Code Compliance & Regulations Flashcards

Under HUD's Housing Quality Standards, the minimum ceiling height for a habitable room is:

Answer: 7 feet

HQS requires a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet in all rooms used for living, sleeping, cooking, or dining.

When a PHA abates HAP payments due to HQS violations, what happens if the owner corrects the deficiencies?

Answer: HAP payments resume but back-payment is not made for the abatement period

Once the owner corrects HQS deficiencies and the unit passes reinspection, HAP payments resume, but the PHA does not reimburse payments withheld during the abatement period.

Which of the following is NOT one of the 13 key HQS inspection categories?

Answer: Neighborhood Aesthetics

The 13 HQS categories focus on physical conditions and habitability, not neighborhood aesthetics. Categories include sanitary facilities, food preparation, space and security, thermal environment, illumination and electricity, structure and materials, interior air quality, water supply, lead-based paint, access, site and neighborhood, sanitary conditions, and smoke detectors.

A property owner disputes a HQS inspection finding. What recourse does HUD regulations provide?

Answer: The owner may request an informal hearing with the PHA

Owners who dispute HQS findings may request an informal hearing with the PHA. The PHA administers the HCV program and handles disputes at the local level.

Under HUD regulations, a newly constructed unit must meet HQS before a HAP contract is signed. This initial inspection is called a:

Answer: Initial HQS inspection

HUD requires an initial HQS inspection of any unit before the HAP contract is executed. The unit must pass this inspection before a voucher holder can move in under the program.

What action must a PHA take if a unit fails the initial HQS inspection?

Answer: Deny approval until the owner corrects all deficiencies and the unit passes a reinspection

If a unit fails the initial HQS inspection, the PHA cannot execute a HAP contract. The owner must correct all deficiencies and the unit must pass a reinspection before approval.