| What are the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) used for? | To determine decent, safe and sanitary housing |
| Can the PHA elect to use a more stringent local code in lieu of Housing Quality
Standards? | Yes |
| If a PHA decides to use more stringent guidelines for their program, who has to approve of the more stringent change? | HUD Field Office |
| What data needs to be submitted to substitute the entire local code for Housing Quality Standards? | Comparison between HQS and local code and then
a revision to Administrative Plan covering HQS Requirements. |
| What relationship does the inspection date have to the HAP Contract date? | Initial inspection date must precede execution date of HAP Contract. |
| What are the steps to be taken if a unit passes? | Pass status noted and HAP Contract executed. |
| What are the steps to be taken if a unit fails? | Notify landlord of deficiencies and
time frame for repairs and reinspection. |
| Goal requirement of inspection for particular room | Performance Standard |
| Individual item needed to meet Performance Standard | Acceptability Criteria |
| Did not pass HQS; unit cannot be put on program with a fail rating. | Fail |
| Item less than perfect but does meet HQS requirements | Pass with comment |
| Tenant choice regarding unit (location or location on wall of electrical outlet) | Tenant preference |
| Threat to health and safety. | Hazard |
| The "Other Rooms" inspection form is used for what rooms? | Bedrooms, second bathrooms,
hallways, stairs, utility room, second living room, dining room, other. |
| How do you write the location of rooms on your inspection form? For example, how do you note which
bedroom you are talking about so someone else could locate THAT bedroom? | Record location of room as if you were looking at front entrance to the
unit from the outside of the unit, right/left, front/rear, or floor level. |
| What are quality control inspections and how many have to be done? | Inspections conducted in accordance with the SEMAP formula. |
| Electrical requirements-living room | 2 outlets OR 1 outlet and one permanently installed ceiling or wall light |
| Electrical requirements-kitchen | one outlet and one permanently installed ceiling or wall light |
| Electrical requirements-dining room | natural or artificial illumination |
| Electrical requirements-Bathroom | permanent light fixture |
| electrical requirements- bedroom | 2 outlets OR 1 outlet and one permanently installed light fixture |
| electrical requirements-interior hallway | natural or artificial illumination |
| A list of electrical hazards | 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? | No |
| 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? | No |
| Are there size requirements for rooms besides bedrooms? | No |
| Are closets required in bedrooms? | No |
| 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? | No |
| Are both an oven and range with top burners required? | yes |
| Are hotplates acceptable? | no |
| 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? | No |
| 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? | No |
| 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? | No |
| 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? | no |
| 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? | no |
| 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 |
| What two (2) general conditions are you looking for in roofs? | 1) Roof must be structurally sound 2) Roof is weathertight |
| Name four (4) FAIL items for roofs. | 1) Serious buckling or sagging
2) Large holes or defects which would allow water or air in significant amounts into unit
3) Water damage to interior ceiling
4) Significant amount of water is allowed to enter unit resulting in rotting of an interior wall |
| What if you cannot see the roof (i.e. it is covered with snow)? | record as observable |
| When are gutters required? | They're not |
| Name five (5) FAIL items for exterior walls. | 1) Severe buckling, bowing, or leaning
2) Large cracks
3) Falling or missing pieces of masonry
4) Significant deterioration of exterior walls which would allow serious amounts of water/air to enter unit
5) Large holes or defects that would result in vermin infestation |
| What if the condition affected the neighbor's
unit, but not your tenant's unit? | Receives a pass rating |
| What would FAIL a chimney? | Serious leaning, evidence of deterioration,
many missing bricks (mortar), or metal chimney parts that do not fit tightly or are improperly attached |
| What is the requirement for manufactured
homes that is different from other structures? | Must be securely anchored by a tiedown device |
| What is an adequate temperature
for interior heat? | PHA must define what constitutes healthy living environment |
| Where is heat required? | All areas used for living |
| What is a secondary room, and how
do the heating requirements differ? | Rooms not used for living, heat not required |
| What is DIRECT vs. INDIRECT heat? | Direct means each room used for living has a heat source;
Indirect means heat can enter easily from an adjacent room |
| Name four (4) major concerns for safety of heating equipment | 1) Potential for fire
2) Potential for explosion
3) Escape of gas fumes or unvented gases into living area
4) Damage to the system, ducts, or fixtures, potential for fire or other threats to safety |
| Name ten of the twenty-one FAIL conditions in heating safety. | 1) Escaping gases from disconnected or broken vent pipes
2) Improper fuel storage and supply lines
3) Shut off valve must be located at the base of the tank
4) Fuel leaks
5) Fuel tank not vented and not filled from outside unit
6) Existence of an improper flue or chimney
7) Presence of combustible material around furnace
8) Improper maintenance of the equipment
9) Flue pipe and collar which don't fit tightly against the wall
10) Return air not drawn from an area separate from the furnace area |
| Name three (3) PASS WITH COMMENT items for the heating equipment. | 1) Very dirty floor registers
2) Covers missing on hot water baseboard convector (no cutting hazard)
3) Hissing radiator valve with steam escaping |
| Are unvented space heaters allowed? | no |
| Under what conditions could unvented heaters (space heaters) be allowed? | Low capacity, unvented speace heaters in areas of the
country with a mild climate; HUD waiver |
| What is a BTU? | British Thermal Unit is a measurement of energy |
| What is a “listing” on the space heater? | Label stating inspected by American Gas Assoc |
| What must a space heater have on it? | Must be Listed and have a label with BTU output |
| Under what conditions can space heaters be
installed in sleeping rooms? | Vented, listed, and equipped with safety shutoff device |
| How do you determine the size of space heater allowed? | Length x width x height = cubic feet.
