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NSPIRE and HQS inspections in North Carolina

North Carolina's voucher programs are run by city housing authorities such as INLIVIAN in Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh and Durham, plus regional agencies covering rural counties.

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 North Carolina

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.

• INLIVIAN (Housing Authority of the City of Charlotte) — HCV and affordable housing, Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
• ASPIRE (formerly the Housing Authority of the City of Winston-Salem) — Public housing and HCV, Winston-Salem.
• Greensboro Housing Authority — Public housing and HCV, Greensboro.
• Raleigh Housing Authority — Public housing and HCV, Raleigh.
• Durham Housing Authority — Public housing and HCV, Durham.

North Carolina notes for owners and agencies

• North Carolina's Residential Rental Agreements Act requires landlords to comply with applicable building and housing codes and keep premises fit and habitable (N.C.G.S. 42-42). Cities such as Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham also enforce local minimum housing codes. Those are separate from the HQS/NSPIRE inspection.
• G.S. 42-42 also requires operable smoke alarms, and a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of units with a fossil-fuel heater, appliance or fireplace or an attached garage. Missing or inoperable smoke and CO alarms are common NSPIRE deficiencies.
• 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 North Carolina

• On-site mock NSPIRE inspection: contact us about on-site availability in your area.
• PHA contract inspections for North Carolina 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)
• N.C.G.S. 42-42 (landlord to provide fit premises)

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.