Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

INSPECTIONS
 

Federal regulations require minimum Housing Quality Standards. This includes but is not limited to:  

• separate private bath with flush toilet in proper operating condition; fixed wash basin; shower or tub
   
• kitchen with working oven & stove or range; refrigerator; sink; space to store and prepare food
   
• exterior doors must be lockable and not allow pests/vermin into the unit
   
• windows accessible from the outside (basement, 1st floor, fire escape) must be open and lockable
   
• a safe system for heating the dwelling and provide adequate heating and cooling to each room
   
• there must be at least one window in the living room and in each sleeping room
   
• kitchen area and bathroom must have a permanent light fixture and the kitchen area must have at least one electrical outlet.
   
• the living room and every bedroom must have at least two electrical outlets
   
• ceilings, walls, floors, roof, exterior walls must be structurally sound and weather tight
   
• MUST have at least one smoke detector on each level of the dwelling unit
   
• must be free of lead-based paint
   
• must meet city codes

Items which will violate Housing Quality Standards (HQS) include such things as:

• peeling or flaking paint
• windows that are cracked or broken
• 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.

For further information about HQS Inspections contact our office at 480-644-3536.