How to Pass Your Inspection the First Time www.thecha.org/hcv Housing Quality Standards Overview of HQS Inspection Responsibilities www.thecha.org/hcv Reference Materials • • • • • • HUD Housing Inspection Manual CHA HQS Inspection Guidebook 24CFR35 (Lead-Based Paint) Housing Choice Voucher Handbook (April 2001) CHA Administrative Plan HUD Inspection Form 52580A www.thecha.org/hcv What You Should Expect from CHA Inspectors • • • • • • Courtesy Consistency Responsiveness Integrity Professionalism Confidentiality www.thecha.org/hcv Inspection Responsibilities • Inspect units • Provide results to the Participant and Owner • Communicate next steps or other concerns with Participant and Owner • Never deviate from the standards • Understand that responsibility translates into liability www.thecha.org/hcv Types of Inspections • Initial Inspection ― The first inspection conducted, it must be cleared with no deficiencies before consummation of the lease. • Complaint (Special) Inspection ― Only for emergencies where a situation or condition poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of the household ― Conducted the same day that the violation is reported ― Complaint can be made by the Participant, Owner, household member or anyone else that has knowledge of unsafe living conditions in the unit (Housing Voucher Handbook April 2001) www.thecha.org/hcv Types of Inspections • Annual (Re-inspection) Inspection ― Conducted every year to ensure continued quality in the living conditions of the Participant ― Deficiencies should be noted as to whether they are normal wear and tear or Participant-caused At this time: ― Any requests for annual rent increase are negotiated ― CHA-approved rent increases are certified to still be reasonable www.thecha.org/hcv Types of Inspections • Quality Control and CHA Quality Assurance ― A file sample is used, as with any other quality control reviews ― Conducted by CVR Quality Control and CHA Quality Assurance personnel ― Participant and Owner are notified ― Results will be compared with original checklists ― Results are used as a training tool ― Discuss with staff to aid overall consistency www.thecha.org/hcv Roles of the Inspector Public Relations Officer Mediator Negotiator Inspector www.thecha.org/hcv Inspection Dispositions • Fail ― If one item fails, the entire inspection fails. • Pass/Comment ― When conditions meet HQS/comment(s) ― When conditions are less than perfect • Inconclusive ― When you are not sure an item passes and need more information ― Inconclusive items must be resolved before inspection can be closed www.thecha.org/hcv Inspection Dispositions • Unit Failure ― The unit must fail if one item fails. • Corrective Action ― An inspection summary must be given to the Participant and Owner. • Deadlines ― Depending on the severity of the deficiency repair deadlines could range from 1 – 30 days. • Re-inspect ― It is mandatory that failed units be re-inspected. www.thecha.org/hcv Room Requirements • Kitchen • Bathroom • Living Room * The unit must have a room for sleeping, which in an efficiency unit is the living room. * Local code denotes that the size of the bedroom must be 70 square feet and that the location of the rooms is the Participant’s preference www.thecha.org/hcv Electrical Hazards Ensure the Participant is not exposed to electrical hazards. www.thecha.org/hcv Electrical Hazards www.thecha.org/hcv Electrical Hazards www.thecha.org/hcv Electrical Hazards www.thecha.org/hcv Security To reduce the risk of burglary and other unlawful entry into dwellings, all windows and doors accessible from the outside must be lockable. www.thecha.org/hcv Window Security www.thecha.org/hcv Exterior Door Security Major Areas of Exterior Doors • Hinges • Striker Plate • Locking Mechanism • Door Jamb (Frame) www.thecha.org/hcv Exterior Door Security www.thecha.org/hcv Exterior Door Security www.thecha.org/hcv Window Conditions www.thecha.org/hcv Window Conditions www.thecha.org/hcv Window Conditions www.thecha.org/hcv Ceiling, Walls and Floors Assure that the Participant is not exposed to any structural hazards, any large amount of plaster or other heavy surface material and that all rooms are reasonably weather tight by inspecting to ensure that they are structurally sound. www.thecha.org/hcv Ceiling Conditions www.thecha.org/hcv Wall Conditions To assure the Participant is not exposed to any structural hazards and that all rooms are reasonably weather tight. Unsound or Hazardous Wall Conditions are: • • • • Severe buckling, bulging or leaning Damaged or leaning structural members Large holes or any holes regardless of size if drafts occur Holes in exterior walls that, due to their location, cause drafts www.thecha.org/hcv Wall Conditions www.thecha.org/hcv Wall Conditions www.thecha.org/hcv Wall Conditions www.thecha.org/hcv Floor Conditions To assure the Participant is not exposed to any threat of structural collapse or tripping and that all rooms