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NSPIRE life-threatening deficiencies list

NSPIRE classifies every deficiency as Life-Threatening (LT), Severe, Moderate or Low (24 CFR 5.705(a)(1)). LT items are the ones that must be fixed within 24 hours of the owner being notified, in every program. HUD's LT list was published with the NSPIRE inspection standards (88 FR 40832, June 22, 2023) and is Table 65 of the list of NSPIRE standards. Every PHA must adopt it when it implements NSPIRE for vouchers; PHAs may ask HUD to add LT items but cannot remove HUD's (Notice PIH 2026-18).

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.

Repair timelines for voucher units (PIH 2026-18)

Life-Threatening: within 24 hours of notice.
Severe and Moderate: within 30 days, or a PHA-approved extension.
Low: noted for information only; the unit still passes and no correction is required for the voucher inspection.

Public housing and multifamily timelines differ (Severe 24 hours, Moderate 30 days, Low 60 days; 5.711(c)). See the NSPIRE standards guide.

Items on the LT list (summary)

Summarized from HUD's NSPIRE HCV/PBV checklist. Always check the current standard on HUD's NSPIRE page for exact wording.

Call-for-aid system blocked, pull cord higher than 6 inches off the floor, or not functioning
CO alarm missing/not installed/improper location, obstructed, or no audio/visual alarm when tested
Chimney/flue/firebox incomplete or damaged so it may not safely contain fire and convey smoke, or chimney structural failure
Dryer exhaust: electric or gas transition duct detached/missing, restricted airflow, duct of unsuitable material
Entry door missing
Fire labeled door missing
Egress: obstructed means of egress, sleeping room on 3rd floor or below with obstructed rescue opening, fire escape access obstructed
Electrical: outlet or switch damaged, exposed conductor, water in contact with conductor
Service panel overcurrent protection device damaged
Exit sign damaged/missing/obstructed/not illuminated
Fire escape component damaged or missing
Fire extinguisher gauge over/under charged, tag missing/illegible/expired, damaged or missing
Flammable/combustible item on or within 3 feet of an appliance that provides heat for thermal comfort or a fuel-burning water heater, or improperly stored chemicals
Guardrail missing/not installed or not functionally adequate
Heat, October 1 to March 31: permanently installed heating source not working, or working but the interior is below 64°F
Unvented gas/oil/kerosene space heater
Combustion chamber cover or gas shutoff missing on fuel-burning heater
Fuel-burning heater exhaust vent misaligned/blocked/disconnected/improperly connected/damaged/missing
Natural gas, propane or oil leak
Mold-like substance at extremely high levels observed visually
Smoke alarm not installed where required, obstructed, or no alarm when tested
Sprinkler head encased or obstructed by an item within 18 inches; sprinkler component damaged, inoperable or missing and detrimental to performance; corrosion; or foreign material detrimental to performance
Structural system shows signs of serious failure
Only 1 toilet installed and it is missing
Water heater chimney/flue piping blocked/misaligned/missing, or gas shutoff valve damaged/missing/not installed

Want a second set of eyes before the PHA arrives? An on-site pre-inspection, or contact ATK.

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.