Inspections Checklist

HASB Housing Choice Voucher Program Housing Quality Standards Self-Inspection Checklist

Mechanical Items:

• Major Area of Unit
  
  
  • Electricity:
    Questions to Ask. Are any repairs needed:
    
    1.  Do all fixtures and outlets work?
    2. Is there lighting in common hallways and porches?
    3. Are all outlets, light switches, and fuse boxes properly covered with no cracks or breaks in the plates or doors?
    4. Are electric fixtures securely fastened without hanging or exposed wires?
    5. Does the unit have a properly working & installed Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlet?
    6. Are all 3 prong electrical outlets grounded? 
       
       
  • HVAC:
    Questions to Ask. Are any repairs needed:
    1. Are all utilities on the day of the inspection?
    2. Is there permanently installed and properly operating heating equipment?

Plumbing:

• Major Area of Unit
  
  
  • Bathroom:
    Questions to Ask. Are any repairs needed:
    
    1. Is toilet securely fastened with no leaks or gaps and flushed properly?
    2. Sink - Is there hot and cold running water, proper drainage, and no leaks?
    3. Bathtub/shower - Is there hot and cold running water, proper drainage, and no leaks?
    4. Is bathroom vented with either a working exhaust fan or an exterior window? 
       
       
  • Kitchen:
    Questions to Ask. Are any repairs needed:
    
    1. Sink - Is there hot and cold running water, proper drainage, and no leaks?
    2. Is there a fully working stove or cooktop and oven?
    3. Do all burners on the stovetop ignite, does the oven work, and are knobs present or controls working?
    4. Does the refrigerator cool/freeze properly?
    5. Is there a fully working refrigerator? 
       
       
  • Other:
    Questions to Ask. Are any repairs needed:
    
    1. Does the hot water heater work properly?
    2. Does the water tank have a properly installed pressure relief valve extension tube? 

Unit Interior:

• Major Area of Unit
  
  
  • Wall Condition:
    Questions to Ask. Are any repairs needed:
    
    1.  Are walls free of air and moisture leaks, large holes, and cracks?
       
       
  • Ceiling Condition:
    Questions to Ask. Are any repairs needed:
    
    1.  Are ceilings free of air and moisture leaks, large holes, and cracks? 
       
       
  • Floor Condition:
    Questions to Ask. Are any repairs needed:
    1.  Are floors free of weak spots or missing floorboards?
    2. Are floors free of tripping hazards from loose flooring or covering? 
       
       
  • Cabinets/Interior Doors:
    Questions to Ask. Are any repairs needed:
    
    1. Are cabinets securely fastened to the wall?
    2. Is there space for food preparation and storage?
    3. Are all doors securely hung? 
       
       
  • Security:
    Questions to Ask. Are any repairs needed:
    
    1. Is there free and clear access to all exits?
    2. Do all exterior and common area doors have properly installed working locks?
    3. Do first-floor windows and windows opening to a stairway, fire escape, or landing have locks? 
       
       
  • Health & Safety:
    Questions to Ask. Are any repairs needed:
    
    1. Is there a working smoke detector on each level of the unit?
    2. Are smoke detectors installed outside or near bedrooms?
    3. Is the unit free of insect or rodent infestation? 

Unit Exterior:

• Major Area of Unit:
  
  
  • Windows:
    Questions to Ask. Are any repairs needed:
    
    1. Is there at least one exterior window in each bedroom and in the living room?
    2. Do windows open, close, and lock properly?
    3. Is the unit free of cracked, broken, or leaky windows?
       
       
  • Other:
    Questions to Ask. Are any repairs needed:
    
    1. Is the roof free of leaks?
    2. Are gutters (if required) attached firmly?
    3. Are exterior surfaces in a condition to prevent moisture leaks and rodent infestation?
    4. Is the chimney secure and the flute rightly sealed with no gaps?
    5. Is the house/building's foundation sound?
    6. Are openings around doors and windows weather-tight?
    7. Are sidewalks free of tripping hazards?  

Stairways:

• Major Area of Unit:
  
  • Stairways, Interior & Exterior:
    Questions to Ask. Are any repairs needed:
    1. Are handrails properly secured?
    2. Is there a handrail when there are 4 or more consecutive steps?
    3. Are stairs free of loose, broken, or missing steps?
    4. Are stairways free of tripping hazards?
    5. Are there secure railings on porches, balconies, and landings 30" or higher? 

Other:

• Major Area of Unit:
  
  • Interior/Exterior Building:
    Questions to Ask. Are any repairs needed:
    1.  Is the unit free of debris outside and inside the unit?
    2. Are there covered waste disposal receptacles? 
    3. Units built before 1978 with child residents under 5 years old must be free of chipping, peeling, flaking, chalking, or cracking painted surfaces, including windows, window seals, door frames, walls, ceiling, porches, and all other interior/exterior painted surfaces. 

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ANY OTHER OBSERVED THREAT TO HEALTH OR SAFETY WILL FAIL THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Listed on the opposite page are some of the frequently missed items that cause a unit to fail a required HQS inspection.  This in not everything that is required by HUD and the Housing Authority of South Bend.

If your unit fails, we will mail/email to the tenant and landlord a copy of the Inspection Summary which details the deficiencies, and a letter providing a re-inspection date and time or a date in which you need to submit your Owner /Tenant Certification of Repairs form.

IF YOUR UNIT FAILS BECAUSE OF AN IMMEDIATE, SERIOUS THREAT TO HEALTH OR SAFETY, PAYMENTS WILL CEASE IMMEDIATELY UNTIL ALL DEFICIENCIES HAVE BEEN CORRECTED AND A PASS INSPECTION STATUS HAS BEEN REGISTERED BY THE INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT.

Your Inspection Team:

Brian Kirkendoll, HCV Inspector
(574) 532-0718
bryankirkendoll@sbhaonline.com