We conduct inspections to help ensure your property meets HUD requirements and provides safe, healthy, and functional housing for residents. Our team will assess conditions inside the unit and throughout the property to verify compliance with program standards.
If deficiencies are identified, we will work with you to outline required corrections and applicable timelines. Austin Housing Authority uses HUD’s National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), a modern inspection model that prioritizes resident health, safety, and habitability.
Types of Inspections
-
Initial Inspections
An initial inspection is required before a unit can be approved for participation in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The unit must pass inspection before housing assistance payments can begin.
-
Annual Inspections
Units participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program are inspected periodically to ensure they continue to meet HUD standards and provide safe housing for residents.
-
Special Inspections
Special inspections may be requested by the landlord, resident, or housing authority when health, safety, or maintenance concerns arise between regularly scheduled inspections.
-
Quality Control Inspections
A sample of units may be selected for quality control inspections to ensure inspection standards are applied consistently and fairly.
What Inspectors Look For
Under NSPIRE, inspections focus on conditions that affect resident health and safety. Some of the common areas of review include:
- Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
- Electrical systems and hazards
- Plumbing systems and water leaks
- Heating and cooling systems
- Windows, doors, and locks
- Stairs, handrails, and trip hazards
- Water heater safety features
- Pest infestations and sanitation concerns
- Mold-like substances and moisture issues
- General habitability and resident safety
Preparing for an Inspection
Landlords can help ensure a smooth inspection by:
- Ensuring all utilities are active
- Addressing known maintenance issues before the inspection
- Testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Confirming heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems are functioning properly
- Ensuring the unit is clean, accessible, and ready for inspection
- Checking that windows, doors, locks, stairs, and handrails are in good working order
- Reviewing common inspection deficiencies and correcting them in advance
Preventive maintenance is the best way to avoid inspection deficiencies and maintain a safe, quality home for residents.
Inspection Results and Repairs
If deficiencies are identified during an inspection, Austin Housing Authority will provide information about required repairs and correction deadlines. Certain health and safety deficiencies may require immediate action.
Landlords are responsible for completing owner-caused repairs within the required timeframe and providing any requested documentation to verify corrections.
Contact Our Inspections Team
Have questions about inspections or need assistance? Complete the form below, and an Austin Housing Authority member will be in touch shortly.