1) Broken or frayed electrical wires 2) Exposed or bare metal or copper wires 3) Loose or improper wire connection to an outlet 4) Light fixture hanging from an electric wire or cord with no other firm support 5) Exposed fuse box connector or connections 6) Missing or cracked switch and/or outlet cover plate 7) Overloaded circuits 8) Rubber or plastic coated electrical wiring mounted on exterior of surface of wall 9) Lamp cord which is being used as a permanent part of the electrical system 10) Non-working outlet 11) Electric cords which run under rugs or other floor coverings 12) Improper connections, insulation or grounding of component of electrical system 13) Outlet or electrical heating appliance very close to a bathtub

Can tenants decide if the location of the only outlet behind the refrigerator is acceptable for the kitchen?

Yes

What should you do if you go into the unit and the electricity is turned off?

Rate inconclusive, complete inspection.

What type of wiring is acceptable only in certain locations, and where is it acceptable?

Romex or NM (non-metallic wiring) is only acceptable in areas where it cannot be easily cut or damaged.

At a minimum, what rooms are required in a unit?

Room used for sleeping, kitchen, and bathroom

What openings have to be lockable?

Openings to exterior or common areas of unit

Is a chain latch ever acceptable as the only lock?

What about a sliding bolt lock on a second door to the unit?

Yes

Can you approve a unit where the tenant has to pass through the bedroom to get to the bathroom?

Yes

Are there any size requirements for bedrooms?

Are there size requirements for rooms besides bedrooms?

Are closets required in bedrooms?

Are smoke detectors required anywhere?

Yes

Where are smoke detectors required?

Every level of the living area, but only those places used as living area. Unfinished attics are exempt from having smoke detectors.

What is the maximum occupancy as spelled out in HQS

2 persons per sleeping area

Window requirements-Living Room

Requires window, does not have to be openable

Window requirements-kitchen

No requirements

Window requirements-dining room

No requirements

Window requirements-bedroom

Window is required; must be openable if designed to be openable

Window requirements-all bathrooms

Ventilation; exhaust vent system required or openable window

What causes a fail rating for windows?

1) missing or broken panes 2) dangerously loose, cracked panes 3) windows which cannot be locked (applies only to windows that are accessible) 4) windows without a tight seal, allowing serious drafts to enter unit

What would be PASS WITH COMMENT items for windows?

1) minor cracks in window panes (no cut hazards) 3) minor rotting in a window frame 2) splintered sills 4) missing putty, resulting in loose panes

Give five (5) examples of FAIL ratings for ceilings

1) Severe bulging or cracking 2) Presence of large holes 3) Falling surface materials 4) Many missing parts, such as ceiling tile 5) Loose sections of plaster which are in danger of falling

Give five (5) examples of PASS WITH COMMENT items for Ceilings.

1) Small holes or cracks 2) Minor crumbling of plaster 3) Some missing or broken ceiling tiles 4) Water stains, with no evidence of decayed plaster 5) Dirty stained surfaces

Who decides whether lack of paint or other cosmetic condition is acceptable?

Tenant

Name four (4) examples of FAIL ratings for walls

1) Severe buckling, bulging, or leaning 2) Loose or damaged structural members 3) Large holes 4) Any holes which allow significant drafts to enter unit

How big/small can a hole be before it fails?

8 1/2 x 11 inches

Name three (3) PASS WITH COMMENT items for walls.

1) Small or shallow holes 2) Loose or missing parts 3) Unpainted surfaces

Does the location of a hole in the wall matter?

Yes. What really matters is whether or not air can infiltrate through the hole in the wall or whether or not electrical items can be accessed through the hole. Either of these things would make the wall fail to pass inspection.

Name five (5) FAIL ratings for floors

1) Severe buckling or major movement under walking stress 2) Large sections of damaged or missing parts 3) Holes which are approx. 4" in diameter or larger 4) Permanent floor covering or floor boards which present serious tripping hazards 5) Large cracks or holes which penetrate both the finish floor and subflooring

Name five (5) PASS WITH COMMENT items for floors.

1) Significant scuffing, marring or scratches in the floor finish 2) Minor damage to linoleum, parquet, or vinyl sheet goods floor 3) Damage to floor covering which could become a tripping hazard 4) Soiled floor coverings 5) Tripping hazards that are not part of the permanent floor covering

If the floor is worn, such as linoleum or vinyl sheet goods, is it okay to pass?

Yes

What are two (2) ways a kitchen is defined?

1) Separate room used for meal preparation 2) Area of larger room used for meal preparation

Is a vent required over the range?

Are both an oven and range with top burners required?

Yes

Are hotplates acceptable?

IF the oven/range is missing and the owner is to supply it: pass or fail?

Fail

If the gas or electric is shut off? Pass or fail?

Fail

What is the knobs to the range/oven are missing because the tenant took them off? Pass/fail?

