How to pass an HQS inspection: a checklist for landlords and PHAs

Until a PHA switches to NSPIRE, voucher units are inspected under “HQS as previously defined”: 24 CFR 982.401 as it read before the NSPIRE rule (the version in effect before October 1, 2023). It covers 13 areas, and the owner must keep the unit meeting them at move-in and throughout the assisted tenancy (982.401(a)(3)). The checklist below follows those 13 areas, paragraph by paragraph.

White vinyl-sided house with gutters, downspouts, and a front entry door.

When NSPIRE applies to voucher units: HUD extended the NSPIRE compliance date for the HCV, PBV and Moderate Rehabilitation programs to February 1, 2027 (90 FR 46911; Notice PIH 2026-18). Until then a PHA may keep using “HQS as previously defined” or switch to NSPIRE earlier. Public housing and HUD multifamily have been inspected under NSPIRE since 2023. Ask your PHA which standard it uses today — it should be in the Administrative Plan.

PHAs still on HQS may keep using forms HUD-52580 and 52580-A, but those forms do not include the current carbon monoxide and smoke alarm requirements, so PHAs must add them. Once a PHA implements NSPIRE, it may use HUD's NSPIRE HCV/PBV inspection checklist instead (Notice PIH 2026-18).

Pre-inspection checklist (24 CFR 982.401, pre-NSPIRE)

Sanitary facilities (b)

☐ Bathroom in a separate private room with a flush toilet that works.
☐ Fixed basin (sink) that works, with a sink trap and hot and cold running water.
☐ Shower or tub that works, with hot and cold running water.
☐ Connected to an approvable public or private disposal system (including a locally approvable septic system).

Food preparation and refuse disposal (c)

☐ Oven, stove or range, and a refrigerator of appropriate size, all working (owner- or tenant-supplied; microwave substitution allowed only as the rule describes).
☐ Kitchen sink that works, with a trap and hot and cold running water, draining to an approvable system.
☐ Space to store, prepare and serve food.
☐ Facilities for sanitary disposal of food waste and refuse, such as garbage cans.

Space and security (d)

☐ At minimum a living room, kitchen area and bathroom.
☐ At least one bedroom or living/sleeping room for each two persons.
☐ Windows accessible from outside (basement, first floor, fire escape) are lockable; nailed-shut windows only if not needed for ventilation or as a fire exit.
☐ Exterior doors lock.

Thermal environment (e)

☐ A safe heating system in working order that can heat each room adequately for the climate (and safe cooling if present).
☐ No unvented room heaters that burn gas, oil or kerosene. Electric heaters are acceptable.

Illumination and electricity (f)

☐ At least one window in the living room and each sleeping room.
☐ Permanent ceiling or wall light that works in the kitchen and bathroom; at least one working outlet in the kitchen.
☐ At least two working outlets in the living room and each bedroom (a permanent light fixture can count as one).
☐ Electrical fixtures and wiring must ensure safety from fire.

Structure and materials (g)

☐ Ceilings, walls and floors without serious defects such as severe bulging, large holes, loose material or missing parts.
☐ Roof structurally sound and weathertight.
☐ Exterior walls without serious leaning, buckling, sagging, large holes or gaps that let in air or vermin.
☐ Stairs, halls, porches and walkways without tripping or falling hazards, such as broken steps or loose boards.
☐ Elevators working and safe.

Interior air quality (h)

☐ Free of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, sewer gas, fuel gas, dust and other pollutants.
☐ Adequate air circulation.
☐ Bathroom has an openable window or other adequate exhaust ventilation.
☐ Every sleeping room has at least one window; if designed to open, it opens.

Water supply (i)

☐ Served by an approvable public or private water supply that is sanitary and free from contamination.

Lead-based paint (j)

☐ The lead rules at 24 CFR part 35 (subparts A, B, M and R) apply. ATK does not do lead inspections, risk assessments or clearance; use a certified lead professional.

Access (k)

☐ The unit can be used and maintained without unauthorized use of other private property.
☐ The building has an alternate means of exit in case of fire (fire stairs or egress through windows).

Site and neighborhood (l)

☐ No serious adverse conditions such as dangerous walks or steps, instability, flooding or poor drainage, septic or sewage hazards, excessive trash, vermin or fire hazards.

Sanitary condition (m)

☐ Unit and its equipment are sanitary and free of vermin and rodent infestation.

Smoke detectors (n)

☐ At least one working smoke detector on each level, including basements (not crawl spaces or unfinished attics), installed per NFPA standards; hearing-impaired alarms if an occupant needs them.
☐ PHAs still using HQS must also apply HUD's current smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm requirements (Notice PIH 2026-18). Ask your PHA which alarm rules it enforces.

FAQ

Who is responsible for meeting HQS? The owner keeps the unit meeting HQS; the PHA inspects and enforces. The family is responsible for damage beyond normal wear and for tenant-supplied appliances and utilities (24 CFR 982.404).

How often? At least every two years (every three for small rural PHAs) during assisted occupancy under 24 CFR 982.405 (the small-rural rule is in the current text of 982.405(b)), plus an initial inspection and initial, special and complaint inspections the PHA sets in its Administrative Plan.

What if it fails? Life-threatening items within 24 hours; other deficiencies within 30 days or a PHA-approved extension. If not corrected, the PHA must start HAP contract enforcement, such as abatement or withholding (PIH 2026-18).

Want help before the PHA visits? Landlord pre-inspection, contact ATK.

Sources

Checked October 29, 2026.

Not affiliated with HUD or any PHA

ATK Inspections (ATK Enterprises, Dayton, Ohio) is an independent inspector. A mock inspection does not guarantee a pass; the official inspection and decision stay with HUD or your housing authority. ATK does not do lead-based paint inspections or risk assessments — use a certified lead professional for those. ATK does not do homebuyer inspections.

Email [email protected] or use the contact form. Include the city and state, unit count, program (HCV, PBV, public housing, multifamily) and your timeline.