Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Pre-Inspection Checklist

Plumbing, Heating & Utilities

• All utilities must be turned on for inspection
• All plumbing systems must be leak-free and work properly
• Both kitchen and bathroom(s) must have hot and cold running water
• Heating system must be in safe working condition and produce adequate heat for all living areas in unit (minimum of 68 degrees F in winter)
• The water heater's temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve discharge pipe must be properly installed. The pipe diameter must not be reduced from its original size, and the material must be copper, T&P tubing, CPVC, or stainless steel, provided it's rated for the correct temperature. Additionally, the discharge pipe must always discharge at a downward angle and terminate at least 6 inches from the floor.

Electrical

• All electrical outlets must work
• All outlets and switches must have covers with no cracking
• No unsecured or exposed wiring; all wiring must be secured to wall or ceiling
• No open light bulb sockets (all fixtures must have bulbs)

Smoke Detectors & Fire Prevention

• Units must have a working smoke detector on every level, including basements and finished attics if applicable, and outside each bedroom or sleeping room; required to have sealed 10-year battery or be hardwired
• Every unit must be equipped with a functioning carbon monoxide detector
• All living spaces must have 2 unobstructed means of fire egress (e.g., doors, windows)

Structure

• Absolutely no tripping hazards anywhere: carpets/flooring, porches, stairs, and walkways must be free of trip hazards
• All ground floor exterior doors and windows must lock, except for screen doors, and provide a reasonable seal against outside elements and heat loss
• Handrails or railings, both interior and exterior, must be present where there are 4 or more steps or risers
• Guardrails must be present on a porch or landing more than 30" inches high
• The foundation and roof must be structurally sound and watertight

Bedroom(s) & Living Areas

• Must have at least 1 outlet and 1 permanently installed light fixture, or 2 working outlets
• Window(s) and door(s) that are designed to open. Windows must open and close securely.
• Entry doors must lock properly; no double-keyed deadbolts

Bathroom(s)

• At least 1 working shower or bathtub in unit
• At least 1 working sink with no leaks
• Must have an outside window OR exhaust fan OR vent to outside
• Must have flushing toilet that works, is securely mounted, and has no leaks

Kitchen

• All burners and knobs must work; gas appliances should have a secure connection with no leaks
• Refrigerator must work, have a good door seal/gasket, and maintain proper temperature

For Units Built Before 1978:
If children under the age of 6 will reside in household, the HQS inspector will be checking for chipping, peeling and/or cracking paint surfaces in both the interior and exterior.

Note: this checklist is meant to be a helpful reference and not a complete list of all HQS inspection items. The full HUD checklist can be found here.

If you have additional questions, please click here to contact the EHA.