There are four types of inspections that County Housing conducts on homes in the HCV program. (Please note that the Housing Quality Inspections department does not complete work on your home. All improvements or repairs to the unit must be completed by the landlord after which County Housing will inspect to ensure the home’s quality.)
Initial inspection
Before a program participant can move into a home, County Housing must conduct an inspection to make sure it meets housing quality standards and is safe for the family to move in.
Biennial inspection
HUD requires that all HCV homes be inspected every 24 months at a minimum. The biennial inspections ensure that units are being maintained properly and continue to meet standards.
Special inspections
Special inspections occur when a resident contacts County Housing about issues within the unit that property management has not repaired. If you have already spoken about the issue to your landlord, you can request an inspection from County Housing using this form.
Quality control inspections
Supervisors or managers of the Housing Quality Inspections department will conduct inspections for quality control to ensure that County Housing inspectors are completing them correctly. These inspections are random and required by HUD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know when my home is going to be inspected?
The Housing Quality Inspections department will notify you in writing prior to your inspection to ensure that either you or your landlord is present to let the inspector into the home.
What is County Housing looking for during inspection?
The goal of our housing quality inspections is always to ensure that your home is a safe and healthy place to live and that the unit meets all of our standards.
Safety
We want to ensure that the property is free from hazards like exposed wiring, faulty plumbing, or structural damage
Cleanliness
Check for cleanliness and sanitation, which may include the absence of mold, pests, and trash accumulation.
Working utilities
Confirm that essential utilities such as water, heat, and electricity are on and functioning properly.
Appliances
Verify that appliances provided by the landlord, if any, are in working order.
Security
Check that doors and windows are secure, and that locks are functional.
Structural integrity
Assess the overall condition of the property’s structure, including walls, floors, and ceilings.
What happens after an inspection?
A day after the inspection is complete, a copy of the report including any deficiencies that need to be addressed will be emailed to both the landlord and the resident..