Section 8 Inspections

Overview

• Initial inspections
  • An initial inspection is made before the HHA agrees to enter into a contract with a property owner to help pay a voucher holder’s rent. 
  • An initial inspection is required by federal law in order for the HHA to make sure that the property is worth the rent the property owner is requesting.
  • The inspections are quick, scheduled at owners’ convenience and free.
  • During the inspection the inspector simply makes sure that the unit is safe, sanitary and that the rent is reasonable before a voucher holder moves in.
  • The HHA will not allow voucher holders to move in until an apartment passes an initial inspection.
• Annual Re-inspections
  • An annual re-inspections is required by federal law as a requirement of the HHA to make sure that owners and voucher holders are doing their parts to keep the units clean and safe.
  • Annual re-inspections also provide the HHA an opportunity to make sure that the rents paid are reasonable given each apartment’s location, condition, amenities and the local market rental.
• Requesting Inspections
  • HHA encourages voucher holders to let their landlords know, in writing, when there is something in their apartment that needs repair.
  • We strongly recommend that voucher holders send us a copy of any correspondences with landlords so that we know when issues arise.
  • Times when the HHA encourages voucher holders to request a Special Inspection include, but are not limited to :
    • When landlords don’t respond to repair requests
    • If a voucher holder feels that repairs made were insufficient

HQS Inspection Checklist

• Common reasons why a unit will fail a HQS Inspection:
  • Peeling or flaking paint
  • Unsafe or rotted porches
  • Water leaks
  • Lack of proper ventilation of flue on hot water tank
  • Weak or broken floor boards
  • Faulty plumbing
  • Missing electrical outlet covers or switch plates
  • Inoperable smoke detectors.