HUD Inspection Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a HQS inspection, the inspector finds a deficiency in the kitchen. The owner is not present. What is the correct procedure?
- Cancel the inspection and reschedule when the owner is present
- Complete the inspection, document all findings, and issue the inspection report to both owner and tenant via the PHA (Correct answer)
- Only note deficiencies the tenant reports verbally
- Fix minor deficiencies personally to avoid failing the unit
Correct answer: Complete the inspection, document all findings, and issue the inspection report to both owner and tenant via the PHA
The inspector should complete the full inspection regardless of owner presence, document all findings objectively, and provide the inspection results to both the owner and tenant through the PHA.
HQS inspections should be conducted regardless of whether the owner is present. The inspector's role is to objectively evaluate the unit against HQS standards. All deficiencies are documented in the inspection report. The PHA then provides the inspection results to the owner, who is responsible for correcting deficiencies within required timeframes. Inspectors must never make repairs or take actions that could compromise their objectivity.
Question 2: When conducting a UPCS inspection under REAC, how many inspectable items are evaluated in the 'Building Exterior' category?
- 5 items
- 8 items (Correct answer)
- 12 items
- 20 items
Correct answer: 8 items
The UPCS Building Exterior inspectable area includes 8 inspectable items: doors, fire escapes, foundations, lighting, roofs, walls, windows, and the overall exterior.
Under the UPCS protocol used by REAC inspectors, the Building Exterior inspectable area includes 8 inspectable items: (1) Doors, (2) Fire Escapes, (3) Foundations, (4) Lighting, (5) Roofs, (6) Walls, (7) Windows, and (8) the overall exterior condition. Each item is assessed for observed deficiencies, which are rated by severity and used to calculate the property's REAC score.
Question 3: What is the REAC scoring threshold below which a public housing property is considered 'troubled' and needing urgent attention?
- Below 80
- Below 70
- Below 60 (Correct answer)
- Below 50
Correct answer: Below 60
REAC scores below 60 indicate a failing property and trigger HUD's troubled designation, requiring increased oversight and a corrective action plan.
HUD's REAC scoring system uses a 0-100 scale. Properties scoring below 60 are considered failing and designated 'troubled.' A troubled designation triggers increased HUD oversight, required corrective action plans, and potential management interventions. Consistent scores below 60 can lead to HUD takeover or disposition of the property.
Question 4: In a REAC inspection, which of the following is the correct definition of a 'Level 3' deficiency?
- Minor cosmetic defect with no structural or safety impact
- Moderate defect that affects functionality but not safety
- Severe defect that poses an immediate threat to health or safety (Correct answer)
- Defect requiring only routine maintenance
Correct answer: Severe defect that poses an immediate threat to health or safety
Under REAC's UPCS protocol, Level 3 deficiencies are the most severe, representing conditions that pose an immediate threat to health or safety of residents or staff.
REAC/UPCS uses three severity levels: Level 1 (minor/cosmetic defects with minimal impact on function or safety), Level 2 (major defects that affect function or habitability but are not immediately life-threatening), and Level 3 (severe defects posing an immediate threat to health or safety). Level 3 deficiencies carry the highest weight in score calculation and trigger immediate reporting requirements. Examples include fire escape obstructions, exposed electrical wiring, and missing handrails on elevated exterior walkways.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the correct sequence of a standard HQS inspection?
- Schedule inspection, complete interior only, send report to PHA
- Schedule with owner and tenant, conduct full exterior and interior inspection, document all findings, submit report to PHA (Correct answer)
- Complete report based on previous inspection records, schedule only if complaints received
- Inspect only areas requested by the tenant
Correct answer: Schedule with owner and tenant, conduct full exterior and interior inspection, document all findings, submit report to PHA
A complete HQS inspection requires scheduling with both parties, conducting a comprehensive exterior and interior evaluation of all HQS categories, documenting all findings, and submitting a report to the PHA.
The standard HQS inspection protocol requires: (1) scheduling with the owner/tenant with proper notice; (2) conducting a systematic inspection of all exterior and interior areas covering all 13 HQS categories; (3) documenting all findings with specific deficiency descriptions; (4) classifying deficiencies by severity (life-threatening vs. standard); and (5) submitting the completed inspection report to the PHA within required timeframes. Each inspection must be a fresh, objective evaluation.
Question 6: Under HQS inspection protocols, when is an owner required to provide a unit key to the PHA inspector?
- Always—the PHA inspector has authority to enter any unit at any time
- When the tenant is present and provides consent only
- When the owner has been given adequate advance notice as required by the HAP contract (Correct answer)
- Owners are never required to provide keys—inspections require tenant presence
Correct answer: When the owner has been given adequate advance notice as required by the HAP contract
Owners must provide access for inspections after receiving adequate notice (typically 24-48 hours). The HAP contract obligates owners to allow HQS inspections with proper notice.
Under the HAP contract, owners are contractually obligated to permit PHA inspection of the unit with reasonable advance notice (typically at least 24 hours, as specified in the PHA's administrative plan and the lease). If a tenant is unavailable, the owner may provide access to allow the inspection to proceed. The owner's refusal to permit inspection can result in HAP abatement. The inspection is a mandatory condition of program participation.
HUD Inspection Procedures 2
During a HQS inspection, the inspector finds a deficiency in the kitchen.
The owner is not present.
What is the correct procedure?