The federal government requires the Housing Authority to inspect all units assisted through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, as well as other programs it administers.  A unit must be inspected before move-in and then biennially thereafter.

Tips for Getting Ready for Your Inspection

For move-in inspections, make sure the utilities are on and the unit is vacant.

• For biennial inspections, make sure that an adult is present. We recommend that both the landlord and the tenant attend the inspection.
• Review the Inspection Checklist CLICK HERE and try to make repairs before the inspection to avoid delays. 

What is the purpose of the inspection?

The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that all residents “live in safe and habitable dwellings.” These standards are called National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) and are not the same as building codes.  If minor repairs can be taken care of before the inspection, there is a better chance that the unit will pass right away. 

It is important to note that only one re-inspection is allowed and only if the voucher has not expired or not about to expire.

It is the landlord’s responsibility to correct inspection violations. The landlord may follow state law in charging the tenant for tenant-caused damages. We encourage tenants to keep their homes in good condition and report maintenance problems to the landlord property. Tenant-caused damage, beyond normal wear-and-tear, can result in termination from the program.

What if the unit fails inspection?

For initial move-in inspections, the landlord will be made aware of the deficiencies that need to be made, at the completion of the initial inspection. Once the landlord has made the repairs, he or she must call us to schedule a second inspection. If the unit fails again, we advise the tenant to look for another unit.

For biennial inspections, landlords are given a deadline to complete the repairs and a reschedule notice inspection is sent to both landlord and tenant. If repairs are not completed by the deadline, the Housing Authority will stop payment to the landlord.

Can the tenant move in before the unit passes inspection?

The tenant will have to pay the full rent if he/she moves in before the unit passes inspection, a lease is signed, and the Housing Authority contract is signed. The rent is not retroactive. The Housing Authority rent begins the day the unit passes inspection, or the effective day of the lease, whichever is later, provided the paperwork is complete.

If the landlord does not make the necessary repairs, or changes his/her mind about signing the contract, the tenant would have to find another place to live. For this reason, tenants should ensure that they have enough time on their vouchers to look for other units.

Can you inspect a unit before the landlord has found a tenant to see if it will pass?

We cannot inspect a unit until a tenant turns in a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA).

How do I schedule an inspection of a unit if another tenant is still residing in the unit?

Inspections cannot be done until the unit is vacant.

If this unit was just inspected 2 months ago, will you have to re-inspect it again?

Yes. Unless it has been less than 7 days, an inspection is required.