Fail

What if all but one burner works? Pass or fail?

Fail

Are there any size requirements for the stove?

Name two (2) FAIL items for the stove or oven

1) If owner-supplied and not present 2) Hazardous gas hook-up, strong gas smell

Name four (4) PASS WITH COMMENT items for the stove or oven.

1) Minor broken or missing parts 3) Limited size relative to needs of family 2) Marked, dented or scratched surfaces 4) Cracked burner rings

Is a microwave oven acceptable?

Yes

Can a microwave take the place of an oven and range?

It can if the tenant agrees and would like to substitute them. If landlord supplied, they need to offer the same amenities as they would in any other private rentals in the complex.

Can the refrigerator be located in a room other than the kitchen, such as a back hall?

Yes

Name two (2) requirements for the refrigerator

1) Maintain a temperature low enough to prevent food spoiling 2) Must have some capacity for storing frozen food

Are there any size requirements for the refrigerator?

Must be adequate size for needs of family. No dormitory type refrigerator.

Name four (4) PASS WITH COMMENT conditions for the refrigerator.

1) Broken or missing interior shelving 2) Badly dented or scratched interior or exterior surfaces 3) Minor deterioration of door seal 4) Loose door handle

Name three (3) criteria for the sink. (kitchen)

1) Must have running hot and cold water 2) Must have a drain properly connected with a gas trap 3) Must be free of major leaks

Will a bathroom sink suffice for the kitchen?

Name four (4) PASS WITH COMMENT conditions for the sink.

1) Dripping faucet 3) Missing or broken drain stopper 2) Marked, dented or scratched surfaces 4) Slow draining

Is the kitchen required to have cabinet and counter space?

Name four (4) PASS WITH COMMENT items for storage and food prep areas in the kitchen

1) Marked, dented, or scratched surfaces 3) Broken drawers or cabinet hardware 2) Broken shelving or cabinet doors 4) Limited size as related to needs of family

If there is some space for food preparation and storage, but the PHA does not feel it is adequate, what can be done?

Fail

Is a bathroom required?

Yes

Does a bathroom have to be in the unit?

Yes

How do you rate additional bathrooms, and what are the requirements?

Use Part 4 of the Inspection Checklist, must have openable window or adequate exhaust ventilation and a permanent light fixture, washbasin or sink must have gas trap, and room must be free of serious health and sanitary problems

What section of your checklist would you rate a soap dish with a sharp edge in the shower where someone might get cut?

Under general health and safety

Does a bathroom require a door?

No. However, it must allow for tenant to have privacy. This could be achieved with a curtain.

What condition would the bathroom floor be in to rate a FAIL rating?

Severe floor damage caused by water from the tub or shower. Leaks.

Name six(6) FAIL items for the toilet

1) Not connected to water supply 4) Not flushing 2) Not connected to acceptable drainage system 5) Clogged 3) Severe leakage of water or sewer gases 6) Water closet mechanism does not work

Name two (2) PASS WITH COMMENT items for the toilet.

1) Cracked toilet seat 2) Slow draining toilet

Can the bathroom sink be portable or can the kitchen sink suffice if there is not one in the bathroom?

What is a gas trap?

Pipe which prevents sewer gas from entering the unit

What if the bathroom sink is chipped?

Pass with comments unless a cutting hazard

Name five (5) FAIL conditions for the bathroom sink.

1) Not connected to a system that delivers hot and cold running water 2) Lack of gas trap 3) Clogged 4) Not connected to an acceptable drainage system 5) Evidence of severe leakage of water or the presence of sewer gas

Name seven (7) PASS WITH COMMENT items for the bathroom sink.

1) Low water pressure 5) Partially corroded faucet handles 2) Dripping faucets 6) Basin insecurely fastened to wall or floor 3) Minor leaks 7) Slow drain 4) Cracked or chipped porcelain

Can the tub or shower be in another location, other than the "bathroom"?

Yes

Does the tub have to have a shower rod?

What are the ventilation requirements for the bathrooms?

An openable window or working exhaust system venting to the outside, attic or crawlspace.

What types of ventilation are acceptable?

Electric fan vent or gravity flow/chimney effect vent

Where must it ventilate?

Outside, attic or crawlspace

Name seven (7) conditions in the foundation that would require a FAIL rating.

1) Severe structural defects 2) Structural instability 3) Large cracks or holes 4) Large sections of crumbling brick 5) Undermining of footings, walls, posts, or slabs 6) Major deterioration of wood support members 7) Entry of significant ground water into unit

How many steps can you have before you need a handrail?

Three required with 4 or more risers (consecutively)

How high can porches and balconies be above the ground before you need a handrail?

30 inches or more above the ground

Do you have to include in your inspection steps which lead to the unit but are not physically attached to the building?

Yes

What stairs, porches, and rails have to be inspected in a multi-unit structure?

Interior and exterior