Section 8 Unit Inspections

Annual Inspections

The Housing Authority will conduct an annual inspection prior to the end of the Lease term to ensure the unit continues to meet Housing Quality Standards (HQS). You and your tenant will receive a letter from the Housing Authority if the unit does not pass inspection. The letter will list the items requiring repair and will give you a date by which the repairs must be completed.

If the violations are not corrected within the time limit given, the Housing Authority will abate the Housing Assistance Payment.

The Housing Authority will not abate the rent if all of the Housing Quality Standards violations are tenant caused. However, the Housing Authority may terminate the tenant’s assistance if the tenant caused HQS violations are not corrected. A 30-day notice will be provided to you and the tenant for any Housing Authority termination.

HOUSING QUALITY STANDARDS

A Good Place to Live!

Having a good place to live is important. Through your Public Housing Agency (or PHA) the Section 8 Certificate Program and the Housing Voucher Program help you to rent a good place. You are free to choose any house or apartment you like, as long as it meets certain requirements for quality. Under the Section 8 Certificate Program, the housing cannot cost more than the Fair Market Rent. However, under the Housing Voucher Program, a family may choose to rent an expensive house or apartment and pay the extra amount. Your PHA will give you other information about both programs and the way your part of the rent is determined.

Landlord Checklist

Failed inspections require re-checks and delay the initial contract process, including your first Housing Assistance Payment. Please help expedite this process by checking the following items in your unit.

These are the most common reasons an inspection will fail:

Smoke Detectors - not present, missing batteries, or dead batteries. They must be working and present on each level of the unit, including basements.

Chipping or Peeling Paint - there must be no chipping or peeling paint on any surfaces on the inside or outside of the unit.

Water Heater - without an extension pipe on the pressure relief valve (pipe must extend to within 6 inches of the base of the water heater or floor).

Double key or Double Cylinder Locks - these locks require use of a key to open from the inside. In the event of an emergency exit is required.

Not having a single Cylinder Lock - on all swinging exterior doors of a unit.

Window Bars - If present they must have a quick release that can be easily opened by even young children.

Dirty Unit - a unit that is not clean and ready for occupancy.

Plumbing Problems - leaking pipes or running faucets.

Window Locks - missing or not working on accessible windows.

Electrical Hazards - missing or cracked outlet covers, outlets not working or damaged.

Fences - leaning fences are a safety hazard.

Yard - garbage, debris, unregistered and inoperable vehicles.

It only takes one deficiency for a unit to fail an inspection. Failed units require a re-check. Re-checks cost money and time. You can help save time and money by doing your own inspection and making repairs prior to the Housing Authority inspection.

If you are not sure about the rules and procedures, please contact your SHA representative to get the correct information. No one should be evicted or lose their assistance unnecessarily. If you are aware of someone who is violating program rules, please contact the Section 8 Coordinator.