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NSPIRE and HQS inspections in Texas
Texas voucher programs are run mostly by city housing authorities in the large metros, with a state agency covering some rural areas.
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 Texas
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.
- Housing Alliance HTX (formerly Houston Housing Authority) — HCV and public housing, Houston.
- Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) — HCV and public housing, Dallas.
- Opportunity Home San Antonio — San Antonio's housing authority; an MTW agency.
- Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) — HCV and public housing, Austin.
- Fort Worth Housing Solutions — Fort Worth's housing authority.
Texas notes for owners and agencies
- Texas law (Local Government Code §250.007) bars cities and counties from adopting or enforcing an ordinance that stops a landlord from refusing a tenant because rent is paid with federal housing assistance such as a voucher (there is a carve-out for veterans' benefits). Voucher participation is voluntary for most owners.
- On HUD's NSPIRE HCV/PBV checklist, heat not working or a unit interior below 64°F from October 1 to March 31 is marked Life-Threatening (24-hour fix), even in warm climates. Plan heat checks before winter inspections.
- 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 Texas
- On-site mock NSPIRE inspection: contact us about on-site availability in your area.
- PHA contract inspections for Texas 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
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.