ATK Inspections

For attorneys

HQS & NSPIRE expert witness for Section 8 inspection disputes

Housing inspection expert witness services for attorneys in landlord, tenant and public housing agency (PHA) disputes over Housing Choice Voucher and Project-Based Voucher unit inspections, in matters nationwide. Based in Dayton, Ohio.

For HUD Housing Choice Voucher matters, ATK reviews unit conditions against the published HQS and NSPIRE standards. This is independent review. It is not a HUD or PHA inspection or determination.

Start a conflict check

Who reviews the file

  • Shaun Atkinson is an Ohio licensed home inspector (License OHI.2019006734).
  • ATK Inspections, Dayton, Ohio. Legal entity: ATK Enterprises.
  • Ohio licensed home inspector (OHI.2019006734). Available for consulting and expert testimony in matters nationwide, subject to each jurisdiction's rules. Shaun is licensed only in Ohio.
  • Available to travel anywhere in the United States for site visits, depositions and hearings. Record and file review can be done remotely. Outside Ohio, site visits are limited to observing and documenting conditions for the case; they are not licensed home inspections.
  • Rates and CV on request.

Whether any witness qualifies as an expert is decided by the court (Ohio Evid. R. 702 / Fed. R. Evid. 702).

HQS expert witness: disputes reviewed

  • Landlord vs. PHA disputes over failed HQS inspections.
  • Tenant and landlord disputes over unit condition in voucher-assisted housing.
  • HAP abatement, withholding and contract termination tied to deficiencies.

NSPIRE expert witness: disputes reviewed

  • Deficiency classification (life-threatening, severe, moderate, low) and correction-deadline questions.
  • Which standard applied on the inspection date: HQS as previously defined (24 CFR 982.401) or NSPIRE (24 CFR part 5, subpart G). See the NSPIRE FAQ and HQS vs NSPIRE.

Section 8 inspection expert witness services

  • Record review: inspection reports, photos, PHA notices, HUD-52580 forms, repair records.
  • Review of unit conditions against the published HQS or NSPIRE standard.
  • Site visit to the unit, when access is available.
  • Written reports and opinions.
  • Deposition and trial testimony.

Remote NSPIRE and HQS dispute review

For owners, property managers, PHAs and their attorneys, ATK can review an inspection file remotely. For public housing and multifamily properties, NSPIRE inspections are scored, and HUD's rule provides for a technical review of inspection results (24 CFR 5.711). For HCV and PBV units, disputes follow the PHA's own process, such as an informal hearing under its Administrative Plan.

  • Inspection reports and deficiency photos.
  • Standards citations and deficiency severity.
  • Score calculations for scored NSPIRE inspections.
  • Support for technical review requests, PHA hearings and litigation. Site visits or testimony available on request.

No outcome is guaranteed; HUD or the PHA makes the final determination.

Scope and independence

Opinions are based on the evidence available and on professional standards. ATK does not guarantee any opinion, outcome, award, or settlement, and opinions are not shaped to favor whoever retains us.

ATK's opinions are limited to home inspection practice and published housing-quality standards. ATK does not provide engineering, code-compliance, appraisal, or legal opinions. Where those are needed, we'll recommend the appropriate licensed professional.

An Ohio home inspector license does not grant HUD or NSPIRE authority. Final determinations rest with HUD and the local PHA.

How retention works

Before accepting any engagement, ATK runs a conflict check. We won't take a matter involving a property we inspected, a party we have worked for, or a case where we have a financial interest, unless every side is told in writing and agrees, and only where that's permitted.

  1. Conflict check – send parties, counsel and property address.
  2. Engagement agreement – scope, schedule and terms in writing.
  3. Retainer – a retainer may be required (see below).
  4. Record review and, if needed, a site visit.
  5. Report on request.
  6. Testimony – deposition and trial.

Expert services are billed hourly or at a flat rate under a written engagement agreement. A retainer may be required before work begins. Fees are owed regardless of the outcome of the case and are never contingent on the result. Testimony, deposition, and travel time are billed as stated in the agreement.

Materials you share are kept confidential and used only for the engagement, except as required by law or court order.

Rates and CV on request.

Attorney intake & conflict check

Or email [email protected].

Attorney FAQ

What HQS and NSPIRE disputes does ATK review?

Landlord, tenant and PHA disputes over Housing Choice Voucher and Project-Based Voucher unit inspections: failed inspections, deficiency classification and correction deadlines, HAP abatement or withholding, and HAP contract termination tied to unit condition.

Which standards apply?

Depending on the inspection date and the PHA's adoption: HQS as previously defined (24 CFR 982.401), or NSPIRE (24 CFR part 5, subpart G) with HUD's published standards and notices, along with the PHA's Administrative Plan and the HAP contract.

Is this a HUD or PHA inspection?

No. For HUD Housing Choice Voucher matters, ATK reviews unit conditions against the published HQS and NSPIRE standards. This is independent review. It is not a HUD or PHA inspection or determination.

How do I retain ATK?

Send the intake form or email [email protected] with the parties and case caption for a conflict check. After clearance, a written engagement agreement is issued; a retainer may be required before work begins.

What are the rates?

Rates and CV on request.

Is a CV available?

Rates and CV on request.

Shaun Atkinson is not an attorney, and ATK does not give legal advice. Please talk with a licensed attorney about your legal rights and options.

ATK Inspections is independent and is not HUD, REAC, or any housing authority.