At least annually, BHA must conduct inspections of units to determine compliance with HUD established Housing Quality Standards prior to the execution of the lease. Inspections are completed by McCright and Associates, a contracted inspection firm. HQS consists of the following thirteen performance requirements:
- Sanitary facilities – The sanitary facilities must be in proper operating condition and adequate for personal cleanliness and disposal of human waste.
- Food preparation and refuse disposal – The dwelling unit must have suitable space and equipment to store, prepare, and serve food in a sanitary manner.
- Space and security – The dwelling unit must provide adequate space and security for the family.
- Thermal environment – The heating and/or air conditioning system must be in proper operating condition.
- Illumination and electricity – Each room must have adequate natural or artificial illumination to permit normal indoor activities and to support the health and safety of occupants. Electrical fixtures and wiring must not pose a fire hazard.
- Structure and materials – The structure must not present any threat to the health and safety of the occupants and must protect the occupants from the environment.
- Interior air quality – The dwelling unit must be free of air pollutant levels that threaten the occupants’ health
- Water supply – The water supply must be free of contamination
- Lead-based paint – During initial and annual inspections of pre-1978 units that are occupied or will be occupied by families with children under 6 years of age, the inspector must conduct a visual assessment for deteriorated paint surfaces and the owner must stabilize deteriorated surfaces.
Applicable areas include painted surfaces within the dwelling unit, exterior painted surfaces associated with the dwelling unit, and common areas of the building through which residents must pass to gain access to the unit and areas frequented by resident children under six years of age, including play areas and child care facilities.
- Access – The building must provide an alternate means of exit in case of fire. Use and maintenance of the unit must be possible without unauthorized use of other private properties.
- Site and neighborhood – The site and neighborhood must be reasonably free from disturbing noises and reverberations or other dangers to the health, safety, and general welfare of the occupants.
- Sanitary condition – The dwelling unit and its equipment must be free of vermin and rodent infestation.
- Smoke Detectors – On each level of the dwelling unit including basements, but excluding spaces and unfinished attics at least one battery-operated or hard-wired smoke detector in proper operating condition must be present.