NSPIRE scoring
NSPIRE scoring explained
How a property is graded under NSPIRE depends on the program. Public housing and HUD multifamily properties get a numeric score from 0 to 100. Housing Choice Voucher and Project-Based Voucher units (NSPIRE-V) stay pass/fail, the same way HQS worked (Notice PIH 2026-18; scoring rules: HUD NSPIRE Scoring Notice revisions (Federal Register, Sept. 29, 2026; comments due Nov. 30, 2026); NAHRO summary).
How the 0–100 score works
- Every property starts at 100 points and loses points for each deficiency found.
- Deductions are weighted by severity (Life-Threatening and Severe cost the most) and by location. HUD's NSPIRE scoring places the greatest weight on deficiencies in units, where residents live, compared with inside common areas and outside areas.
- Unit deductions are scaled to the number of units HUD samples, so a few bad units in a small sample can move the score a lot.
- The score sets how often the property is inspected again. For public housing, 24 CFR 5.705(c) sets the interval: a score of 90 or more means the next inspection in about three years, 80 to 89 in about two years, and below 80 within one year (small rural PHAs have separate rules). HUD multifamily uses the same score-based intervals (24 CFR 5.705(c)(2)). Low scores can lead to HUD follow-up action. Voucher (HCV/PBV) units are not scored; they are inspected at least every two years (three for small rural PHAs) under 24 CFR 982.405 and 983.103.
New affirmative requirements count from October 1, 2026
HUD's NSPIRE standards include "affirmative requirements": features a property must have, not just items that are broken. Examples: fire-labeled doors, GFCI protection, guardrails, HVAC, interior lighting and minimum electrical and lighting. HUD delayed scoring these twice. As of October 1, 2026, deficiencies under these requirements are included in public housing and multifamily scores (Notice PIH 2025-27 / H 2025-06; this date does not apply to voucher units, whose NSPIRE compliance date is February 1, 2027) (HUD revised NSPIRE Scoring Notice (Federal Register, Sept. 29, 2026)).
NSPIRE-V (HCV and PBV) is pass/fail
For voucher units, any Life-Threatening, Severe or Moderate deficiency generally fails the unit; the owner fixes it within HUD's timelines and the PHA re-inspects or accepts evidence of the repair. PHAs must use NSPIRE standards for voucher inspections from February 1, 2027 (Notice PIH 2026-18), and may start earlier. Ask your PHA which standard it uses today.
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.
How to protect your score
- Clear life-threatening and severe items first: smoke and CO alarms, exposed electrical, egress, fire doors.
- Walk every unit, not just vacants; units carry the most weight.
- Close out the affirmative requirements: GFCI near water, guardrails, interior lighting, permanent heat.
- Book a NSPIRE mock inspection early enough to finish contractor work.
Questions
How is NSPIRE scored?
Public housing and multifamily properties get a 0-100 score. Points are deducted for each deficiency, weighted by severity and by location, with unit deficiencies weighted most.
Is NSPIRE-V scored?
No. NSPIRE for Housing Choice Voucher and Project-Based Voucher units stays pass/fail.
What changed on October 1, 2026?
HUD began counting deficiencies under the new affirmative requirements, such as GFCI, guardrails, fire-labeled doors, HVAC and lighting, in public housing and multifamily NSPIRE scores.
Does my score change how often I'm inspected?
Yes. For public housing, 24 CFR 5.705(c) ties the interval to the score: 90 or more about every three years, 80 to 89 about every two years, below 80 annually. Voucher units are not scored.
Can ATK tell me my NSPIRE score in advance?
No. A mock inspection shows what deficiencies exist and their likely severity, but only the official inspection produces a score.
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].