local health, building, sanitary, and fire codes.
Owners are encouraged to review the unit prior to inspection and address any health and safety concerns to help avoid delays in the leasing process.
