A new doc for teams and a room inspection list.
A HUD subsidized rental assistance program participant must have the Inspections performed on rental units to determine whether or not they meet the HUD Housing Quality Standards.
The letters from the Housing Authority Inspector are sent to the tenants and owners of the property.The dates for any necessary repairs will be listed in the letters.
The outlets have to be installed in the baseboards, wall or floor of the room.Inspectors don't have to count a single duplex receptacle as two outlets if there are two of these in the room and a permanently installed ceiling or wall light fixture.The outlets and light must be working.The workability of a room is usually determined by the amount of lights or electrical appliances plugged into the outlets.The light fixture should not fail if the bulb is burned out.Inspectors don't count table or floor lamps, ceiling lamps and extension cords as outlets.The inspection is ''inconclusive'' if the electric service has been temporarily turned off.When service is turned on, the inspector will contact the owner or manager to change the inspection.
There are examples of what this means, such as broken wiring, noninsulated wiring and frayed wiring; wires lying in or located near standing water or other unsafe places; light fixture hanging from electric wiring without other firm support or fixture, and missing cover plates on switches or outlets.The owner must seek expert advice if the inspector is uncertain about the severity of the problem.
"Accessible to outside" means doors open to the outside or to a common public hall.There are windows or doors leading onto a fire escape, porch or other outside place that can be reached from the ground.
"Lockable" means that the window or door has a properly working lock, or is nailed shut.It is acceptable that a storm window lock is working.If the windows are not needed for ventilation or as an alternate exit in case of fire, they should not be nailed shut.
Inspectors have to rate the windows in the room."Severe deterioration" means that the window is no longer able to keep out the wind or rain.There are examples of missing or broken-out panes, dangerously loose cracked panes and windows that will not close.The inspector will give details in the inspection report if more than one window is in this condition.The item should pass if there is only moderate degradation of the windows."Moderate deterioration" means windows which are reasonably weather-tight, but show evidence of some aging, abuse, or lack of repair.There are a number of signs that the window is in bad shape.Information on lead-based paint can be found below."Unsound or hazardous" means the presence of serious defects such as structural collapse or large cracks or holes that allow significant drafts to enter the unit.The condition includes bulging or buckled, large holes, missing parts, falling or in danger of falling loose surface materials.Small holes or cracks, missing or broken ceiling tiles, water stains, unpainted surfaces, and peeling paint are some of the nonhazardous defects in the ceiling.
"Unsound or hazardous" includes serious defects such that the structural safety of the building is at risk, such as large holes, loose or damaged structural members, and air infiltration.Small or shallow holes, cracks, loose or missing parts, unpainted surfaces and peeling paint are some of the nonhazardous defects in the walls that are basically sound.
"Unsound or hazardous" means the presence of serious defects that a potential exists for structural collapse or other threats to safety, such as large cracks or holes that allow substantial drafts from below the floor.The condition includes damage or missing parts.The floors that are mostly sound but have some non-hazardous defects include heavily worn or damaged floor surface, missing portions of tile or linoleum, and previous water damage.The inspector will note the condition if there is a floor covering.If the floor is badly worn, dirty or peeling, these conditions will be noted.
If the unit was built before January 1, 1978, no child under the age of six will occupy or currently occupy it, is a 0-BR, elderly or handicapped unit with no children under age six on the lease or expected, has been certified lead based paint freeLead-based painted surfaces will not be inspected.The requirement applies to all painted surfaces within the unit.Don't include tenant belongings.Walls, floors, ceilings, built in cabinets, baseboards, doors, door frames, windows systems, and any other painted building component within the unit are some of the surfaces to receive a visual assessment for deteriorated paint.Any painted surface that is peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged or otherwise separated from the substrate is a degraded paint.There are paint surfaces that are more than 2 sq.In any one interior room or space, more than 10% of the total surface area of an interior type of component must be corrected in accordance with all safe work practice requirements.If the painted surface is less than 2 sq.Only stabilization is required for less than 10% of the component.There is no requirement for clearance testing.A new protective coating or paint can be applied to remove deteriorated paint.There is a requirement for lead-based paint owner certification.
