Before a family with a Voucher can move into your apartment, QHA will conduct an inspection. If the apartment passes inspection, all parties will sign the lease, and the family will move in.
If the apartment does not pass inspection, you will be given up to 30 days to correct the problems and have a re-inspection. The tenant/family may NOT move into the unit until it has passed inspection.
Occupied units will also be inspected annually. The QHA Inspector will contact the tenant to schedule the annual/biennial inspection. If the unit does not pass inspection, the landlord will be notified of any deficiencies and given a time line for repair based upon the nature of the deficiency. If the repairs are not made within the prescribed timeline, both the tenant and QHA may withhold payment.
HUD’s Housing Quality Standards must be met in order to pass a unit. A copy of those standards can be found here.
Below is a list of common and easily rectified issues that will cause an apartment to fail an inspection:
- Smoke detectors must be in good working order in the apartment and common areas (including hallways and basements).
- Windows must open and close without being propped up. Broken and cracked glass must be replaced.
- Handrails must be present in the interior and exterior of building where there are more than three steps.
- All plumbing must be in good working condition and free of leaks.
- Bathrooms must have an exterior window OR a working venting fan.
- Stoves need to work properly and be clean.
- Keyed locks on interior doors are NOT allowed.
- Peeling or chipping paint must be scraped. A Letter of Lead Paint Compliance is required for units which will be rented by families with children under the age of six.
- Doors and windows must be weather tight.
- Missing or loose electrical plates and switch plates must be tightened or replaced.
- Excessive garbage either in the apartment, hallway, or on the property is not allowed.
- All hallways are fire exits and must be kept free of debris, such as bikes or trash.
- All flooring must be free of trip hazards.
- All kitchen and bathroom floors must be water tight, free of defects and easily cleanable.
- Tub and shower walls must be waterproof with no loose or missing tiles and must be free of mold or mildew.
- All trash is required to be stored in proper containers with lids.
- All utilities, gas or electric, whether landlord or tenant supplied, are required to be maintained at all times.
- Heat is required to be operational between September 15 and June 15.
- Common areas such as the basement, exterior and hallways are inspected.
