On May 12, 2023, HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing sent out the following information:
HUD published the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) Final Rule in the Federal Register. The final rule makes changes to inspections in response to public comments. These include:
- New Self-Inspection Requirement and Report. PHAs and Owners will be required to conduct self-inspections of all units at least annually and correct all identified deficiencies.
- Timeline for Deficiency Correction. HUD clarifies the timeline for the correction of health or safety deficiencies. For life-threatening and severe deficiencies, the PHA or Owner must correct the deficiency within 24 hours after the inspection report is received, and upload evidence of that correction within 72 hours to HUD.
- New Affirmative Requirements. HUD developed new “affirmative standards” for all units that participate in HUD’s rental assistance programs. These include basic requirements for habitability – like kitchens and flushable toilets – but also important safety concerns like Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets, a permanent heating source, and safe drinking water.
- Tenant Involvement. HUD will allow tenants to make recommendations regarding units to be inspected. HUD will require that the PHA or Owner correct all identified deficiencies within established timeframes and provide inspection results to residents.
The implementation date is October 1, 2023 for Housing Choice Voucher, Project-based Vouchers and Multifamily Housing.
The REAC team is developing training for you. This will include a combination of PowerPoint presentations, infographics and instructional videos that will be posted on the NSPIRE website. For more information about the changes under the Final Rule, read the press release or the full rule.