Is there at least one window and all the windows are in good shape?
Is all painted surfaces free of deteriorated paint?Does the deteriorated surface exceed two square feet or 10% of the component?
Kitchen is an area used for preparing meals.A kitchen area in an efficiency apartment is an example of a separate room.Electricity note: The requirement is that at least one outlet and one permanent light fixture are present and working.The absence of a window does not affect this item in the kitchen.
A stove with top burners must be present and working.If an appliance is missing and the owner is responsible for supplying it, the inspection must fail.If the tenant has not yet moved in, the inspection is ''inconclusive''.Inspector must contact tenant or prospective tenant to verify that facility is in working condition.Hot plates are not a substitute for these facilities.If the oven doesn't heat up, it's not working.To operate a stove or range you need all the burners to work and knobs to turn them off.The inspector will look for hazardous gas hook-ups.It is important that this condition is not confused with an unlit pilot light.If both an oven and a stove or range is present, but the gas or electricity is not on, the Inspector will check "Inconclusive" and contact the owner or manager.If an oven and a stove or range are present and working, but there are defects, the inspector will check "Pass" and note these in the inspection report.There are possible defects such as cracked burner ring, marked surfaces, and limited size relative to family needs.A microwave oven can be used instead of a tenant-supplied oven and stove.If the tenant agrees, a microwave oven can be replaced for an owner-supplied oven and stove in the building or premises.
The Inspector will use the same criteria for marking either "Fail" or "Inconclusive" if there is no refrigerator.If the refrigerator does not maintain a temperature low enough to keep food fresh, it will not work.The inspector will mark the unit as "Inconclusive" if the electricity is turned off.If there are defects in the refrigerator, they will be noted on the form.Minor defects include broken or missing interior shelving, damaged interior or exterior surfaces, and a loose door handle.
The Inspector will mark ''Fail'' if a permanently attached kitchen sink is not present in the kitchen area.A portable basin or sink won't satisfy this requirement.A sink is not working unless it has running hot and cold water from the faucets and a properly connected and working drain.There will be no hot water in a vacant apartment.The inspector will check to see if hot water is available when the service is turned on.This will be noted if a sink has defects.A dripping faucet is one of the possible minor defects.
There is space for storage, preparation, and serving of food.A portable storage cabinet and table can be used if there is no built-in space for food storage and preparation.The inspector will check "Inconclusive" if there is no room for a table or portable cabinet.The tenant decides whether or not the space is acceptable.The inspector will check "Pass" and make notes if there are any minor defects.There are possible defects such as marked, dented, or scratched surfaces, broken shelving or cabinet doors, and limited size relative to family needs.
Is all painted surfaces free of deteriorated paint?Do the deteriorated surface exceed two square feet or less than 10% of the component?
Is there an oven or stove with top burners that works?Do other tenants have microwaves instead of an oven and stove if there is no oven or range?
Is it possible for a refrigerator to keep a temperature low enough so that food won't spoil over time?
Does the kitchen sink work with hot and cold running water?Is there a place to store, prepare, and serve food?
There is a separate room with a bathroom in most units.Inspectors may encounter units with scattered bathroom facilities.There is a tub or shower in one part of the unit.There needs to be an enclosure around the toilet.The inspector will count the enclosure around the toilet as the bathroom and proceed with the requirements listed below.Electricity note: The requirement is that at least one permanent light fixture is present and working.The outlets that are located where water might splash or collect are considered an electrical hazard.
The absence of a window does not affect this item in the bathroom.If there is a working vent system, the inspection will pass.
Under nonhazardous defects, include broken or loose tile, deteriorated grouting at tub/wall and bathtub/floor joints, or tiled surfaces.
