Guide
HQS vs NSPIRE — plain English for landlords and agencies.
If you own or manage voucher / assisted units, you will hear both HQS and NSPIRE. They are related housing standards, not the same checklist. ATK Inspections supports both: HQS certified inspections and NSPIRE inspections, protocol support, and readiness consulting for PHAs, agencies, and landlords in Southwest Ohio.
What is HQS?
Housing Quality Standards (HQS) is the longstanding framework many Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs use to decide whether a unit meets habitability requirements.
On an ATK HQS job you typically get:
- On-site HQS inspection
- Clear pass or fail
- Form HUD-52580 / 52580-A when required
- Plain reasons when a unit fails
ATK is HQS certified.
What is NSPIRE?
NSPIRE — National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate — is HUD’s newer standards framework many agencies are moving toward for physical inspections of HUD housing.
On an ATK NSPIRE job you typically get:
- On-site NSPIRE inspections under applicable PHA / program rules
- Clear pass or fail against the standards for your engagement
- Documented deficiencies with enough detail to act
- Coordination with your agency’s required forms and reporting path
ATK is trained on NSPIRE and offers NSPIRE inspections, protocol support, and readiness consulting for PHAs, agencies, and landlords. Training on NSPIRE is not the same as a HUD inspector certification. ATK does not advertise a formal NSPIRE certification or license.
HQS vs NSPIRE — side by side
| HQS | NSPIRE | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Longstanding Housing Quality Standards for many HCV programs | HUD’s newer National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate |
| Who sets the rules | HUD framework + local PHA program rules | HUD NSPIRE standards + local PHA requirements |
| Common paperwork | Form HUD-52580 / 52580-A when required | Forms and reporting path your PHA specifies |
| ATK offer | HQS certified inspections | NSPIRE inspections, protocol support, readiness consulting |
| Credential language | HQS certified | Trained on NSPIRE — not “NSPIRE certified” |
Bottom line: Book the standard your program uses. Timing and forms vary by PHA. One visit does not automatically satisfy both.
What landlords should do before the official date
Most fails repeat: life-safety, utilities, egress, surfaces, unfinished repairs. Readiness consulting walks units before the official inspection so crews fix the right items first. Consulting does not replace the official housing authority inspection and does not guarantee a pass. Pass/fail for HCV remains the PHA’s call.
Southwest Ohio coverage
Primary coverage: Dayton, Cincinnati, and nearby voucher markets. Travel for larger jobs when the schedule allows. Email city, unit count, and whether you need HQS, NSPIRE, or consulting. See Southwest Ohio and Dayton.
Credentials (listed separately on purpose)
- HQS certified
- Ohio home inspector OHI.2019006734
- Trained on NSPIRE
- Familiar with Yardi and Emphasys
- HUD-52580 / HCV workflows when required
Ohio HI license is not HQS or NSPIRE authority.
Short FAQ
Do you offer both HQS and NSPIRE?
Yes — HQS and NSPIRE for agencies and landlords.
Are you NSPIRE certified?
We do not advertise a formal NSPIRE certification. We are trained on NSPIRE and perform NSPIRE-protocol work under PHA rules.
How do I book?
Email shaun.atkinson@outlook.com — no public phone.
Full FAQ · HQS inspections · NSPIRE inspections
Email with city, unit count, and HQS / NSPIRE / consulting.