Do not exceed 30 BTUs per cubic foot of room space |
| What is the HQS standard for adequate air circulation? | At least two openable windows in unit |
| Under what conditions can gas-fired
water heaters be located in kitchens? | If safety dividers or shields are installed. Cannot be installed in bedrooms. |
| Name five of the nine FAIL conditions for water heaters | 1) Gas leakage
2) Flooding danger
3) Seriously cracked or broken vent pipes on gas-fired heaters
4) Serious leaks from hot water tank
5) Tag by utility company indicating an unsafe condition |
| What is a temperature-pressure relief valve, and what is its purpose? | Safety device which
will prevent water heater from exploding by discharging superheated water from water heater |
| What kind of relief valve is required? | temperature pressure relief valve |
| What else is required, besides the relief valve? | Refer to local code re: discharge lines |
| How hot does the water have to get? | tenant preference |
| Does a public water system require any certification? | No |
| Does a private well water system require a test? | no |
| Name a FAIL condition of the general plumbing system. | Main system pipes severely leaking |
| What if you see brownish water coming from the faucet? | let water run to see if it clears |
| Name two (2) PASS WITH COMMENT items for the plumbing system | 1) Moderate level of corrosion 2) Little leaks (potable water only) |
| Is a properly working sewer system (public or private) required? Does it have to be connected at the time of inspection? | yes |
| What do you do when you encounter a private sewage system? | Ask owner if it meets local health and safety. Look for clues or symptoms of failure |
| What are the "access"
requirements? | Family should not have to go through another unit to reach their own unit |
| What is an "in-law" apartment? | Areas not separated from the main area of the dwelling unit |
| Are "in-law" apartments okay? | no |
| Is an alternate means of exit from the unit required? | no |
| Is an alternate means of exit from a building required? | yes |
| Should local fire code be considered? If yes, when? | Yes, when the local fire code is more restrictive it will supersede HUD guidelines. |
| What are considered acceptable types of exits? | Fire escapes, fire stairs, openable window, back door |
| Who has the responsibility for determining adequacy of exits? | PHA |
| How do you know whether rats are around? | ask tenant, evidence of droppings |
| Are roaches okay? | yes |
| Does the unit fail for sloppy housekeeping? | no |
| What is the difference between "heavy accumulation" and an approvable level of accumulation? | Large piles of trash, garbage and discarded furniture and debris that cannot be picked up by an
individual within one or two hours |
| What kind of facilities are adequate for refuse disposal? | Trash cans with covers,
garbage chutes, dumpsters, and trashbags |
| What do you do when you have a vacant unit and
no adequate covered facilities are present? | give an inconclusive rating |
| How many garbage cans are required? | Use local guidelines for number and or type of facility required |
| Name five (5) FAIL conditions for interior stairs and hallways. | 1) Loose, broken, or missing steps 3) Absent or insecure railings
2) Inadequate lighting 4) Ripped, torn or frayed stair coverings |
| When is a handrail required? | Four or more steps |
| Must the inspector ride in all elevators? | no |
| What are the requirements for elevators? | No need to ride if elevator has a current, local inspection certificate |
| What does "abnormally high" mean as it refers to air pollution/air quality? | Pollutants are consistently present |
| Name five (5) types of external pollutants | 1) Refineries 4) Proximity to heavy traffic
2) Pulp or paper plants 5) Proximity to truck or bus garages
3) Chemical industries |
| Name three (3) kinds of internal pollutants. | 1) Presence of sewer gas 3) Malfunctioning gas appliance
2) Improperly operating furnace |
| Name three (3) conditions that would warrant a FAIL rating for site and neighborhood. | 1) Proximity to open sewage
2) Fire hazards
3) Evidence of flooding or major drainage problems |
| Name three (3) PASS WITH COMMENT conditions for site and neighborhood. | 1) Unimproved spaces
2) Large bare patches on grounds surrounding the building or unit
3) Evidence of general lack of maintenance |
| Is the type of neighborhood a tenant preference, or does the PHA have some say in it? Explain your answer. | Tenant preference regarding neighborhood type
(i.e., commercial usage, racial or economic mix), PHA must determine if neighborhood is free from
conditions which would seriously or continuously endanger the tenant's health and safety. |
| What are three main factors in determining actions for defective paint surfaces? | 1) Age of structure 3) Child in household with IEBLL
2) Age of children in household |
| Describe testing methods for painted surfaces. | Use of XRF or other method approved by HUD |