There are missing floor tiles, water stains, and nonhazardous defects that should be noted.
Outhouses or facilities shared by other units are not acceptable because the toilet must be contained within the unit, be in proper operating condition, and be available for the exclusive use of the occupants.Privacy must be allowed.Not working means that the toilet is not connected to a water supply, it does not have a trap, the connections are faulty, and the flushing mechanism is malfunctioning.If the water has been turned off, the inspector will check "Inconclusive" and contact the owner or manager to re-schedule the inspection.If the toilet is present, exclusive, and working, the addition comment can be made in the report.Under the plumbing and heating part of the checklist, the inspection will fail if the drain blockage is more serious and occurs further in the sewer line.A sign of sewer problems is the number of backups.
A portable wash basin does not meet the requirement.The bathroom wash basin cannot be used as a kitchen sink.The bathroom facilities may be separated from the wash basin by a hallway.The wash basin isn't connected to a system that will deliver hot and cold running water, the connection is faulty to the extent that severe leak of water or escape of sewer gases occurs, and the vent or traps are malfunctioning.If the water to the unit or the hot water unit has been turned off, the Inspector will check "Inconclusive" and get verification from the owner or manager that the system is working.If the wash basin is present and working, but has some minor defects, the inspector will comment on the form.
A tub and shower are not present in the unit.The rest of the bathroom facilities should not be in the same room with these facilities.They have to be private.The requirements for a wash basin are the same as those for not working.A dripping faucet, cracked porcelain, slow drain, and absent or broken support rod for shower curtain are some of the defects that the Inspector will comment on if the tub or shower is present and working.
Vent systems include electric fans and vent shafts.When the switch is turned on, electric vent fans must work.The inspector will make sure that the fan is plugged in.When the electricity is turned on, the Inspector will check "Inconclusive" and contact the owner or manager to schedule an inspection.Vents must be directed to the outside, attic, or crawlspace.
Is all painted surfaces free of deteriorated paint?Does a deteriorated surface exceed two square feet and 10% of a component?
It is defined as "used for living."Rooms used for living are areas of the unit that are used on a regular basis.This does not include rooms that have been permanently closed off or areas that are rarely entered.If they are closed off from the main living area or are rarely entered, this does not include a utility room, attached shed, closed-in porch, basement, or garage.If they are frequently used, it includes a finished basement/playroom, a closed-in porch that is used as a bedroom during summer months, and a hallway.Occasional use of a washer or dryer in an unused room doesn't count as regular use.If the unit is vacant and the inspector doesn't know if the room will be used on a regular basis, they must inspect it.
Bedroom or any other room used for sleeping is the same as Dining Room or Second Living Room.
If Room Code is 1, are there at least two working outlets or one working outlet and one permanently installed light fixture?Is there a means of illumination if Room Code is not a 1.
Is there at least one window if Room Code is 1?Regardless of Room Code, are all windows free of signs of disrepair?
Is all painted surfaces free of deteriorated paint?Do deteriorated surfaces exceed two square feet and 10% of a component?
Is there a smoke detector on each level?Does the smoke detectors meet the requirements?Does the smoke detector have an alarm system connected to it?
The term ''unsound or hazardous'' refers to foundations with structural defects indicating the potential for structural collapse or foundations that allow significant entry of ground water.
"Unsound or hazardous" means: stairs, porches, balconies, or decks with severe structural defects; broken, rotting or missing steps; absence of a handrail when there are extended lengths of steps.
"Unsound and hazardous" means that the roof has serious defects such as serious buckled or sagging, indicating the potential of structural collapse, and large holes or other defects that would result in significant air or water infiltration, in most cases severe exterior defects will be reflected in equally serious surface defects withinSignificant air or water can enter the interior of the structure from the gutter, downspouts and soffits.They are not required to pass.The inspector will check "Pass" if the roof is not visible and there is no sign of water damage.
The chimney should not be leaning or showing signs of collapse.
