Inspections
Why is my unit inspected? The VHA/SCHA will schedule an on-site inspection to make sure the unit meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS). Housing quality standards help to ensure that your home will be safe and healthy.
When will my unit be inspected? VHA/SCHA inspects and approves units before the lease is signed. Properties are also inspected once a year to make sure the property meets basic health and safety standards. Landlords are invited (encouraged) to attend.
What happens if my inspection fails?
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If the inspection fails prior to moving in a new unit it is required that all repairs must be made and the house or apartment must be re-inspected before any lease is signed. If the owner cannot, or will not, repair the house or apartment, even if the repairs are minor, you must look for another home.
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If during an annual inspection the unit fails the VHA/SCHA will follow-up within 30 days of the date the unit failed (24 hours for life threatening violations) to verify that all HQS violations have been repaired within the time allowed.
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If landlord repairs aren’t made within reasonable time, payment to the landlord will stop.
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If tenant repairs aren’t made within reasonable time, you will lose your Section 8 assistance.
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A re-inspection may be done to verify that all repairs have been made.
What kinds of things are you looking for?
The VHA/SCHA inspects for the following key aspects of housing quality:
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Sanitary facilities, food preparation and refuse disposal
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Space and security
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Thermal environment (Heating)
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Illumination and electricity
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Structure and materials
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Interior air quality
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Water supply
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Lead-based paint
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Access
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Site and neighborhood
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Sanitary conditions
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Smoke detectors
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Plumbing to ensure no leaks
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Tripping hazards
What do I do if my landlord won't make repairs?
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If prior to moving in the owner cannot, or will not, repair the house or apartment, even if the repairs are minor, you must look for another home.
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If due to an annual inspection repairs are necessary and the repairs have not been made in the time allowed, and an extension has not been granted, a letter will be sent notifying the landlord that assistance payments to the owner will be abated (stopped). If the family is responsible for the breach of HQS, they will be advised of their responsibility to correct the violation within the time allowed by the VHA/SCHA. If repairs are not made within the allowed time, the VHA/SCHA will take action to terminate the family’s assistance for failure to comply with Family Obligations.
For Additional Information, please refer to the following documents:
How to Find a Place to Live
A Good Place to Live!
Landlord Manager’s Guide
Administrative Plan pgs 10-2 and 10-4
Briefing Packet Slide Show
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