Inspections

Inspections are conducted at least bi-annually. In order to continue receiving assistance through the HCV Program, participants must allow a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection to take place. Inspections are also conducted any time the family moves units. Questions regarding the inspection process can be directed to the HCV Inspector.

Common Reasons Units Fail HQS Inspections:

Smoke alarms are missing or not functioning.
Infestation.
Required ground fault interrupters not present.
Outlet covers are missing or broken.
Windows are broken, or locks are missing.
Secure railings are absent around a porch or balcony that is 30" or more above the ground.

Phone number to contact the Inspection Department (574.968.0226).

Types of Inspections

New Move (Initial) Inspection:

An initial inspection is scheduled after a signed RFTA (Request for Tenancy Approval) packet is received. The Inspection Department will contact the Property Owner to schedule the inspection. If the Property Owner is unable to schedule the appointment after two attempts have been made by the Inspection Department, the RFTA will be cancelled, and the participant will receive new moving papers. The initial inspection can only be scheduled between the Landlord and HASB, but tenants are welcome to attend the inspection.
HASB notifies Landlords of any deficiencies within 24-48 hours after the initial inspection. The Landlord must address the issues, and contact HASB within 10 business days from the date of the failed inspection to schedule a re-inspection. If a re-inspection is not scheduled within the allotted time, the process will terminate, and HASB will issue participant new moving papers.

Re-Inspections:

HASB conducts re-inspections to ensure HQS repairs have been done. The Landlord must notify HASB of repairs that have been completed when the repairs are the Landlord's responsibility. HAP will be withheld if repairs and re-inspection have not been completed within 10 business days. If repairs are the responsibility of the participant, and are not completed during allotted time, HASB will begin the termination process. If the unit is not accessible to HASB in order to perform the re-inspection, it will be considered a violation of the Family Obligations and the termination process will begin. The Landlord or landlord representative must always participate in re-inspections.
If additional re-inspections are needed, the Landlord is required to pay a $50 re-inspection fee to HASB. This may be done via check or money order to the HASB. Payment may be delivered or mailed to our Administrative Offices. Payment must be received prior to the rescheduling of inspection. PLEASE NOTE: Please put property address in the memo line so the payment is correctly attributed to your property.

Annual Inspections:

HASB will notify the participant of the annual inspection appointment. An adult household member must be present during the annual inspection. If an adult cannot be present during the inspection, the participant can reschedule the inspection for up to seven days from the original appointment. HASB will automatically schedule a new appointment if an adult member of the household fails to attend the scheduled or rescheduled appointment. If an adult representative of the household, approved by HASB fails to attend two scheduled inspections the participant family will be considered to be in violation of the Family Obligations and the termination process will begin.
If the unit fails an inspection, the Landlord and/or participant must make the necessary repairs within 10 business days. If the necessary repairs are not done within the time allotted, and the Landlord is responsible for the repairs, the Housing Assistance Payment will be withheld until the unit passes inspection. If the participant is responsible for the repairs, HASB will begin the termination process.
(Note: For failed inspections due to utilities turned off, participants have 24 hours to show proof of reinstatement).

Complaint Inspections:

Complaint inspections will be scheduled according to the Inspection Department's availability, and the urgency of the complaint. HASB encourages Landlords to be present during a complaint inspection.