No child under the age of six will occupy or currently occupy the unit if it was built before January 1, 1978 and has been certified lead-based paint free.Lead-based painted surfaces will not be inspected.The requirement applies to all painted surfaces within the unit.Don't include tenant belongings.Walls, floors, ceilings, built in cabinets, baseboards, doors, door frames, windows systems, and any other painted building component within the unit are some of the surfaces to receive a visual assessment for deteriorated paint.Any painted surface that is peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged or otherwise separated from the substrate is a degraded paint.There are paint surfaces that are more than 2 sq.In any one interior room or space, more than 10% of the total surface area of an interior type of component must be corrected in accordance with all safe work practice requirements.If the painted surface is less than 2 sq.Only stabilization is required for less than 10% of the component.There is no requirement for clearance testing.A new protective coating or paint can be applied to remove deteriorated paint.Only de minimis level repairs are required for lead-based paint owner certification.
It's important that manufactured homes are placed on a stable site so that they aren't at risk of sliding and wind damage.Unless a variation has been approved by the HUD Field Office, manufactured homes must be securely anchored by a tie-down device which distributes and transfers the loads imposed by unit to appropriate ground anchor so as to resist wind overturn and sliding.
Is all of these rooms free of hazardous features?Explain the hazard and means of control of interior access to each room.
Is all painted surfaces free of deteriorated paint?Is the deteriorated surface more than 20 sq.What is the total exterior surface area?
If the tenant is present during the summer months, inquire about the air flow.If the tenant is not present or has not occupied the unit during the summer months, test a sample of windows to see if they open.The working cooling equipment includes a central fan, evaporative cooling system, room or central air conditioning.If there are no open-able windows and it is not appropriate to test the cooling system, check "Inconclusive".Check with other tenants in the building, as well as with the owner or manager, for verification of the adequacy of ventilation and cooling.
"Location presents hazard'' means that the gas or oil water heater is located in living areas or closets where there may be safety risks.Safety shields and safety dividers are required for gas water heaters in bedrooms or other living areas.Water heaters must have a temperature-pressure relief valve and discharge line that is directed toward the floor or outside of the living area to prevent build up of steam if they malfunction.They will fail if they are not properly equipped.A properly installed chimney or flue will allow gas or oil fired water heaters to pass.Venting is not required for electric water heaters.Check "Inconclusive" if you can't see the water heater.Verification of safety of system can be obtained from the owner or manager.If the water heater has passed a local inspection, it's time to check "Pass".This applies to hot water that is supplied by a large scale complex water heating system that serves multiple units.Check in the same way that heating system safety is checked.
Check if the structure is connected to the water system.If the structure has a private water supply, inquire into the nature of the supply and whether it is approvable by an appropriate public agency.
"Major leaks" means that the main water drain and feed pipes are leaking.Under the "Bathroom" and "Kitchen" items, leaks have already been evaluated."Corrosion" can be determined by observing the color of the drinking water at several taps.The pipes will produce brownish water.Information about the persistence of this condition should be given to the tenant if he or she is currently occupying the unit.Make sure that the "rusty water" is not a temporary condition caused by city or town maintenance of main water lines.
Check "Pass" if the structure is connected to the sewer system.If the structure has its own private disposal system, inquire into the nature of the system and determine whether it can meet health and safety regulations.A strong sewer gas smell in the basement or outside of the unit is evidence of sewer back up.
