HUD Housing Quality Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under HQS, what is the minimum required floor space for a living room (no separate dining room) for a typical household?
- 70 square feet
- 100 square feet (Correct answer)
- 120 square feet
- 150 square feet
Correct answer: 100 square feet
HQS requires a minimum of 100 square feet of combined living/dining space for units without a separate dining room.
HQS space requirements specify that for a unit without a separate dining room, the living room must have at least 100 square feet. If there is a separate dining room, both the living room and dining room must each have at least 80 square feet. Additionally, each sleeping room must have at least 70 square feet for one person and 50 square feet per person for two or more persons sharing the room.
Question 2: Under HQS, which bathroom condition would be cited as a deficiency?
- A toilet with a minor running tank
- No ventilation window or mechanical ventilation in the bathroom (Correct answer)
- A single-handled faucet mixing hot and cold water
- A shower without a tub
Correct answer: No ventilation window or mechanical ventilation in the bathroom
HQS requires that bathrooms have adequate ventilation through an openable window or mechanical ventilation to control moisture and odors. Lack of any ventilation is a deficiency.
HQS requires that bathrooms have adequate ventilation, provided either by an openable window or a mechanical ventilation system (exhaust fan). A bathroom with neither an openable window nor mechanical ventilation fails the HQS interior air quality and sanitary facilities standards. Single-handle faucets and shower-only bathrooms are acceptable under HQS.
Question 3: HQS food preparation requirements mandate that a unit have which of the following?
- A dishwasher
- A microwave oven only
- A stove or range with functioning burners and oven (Correct answer)
- A refrigerator with a freezer compartment
Correct answer: A stove or range with functioning burners and oven
HQS requires that the unit have a stove or range (with functioning burners) and an oven for cooking. A refrigerator of appropriate size is also required.
Under HQS food preparation requirements, the unit must have a stove or range (including microwave combination units) with functioning burners and an oven. The unit must also have a refrigerator of appropriate size that maintains food at safe temperatures. A separate freezer compartment is not specifically required. Dishwashers are not required. A microwave alone without oven/range capability does not satisfy the cooking requirement unless it is a combination microwave/range.
Question 4: What does HQS require regarding a unit's exterior doors?
- Doors must have deadbolt locks only
- Doors must be weather-tight, have working locks, and open and close properly (Correct answer)
- Doors must be metal or solid core wood only
- Doors must have peepholes for security
Correct answer: Doors must be weather-tight, have working locks, and open and close properly
HQS requires that all exterior doors be weather-tight (no major gaps), have working locks for security, and operate properly (open and close without sticking).
HQS exterior door requirements under Space and Security and Structure and Materials standards require that: doors be weather-tight with proper sealing to prevent significant air and water infiltration; all exterior doors have working locks that allow the unit to be secured; and doors operate properly (open and close without excessive sticking or dragging). The type of lock is not specified—it can be a knob lock, deadbolt, or other type, as long as it functions.
Question 5: Under HQS, what is the standard for electrical outlets required in habitable rooms?
- A minimum of 4 outlets per room
- At least 2 working outlets or 1 outlet and 1 working light fixture per room (Correct answer)
- Only one outlet per room is required
- Outlets are not required if overhead lighting exists
Correct answer: At least 2 working outlets or 1 outlet and 1 working light fixture per room
HQS requires at least 2 working electrical outlets, OR at least 1 working outlet and 1 working light fixture in each habitable room.
Under HQS illumination and electricity standards, each habitable room must have either: (a) at least 2 working electrical outlets, or (b) at least 1 working electrical outlet and 1 working light fixture. The kitchen must have at least 2 working outlets. Bathrooms require at least 1 working light fixture. All electrical systems must be free of hazardous conditions.
Question 6: When a HQS inspector identifies a water supply deficiency, which condition would specifically trigger an immediate life-threatening designation?
- Low water pressure from the shower
- Complete absence of running water in the unit (Correct answer)
- Hot water that exceeds 120F at the tap
- Water that has a slight odor
Correct answer: Complete absence of running water in the unit
Complete absence of running water is a life-threatening HQS deficiency because it prevents basic sanitation, cooking, and hygiene, requiring correction within 24 hours.
Under HQS, the complete absence of running water is classified as a life-threatening deficiency requiring correction within 24 hours. Without water, occupants cannot maintain sanitation, prepare food safely, or meet basic hygiene needs. Low water pressure, while a deficiency, does not rise to life-threatening. Hot water above 120F is a scalding hazard and a deficiency, but is not classified as life-threatening. Water with slight odor requires investigation but is not automatically life-threatening.
HUD Housing Quality Standards 2
Under HQS, what is the minimum required floor space for a living room (no separate dining room) for a typical household?