In order to participate in the Housing Assistance Payment Program, units must be safe, clean and free of conditions that might harm the occupants. The entire building and common areas are included in our inspection. This guide is to be used to help you decide if the house or apartment you own or manage is likely to meet program requirements, but it is not exhaustive.

1. Exterior doors and windows must be lockable, weathertight and working.
2. Windows and doors that open for ventilation shall have appropriate screens.
3. Outside and inside walls, floors and ceiling must be free from leaning, bulking and sagging appearances, free of cracks, holes, loose siding, and should have a clean appearance.
4. Stairways (inside or out), walkways and porches must be free of loose or decayed boards and decking, with sound banisters or handrails for all stairways consisting of four or more steps (landing counts as step).
5. In addition to the main entrance, there must be an alternative way to get out in case of fire or other emergency. There must be at least one working smoke detector or fire alarm on each level of the unit.
6. Water and sewer systems must meet public health department approval. If the tenant is to pay for water, she/he must have an individual meter; splitting of a water bill with another residence is not permitted.
7. The site must not show evidence of flooding, poor drainage, sewage hazard, trash or inoperable automobiles. The entire building must pass inspection on the outside.
8. Roof and fascia must be in good repair and free of any leaks or damages. All wood surfaces must be painted or stained. No pealing paint inside or out.
9. The entire electrical system must be free of hazards.
10. Each unit must have adequate heating facilities. No unvented gas heaters are permitted.
11. Gas water heaters must be vented and all water heaters shall have a pop-off valve.
12. The living, sleeping and kitchen areas should have at least two (2) electrical outlets that work or one electrical outlet and one overhead light. All overhead lights must be shielded or the lightbulbs must be Teflon-coated.
13. Each room used as a bedroom (other than in efficiencies) should have a window, closet and door closing it off from the rest of the living area.
14. Each bathroom must have a working toilet, lavatory, shower or tub, ceiling or wall-type light fixture, window that opens or an exhaust fan, toilet tissue holder and towel rack.
15. The kitchen area must have a stove and refrigerator (or provisions for one if tenant is to supply their own), sink with proper plumbing, and adequate cabinet and shelf space for food storage and preparation. If there is a dishwasher or disposal in the unit, it must work or be removed and the void covered.
16. ALL NEW MOVE-IN INSPECTIONS REQUIRE ALL UTILITIES BE ON BEFORE THE INSPECTION

Entry Doors : Must lock securely. Check the weather-stripping. If there are gaps that let air in, weather-stripping must be applied. Check the doorjamb and strike plate for defects.

Windows : Those designed to open must open and have a permanent lock attached (sticks and thumbscrews are not accepted as locking devices). The windowpanes must not be broken or cracked.

Electrical Hazards : Units must be free of electrical hazards. All outlets and switches must have cover plates, intact and secured to the wall. There can be no exposed wiring. All light fixtures must work and be properly mounted to the wall or ceiling. Breaker boxes must have all open spaces filled with knockouts or blank spacers and must have no exposed wires.

Oven/ Range : The range and oven should be clean so they do not constitute a fire hazard. Burners must lay flat and all elements must be working properly. All knobs and dials should be on the appliance. Filter screens should be installed in front of fans.

Refrigerator : The rubber gasket around the door should be intact and fit snugly. Loose and/or cracked gaskets must be replaced. The kickplate at the bottom of the refrigerator must be secured properly.

Heating and Plumbing : The heating system must be in working order and provide adequate heat. All heat sources should be clear of furniture, bedding, clothing and other items. Oil, gas and propane furnaces must be safe and professionally serviced at least once every two years. Verification of service must be provided. Plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets, showers, etc.) should be free of leaks.

Hot Water Heaters : Must have a pressure relief valve and discharge line that extends to within 6 inches of the floor. Discharge tubing must be of the appropriate type of material - either galvanized steel, copper or CPVC piping (not PVC). There should be no exposed wires. In addition, flammable material should not be stored near the hot-water tank.

Flooring : Carpets that are frayed or torn, or vinyl, tile or linoleum that would be a tripping hazard must be replaced or repaired. Exposed carpet tacks or thresholds that are loose must be repaired. Please check and repair floors that have dry rot (commonly found in the bathroom, around the bathtub and toilet).

Smoke Detectors : A smoke detector, with a tester button, must be on each floor of the unit. If a tenant has impaired hearing, a smoke alarm designed for the hearing-impaired must be mounted in the bedroom occupied by that individual.

Ventilation : Inoperable bathroom fans or no ventilation (i.e. window) would result in a fail rating.

Decks, Railings, Steps : Stairways with four or more steps must have a handrail. The handrail must run the length of the stairway and be securely supported. Decks, rails and steps must be free of dry rot and tripping hazards. Railings are required for decks, porches or steps that are more than 30 inches from the ground.

Peeling Paint: HUD requires that a home built prior to 1978 have no deteriorated or peeling paint inside or out if children under the age of six will occupy it.

All new move-in inspections will require ALL utilities on before the inspection can be made.