Landlords
Inspections
Initial Inspections are scheduled as soon as a Request for Tenancy Approval (form HUD-52517) is received and the owner and tenant have both been determined eligible. Upon notification from the owner that the unit is ready to inspect, the inspector schedules the inspection and notifies the owner of the date and time.
HUD inspection protocol is utilized in order to conduct the highest quality of inspections on all properties receiving federal subsidy. Every effort must be made to assure that all units assisted by any BHA programs are in decent and safe condition as determined by the Housing Quality Standard (HQS) and local codes. Inspections are both physical and visual which includes opening closets, kitchen drawers, cabinets, stoves, refrigerators for damaged or torn seals, plumbing which includes flushing toilets, turning on the faucet and inspecting under the sinks. The inspector will inspect fire extinguishers and test smoke detectors.
The BHA inspector requires full access to walls, doors, windows, storage areas, electrical receptacles, mechanical closet, plumbing and other electrical features in order to perform the inspection. The unit must be free of any dangerous air pollutants, pest infestation, debris and clutter that may impede the inspection or any potential hazards to the household. When called for, the BHA inspector may require personal items to be moved in order to gain access to an inspection area. The BHA inspector will not be responsible for the removal of personal items including furniture in order to conduct the inspection.
The BHA inspector reserves the right to take pictures during the inspection. Photographs will be taken to document the condition of a unit in the following circumstances:
- Failed items.
- Unsanitary conditions.
- Infestation.
- Damages.
- Tenant neglect in maintaining the unit.
- Any special inspections where a visual assessment is warranted.
- Excessive clutter that poses a hazard.
The BHA inspector will not conduct an inspection of a unit and/or its premises if the inspector determines that a condition listed below exists such that it limits or interferes with the inspector’s ability to properly carry out the inspection. At no time should a unit or the inspection area be cluttered to the point that it prohibits or interferes with the inspection process. Clutter is defined as a disorderly state of heavy accumulation of debris or piles of belongings that block a clear pathway in and about the unit.
The inspector will document:
- Excessive clutter preventing access to a majority of the unit’s systems or areas.
- Unsanitary conditions (such as overflowing and foul trash odor, sticky floors, stagnant water, and strong pet odor).
- Infestation
The BHA inspector will not inspect a unit if there is concern for his/her safety or believes a hazardous condition exists.
The BHA inspector will document:
- Observance of irrational, unstable, violent or threatening behavior.
- Conduct creating an intimidating or uncomfortable situation.
- Hazardous conditions.