are reasonably weather tight. Unsound or Hazardous Floor Conditions are: • • • • • • Large sections of damaged or missing parts Unsteady or weak Holes that penetrate both the finish and the sub-floor Severe buckling Holes that present a tripping hazard or are approximately 4” or larger Permanent floor covering or boards that present a tripping hazard www.thecha.org/hcv Floor Conditions www.thecha.org/hcv Floor Conditions www.thecha.org/hcv Floor Conditions www.thecha.org/hcv Living Room To ensure that each unit has a living room area for the Participant and family. www.thecha.org/hcv Kitchen To verify that the dwelling unit contains a kitchen or kitchen area for the preparation and storage of foods. It may be either a separate room or an area of a larger room. www.thecha.org/hcv Kitchen www.thecha.org/hcv Bathroom To assure there is at least one bathroom present in the dwelling unit for the exclusive use of the occupant. There must be a working toilet, wash basin and tub or shower. www.thecha.org/hcv Bathroom www.thecha.org/hcv Bathroom (Wash Basin) www.thecha.org/hcv Bathroom (Tub or Shower) www.thecha.org/hcv Bathroom (Ventilation) To assure that the bathroom can be properly ventilated to prevent the accumulation of unhealthy odors and sewer gases. • Proper ventilation can be by an openable window, mechanical vent fan or other vent (gravity flow) Defect that would require a fail rating is: • No openable window or working exhaust system www.thecha.org/hcv Smoke Detector To reduce the risk of loss of life in the event of fire • There must be at least one working NFPA 72 approved smoke detector on each level of the unit properly installed • Smoke detectors must be within 15 feet of sleeping rooms Note: In units occupied by the hearing impaired, there must be an approved alarm in or connected to the smoke detector www.thecha.org/hcv Carbon Monoxide Detector There can be no less than one approved carbon monoxide detector per unit • One detector will be installed on any floor on which there is a fuel burning appliance, burner or boiler • One on every floor heated by any type of warm air heating plant that burns fossil fuel • One on every floor that contains sleeping quarters installed within 15 feet of all rooms used for sleeping purposes www.thecha.org/hcv Carbon Monoxide Detector www.thecha.org/hcv Secondary Rooms (Not Used for Living) To inspect rooms and areas other than regularly used living areas in the dwelling for hazardous conditions. • • • • Walk-In Closets Laundry Rooms Basements/Attics Pantries www.thecha.org/hcv Secondary Rooms (Not Used for Living) www.thecha.org/hcv Secondary Rooms (Not Used for Living) www.thecha.org/hcv Secondary Rooms (Not Used for Living) www.thecha.org/hcv Secondary Rooms (Not Used for Living) www.thecha.org/hcv Building Exterior To ensure that the exterior building surfaces are free of hazardous conditions. www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Foundation) www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Foundation) www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Foundation) www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Stairs, Rails, Porches) To assure that the condition of all exterior stairs, rails and porches do not pose a danger of tripping and/or falling to any member of the household. www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Stairs, Rails, Porches) www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Stairs, Rails, Porches) www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Stairs, Rails, Porches) www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Stairs, Rails, Porches) www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Roofs and Gutters) To assure that the Participant is not exposed to any risk of structural collapse and that the roof protects the dwelling unit from outside elements. www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Roofs and Gutters) www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Exterior Walls) www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Exterior Walls) www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Exterior Walls) www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Exterior Walls) www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Exterior Walls) www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Lead-Based Paint) www.thecha.org/hcv Unit Exterior (Lead-Based Paint) www.thecha.org/hcv Heating and Plumbing To ensure that the dwelling unit has adequate heating and plumbing and that those systems are free of hazards. www.thecha.org/hcv Heating and Plumbing (Safety of Heating Equipment) www.thecha.org/hcv Heating and Plumbing (Safety of Heating Equipment) www.thecha.org/hcv Heating and Plumbing (Safety of Heating Equipment) www.thecha.org/hcv Heating and Plumbing (Safety of Heating Equipment) www.thecha.org/hcv Heating and Cooling (Water Heater) www.thecha.org/hcv Heating and Cooling (Water