NSPIRE mock inspection · Pre-inspection
NSPIRE mock inspections and pre-inspections in Dayton and Southwest Ohio
A NSPIRE mock inspection (also called an NSPIRE pre-inspection) is a full practice walk of your property against HUD's published NSPIRE standards, done before REAC, your HUD-contracted inspector, or your housing authority shows up. You get a written list of what we found, sorted by HUD's severity levels, so your maintenance team can fix the high-risk items first.
Who it is for
- Public housing agencies (PHAs) preparing public housing sites for a scored NSPIRE inspection.
- Multifamily / HUD-assisted owners and property managers (Section 8 project-based, Section 202/811, HUD-insured) facing a scored NSPIRE inspection.
- HCV and PBV landlords preparing for NSPIRE-V, the voucher version, which housing authorities must use by February 1, 2027 (Notice PIH 2026-18).
What a mock inspection covers
NSPIRE groups every property into three inspectable areas: Units, Inside (common areas and building systems inside the building) and Outside (site, grounds, building exterior, parking, play areas). A mock inspection walks the same areas. For a multi-unit property, tell us how many units you want walked; we can walk a sample like HUD does or every unit.
- Health and safety items first: smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, electrical hazards, egress, fire doors, water heaters, heating.
- Function and operability: doors, windows, plumbing, kitchen and bath, lighting, GFCI protection.
- Condition items: walls, ceilings, floors, mold-like substances, pests, trash, site hazards.
- The newer "affirmative requirements" HUD began scoring on October 1, 2026 for public housing and multifamily: fire-labeled doors, GFCI, guardrails, HVAC, interior lighting and minimum electrical and lighting (HUD revised NSPIRE Scoring Notice (Federal Register, Sept. 29, 2026)).
What you receive
- Each finding with location, photo, the NSPIRE standard it falls under, and the likely severity (Life-Threatening, Severe, Moderate, Low).
- A fix-first list: life-threatening and severe items on top.
- Optional re-walk after repairs.
The four NSPIRE severity levels and repair times
| Severity | Public housing & multifamily | HCV / PBV (NSPIRE-V) |
|---|---|---|
| Life-Threatening (LT) | Correct within 24 hours | Correct within 24 hours of notice |
| Severe | Correct within 24 hours | Within 30 days or a PHA-approved extension |
| Moderate | Within 30 days | Within 30 days or a PHA-approved extension |
| Low | Within 60 days | Does not fail the unit; noted for information only (Notice PIH 2026-18) |
Sources: 24 CFR part 5, subpart G (24 CFR 5.711) and Notice PIH 2026-18. Your PHA or HUD program office applies the official timelines.
Timing
Schedule a mock inspection early enough to complete repairs, especially work that needs a contractor (electrical, fire doors, guardrails). Public housing and multifamily owners typically receive short notice of the official inspection, so earlier is safer.
Questions
What is an NSPIRE mock inspection?
A practice inspection of your property against HUD's published NSPIRE standards, done before the official inspection, so you can find and fix deficiencies first.
Is a mock inspection the same as the official NSPIRE inspection?
No. The official inspection is done by HUD (REAC) or its contractors for public housing and multifamily, or by your housing authority for voucher units. A mock inspection is advisory only and does not promise a score or a pass.
Do you inspect public housing and multifamily properties?
Yes. ATK walks public housing, HUD-assisted multifamily and voucher units in the Dayton area and Southwest Ohio, covering the unit, inside and outside areas.
Can you predict my NSPIRE score?
No one can promise a score. We report findings by HUD severity so you can prioritize repairs that carry the biggest deductions.
How do I book?
Email [email protected] with the property address, number of units, program type and your deadline.
More NSPIRE guides
- NSPIRE inspections in Dayton & Ohio
- NSPIRE readiness checks
- NSPIRE mock / pre-inspection
- Common NSPIRE deficiencies & life-threatening items
- NSPIRE scoring explained
- NSPIRE inspection checklist for Ohio properties
- HQS vs NSPIRE
- NSPIRE FAQ
ATK Inspections is an independent inspector (Ohio Home Inspector License OHI.2019006734, a state license, not HUD authority). ATK is not HUD, REAC, or any housing authority, and is not affiliated with them. A mock or readiness inspection does not replace the official inspection and does not promise a result. Contact is by email: [email protected].