HUD requires that all units occupied by families receiving Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) assistance meet HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and permits the PHA to establish additional requirements. The use of the term "HQS" here refers to the combination of both HUD and PHA-established requirements.
All units must pass HQS inspection prior to the approval of a lease and at least once every 24 months during the term of the contract, and at other times as needed, to determine that the unit meets HQS. [24 CFR 982 Subpart I and 24 CFR 982.507]
When inspections are required
- Before a new participant moves in (called an initial)
- Biennial or special
- Quality Control Inspections (for more information see below and/or read [24 CRF 982.405(B)]
Quality Control Inspections
HUD requires a PHA supervisor or other qualified person to conduct quality control inspections of a sample of units to ensure that each inspector is conducting accurate and complete inspections and that there is consistency in the application of the HQS. The unit sample must include only units that have been inspected within the preceding 3 months. The selected sample will include (1) each type of inspection (initial, annual, and special), (2) inspections completed by each inspector, and (3) units from a cross-section of neighborhoods.
In conducting PHA supervisory quality control HQS inspections, the PHA should include a representative sample of both tenant-based and project-based units.
Helpful Hints for Passing an Inspection
Ensure a successful inspection with these resources.
Failed inspections result in abatements (see below).
Talk to your inspector for any specific questions regarding your upcoming inspection. Look up your inspector by Zip Code (PDF, 111KB)below.
Please keep in mind, inspectors are in the field most of the day. If you have an emergency or need immediate assistance, please contact Fernando Ortiz at (520) 837-5372 or fernando.ortiz@tucsonaz.gov.
Inspection Extension Requests
Extensions will be granted in cases where the PHA has determined that the owner has made a good faith effort to correct the deficiencies and is unable to for reason beyond the owner’s control. Reasons may include but are not limited to:
- Parts/service not available
- Weather conditions
- Reasonable accommodation for a family with a disability
The length of the extension will be determined on a case-by-case basis, but will not exceed 60 days, except in the case of delays cause by weather conditions. In the case of weather conditions, extensions may be continued until the weather has improved sufficiently to make repairs possible. The necessary repairs must be made within 15 calendar days, once the weather conditions have subsided [24 CFR 982.404].
A request to extend must be placed in writing stating:
- Unit address
- Family name
- Reason for extension request
The City of Tucson will have 10 days to respond to the extension.
Submit an extension request to sec8_landlords@tucsonaz.gov.
Abatements
If an owner fails to correct HQS deficiencies by the time specified by the PHA, HUD requires the PHA to abate the housing assistance payments no later than the first of the month following the specified correction period (including any approved extension) [24 CFR 985.3(f)].
No retroactive payments will be made to the owner for the period the rent was abated. Owner rents are not abated as a result of HQS failures that are the family’s responsibility.
When a unit goes into abatement, the unit will be inspected every year until the unit passes two consecutive HQS inspections the first time.
During an abatement, the family continues to pay their portion of the rent but are not responsible for the PHA portion.
A landlord is unable to evict for the PHA portion.
Questions on Inspections
For general questions on inspections, contact Fernando Ortiz at (520) 837-5372 or fernando.ortiz@tucsonaz.gov, or send an email to your assigned inspector.
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