Heater) www.thecha.org/hcv Heating and Cooling (Water Heater) www.thecha.org/hcv Heating and Cooling (Water Heater) www.thecha.org/hcv General Health and Safety To ensure the family is not exposed any health and safety hazards on the dwelling site or in the general neighborhood. www.thecha.org/hcv General Health and Safety (Exits) Note: Inspect closely to make sure all window and door openings leading to the fire exit are operable and unblocked. Assess stability and security of all steps, stairs and handrails of fire escape. www.thecha.org/hcv General Health and Safety (Exits) www.thecha.org/hcv General Health and Safety (Evidence of Infestation) To assure that the Participant is not exposed to infestations of rats, mice and vermin. • Presence of rats or an infestation of mice are evidenced by: – Large rat holes – Droppings – Rat runs (signs of tracks) – Numerous settings of poisons • Check where trash cans and garbage are kept or near food sources where roaches are active. www.thecha.org/hcv General Health and Safety (Garbage and Debris) To assure that the Participant is not exposed to health hazards resulting from heavy accumulations of garbage or trash in or around the unit. • Heavy accumulation means large piles of trash, garbage, discarded furniture and other debris. This may occur inside the unit, in common areas or outside. It usually means a level of accumulation beyond the capacity of an individual to pick up within an hour or two. www.thecha.org/hcv General Health and Safety (Garbage and Debris) www.thecha.org/hcv General Health and Safety (Refuse Disposal) www.thecha.org/hcv General Health and Safety (Interior Stairs and Common Hallways) www.thecha.org/hcv General Health and Safety (Elevators) To assure that elevators, when present, are operating in a manner that does not pose a safety hazard to the Participant. • Depend on inspections and certifications performed by local authorities. If no local requirement, check with the Participant. • If multiple elevators, base evaluation on the elevator in which you are riding, unless you hear complaints about other elevators. www.thecha.org/hcv General Health and Safety (Elevators) www.thecha.org/hcv Lead-Based Paint www.thecha.org/hcv Lead-Based Paint Health Impacts of Lead Lead interferes with the development of the nervous system and internal organs. The risk is greatest in children under age six. Young children do not understand the risks of deteriorated lead-based paint, so we must take action to protect them. www.thecha.org/hcv Lead-Based Paint www.thecha.org/hcv Lead-Based Paint Types of Deterioration • • • • • • Peeling Chipping Chalking Cracking Holes in Walls Damaged Substrates Note: Remember to look for debris from deteriorated paint. www.thecha.org/hcv Lead-Based Paint Cracking Peeling www.thecha.org/hcv Lead-Based Paint Chalking Hole in Wall www.thecha.org/hcv Lead-Based Paint De Minimus Levels (Small) www.thecha.org/hcv Lead-Based Paint De Minimus Levels (Large) www.thecha.org/hcv Lead-Based Paint De Minimus Levels (Exterior) www.thecha.org/hcv Lead-Based Paint Friction and Impact Surfaces www.thecha.org/hcv Lead-Based Paint Causes of Deterioration Friction/Impact Moisture Damage Poor Surface Preparation www.thecha.org/hcv Lead-Based Paint Damaged Substrates www.thecha.org/hcv Interior Air Quality (Mold) Black Mold Due to Flooding www.thecha.org/hcv Interior Air Quality (Mold) • Mold is a fungus growth that grows on the surface of organic materials in damp conditions both indoors and outdoors. • Mold spores are continually in the air but when they land on a damp spot they begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. • Indoors they can grow on wood, fabric, carpet, foods and other organic materials. www.thecha.org/hcv Interior Air Quality (Mold) Molded Interior Wall Due to Water Intrusion www.thecha.org/hcv Interior Air Quality (Mold) Molded Insulation Due to Water Intrusion www.thecha.org/hcv Interior Air Quality (Mold) Obvious causes of moisture problems include: • • • • • • Occupant Generated Flooding Roof Leaks Drainage Problems Plumbing Problems Temperature Differences (warm moist air with cool surfaces or vice versa causes water vapor) www.thecha.org/hcv Interior Air Quality (Mold) Mold on inside of Ductwork www.thecha.org/hcv Interior Air Quality (Mold) Water Damaged Carpet www.thecha.org/hcv Interior Air Quality (Mold) Heating System Mold Due to Gas Vapor www.thecha.org/hcv Top 10 CHA HQS Deficiencies 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Outlets ― Crossed Polarity and Open Ground Deteriorated Paint Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Discharge Lines for Water Heaters and Boilers Flue Pipes with downward slope Hand and Guardrails Windows that do not stay up when raised Absence of bathroom ventilation Utilities not being on for initial inspections Broken and uneven walkways www.thecha.org/hcv Inspections Q&A www.thecha.org/hcv
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