"Adequate heat" is the ability of the heating system to deliver enough heat to assure a healthy environment in the unit.The HA is in charge of defining a healthy living environment in the area of the country in which it operates.Local codes should be used to arrive at a reasonable local definition.Local codes often require that the unit's heating facility be able to maintain a temperature during a designated time period.A built-in heat unit is not acceptable as a primary source of heat for units located in areas where climate conditions require regular heating."Directly or indirectly to all rooms used for living" means that each room has a heat source.The dining room would get heat from the heated living room through the large open archway.If the heating system in the unit works, but there is some question whether a room without a heat source would receive adequate indirect heat, check "Inconclusive" and verify adequacy from tenant or owner.The easiest way to determine the capability of the heating system is to question the tenant.Check "Inclusive" if the unit is not occupied or the tenant has not lived in it for a while.If it is a muIti-unit structure, it will be necessary to question the owner on this point after the inspection has been completed and if possible, the other tenants about the adequacy of heat provided.The adequacy of heat can be determined by comparing the size of the heating system to the area to be heated.A small permanently installed space heater in a living room is not enough to heat a large apartment.
There are portable kerosene units and unvented open flame portable units.There are other unsafe conditions such as broken or damaged heating system, improper connection of flues allowing exhaust gases to enter the living area, and improper installation of equipment.The inspection of safety aspects of the heating systems is discussed in the Inspection Manual.If it is impossible to gain access to the primary heating system in the unit, the Inspector will check "Inconclusive" and contact the owner or manager for verification of safety of the system.The system will be checked by the inspector if it has passed a recent local inspection.This applies to units in which heat is provided by a large scale, complex central heating system that serves multiple units.Most of the time, a large scale heating system for a multi-unit building will be subject to periodic safety inspections by a local.
Is the heating equipment capable of providing adequate heat to all rooms used for living?
Is the unit free of unvented fuel burning space heaters or any other unsafe heating conditions?
Does the unit have a working cooling system or open-able windows?
Is plumbing free from major leaks that can cause serious and persistent levels of rust in the drinking water?
Is plumbing connected to a public or private disposal system, and is it free from sewer backups?
Access to the unit is only possible through another dwelling unit.
"Acceptable fire exit" means that the building must have an alternative means of exit that meets local or State regulations in case of fire.A stairway leads to the ground while a back door opens on the porch.There is a fire escape, fire ladder, or fire stairs."Blocked" means that the exit is not usable due to conditions such as debris, storage, door or window nailed shut.The Housing Authority has the final say on whether the type of emergency exit is acceptable.
There are rat holes, droppings, rat runs, and numerous settings of rat poison.Ask the tenant if the unit is occupied.
"HeavyAccumulation" means large piles of trash and garbage, discarded furniture, and other debris that are not temporarily stored awaiting removal that might harbor rodents.This can happen inside the unit, in the common areas, or outside.It usually means a level of accumulate beyond the ability of an individual to pick it up.
"Adequate covered facilities" include trash cans with covers, garbage chutes, "dumpsters" and trash bags."Approvable by local public agency" means that the local Health and Sanitation Department approves the type of facility in use.During the period when the HA is setting up its inspection program, it will check with the local health and Sanitation department to determine which types of facilities are acceptable and include this in the inspection requirements.If the unit is vacant and there are no adequate covered facilities present, the Inspector will check "Inconclusive" and contact the owner or manager for verification.
If the steps are loose, broken or missing, they should fail.A handrail is required on some stairs.A railing is needed around stairwells.Bare electrical wires and tripping dangers are some of the other hazard conditions.
A broken bathroom fixture with a sharp edge is an example of a hazard.When the HA sets up its inspection program, it will determine local licensing practices for elevators.Inspectors should be aware of the practices used to evaluate this item.
If the Inspector has any questions about whether an existing poor air quality condition should be considered dangerous, he or she should check with the local Health and Safety Department.Other buildings on or near the property that pose serious risks to the health or safety of the residents are examples of site and neighborhood conditions.
Are there adequate covered facilities for temporary storage and disposal of food waste?
Is the interior stairs and common halls free from dangers to the occupant because of loose, broken, or missing steps?
Do all elevators have a current inspection certificate?Is it safe for local practice to not require this?
Is the unit free of high levels of air pollution from pollutants such as vehicular exhaust, sewer gas, fuel gas and dust?
Are the site and immediate neighborhood free of dangerous conditions that endanger the health and safety of the residents?