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NSPIRE and HQS inspections in Georgia

Georgia's voucher programs are split between the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, which runs a statewide program in most counties, and local housing authorities in Atlanta, Augusta, DeKalb County, Columbus and other cities.

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.

Major housing authorities in Georgia

Each PHA sets its own inspection schedule, forms and NSPIRE switch-over date in its Administrative Plan. Check with the PHA that holds your contract. This list is not complete; find any PHA in HUD's PHA contact list.

• Atlanta Housing (Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta) — Public housing and HCV, Atlanta.
• Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) — Statewide HCV program in 149 of Georgia's 159 counties.
• Augusta Housing Authority (Housing Authority of the City of Augusta) — Public housing and HCV, Augusta.
• Housing Authority of DeKalb County — HCV, DeKalb County.
• Housing Authority of Columbus, Georgia — Public housing and HCV, Columbus.

Georgia notes for owners and agencies

• Georgia law requires landlords to keep rental premises in repair, and since the Safe at Home Act (HB 404, effective July 1, 2024) every residential lease entered into or renewed on or after that date is deemed to include a provision that the premises are fit for human habitation (O.C.G.A. 44-7-13). Local housing and property maintenance codes may also apply. Those are separate from the HQS/NSPIRE inspection.
• O.C.G.A. 25-2-40 requires an approved smoke detector in dwelling units, with a detector in the area outside sleeping rooms and on each story. NSPIRE has its own smoke alarm and carbon monoxide requirements, which can be stricter.
• NSPIRE does not override state or local codes (24 CFR 5.703(f)). For voucher units, local code compliance is not part of the HUD pass/fail call unless HUD approved a PHA variation (5.705(a)(3)), but you still have to meet the code.

How ATK can help in Georgia

• On-site mock NSPIRE inspection: contact us about on-site availability in your area.
• PHA contract inspections for Georgia agencies that contract out field inspections, under the PHA's standard and forms.

See all services and the NSPIRE standards guide.

Sources

• 24 CFR part 5, subpart G (5.701–5.713)
• NSPIRE final rule, 88 FR 30442 (May 11, 2023)
• NSPIRE Inspection Standards notice, 88 FR 40832 (June 22, 2023)
• NSPIRE Scoring Notice, 88 FR 43371 (July 7, 2023)
• Voucher compliance-date extension to Feb. 1, 2027, 90 FR 46911 (Sept. 30, 2025)
• Notice PIH 2026-18 (NSPIRE for voucher programs)
• Notice PIH 2025-27 / H 2025-06 (HUD begins scoring new affirmative requirements Oct. 1, 2026; public housing and multifamily only)
• Proposed Scoring Notice revisions, 91 FR 61432 (Sept. 29, 2026; comments due Nov. 30, 2026)
• 24 CFR 5.711 (eCFR)
• 24 CFR 5.705 (eCFR)
• HUD NSPIRE notices page
• HUD Picture of Subsidized Households (2025)
• Georgia HB 404 (Safe at Home Act), Georgia General Assembly
• O.C.G.A. 25-2-40 (smoke detectors)

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.