HUD Inspection Checklist: What Section 8 Inspectors Look For

The 13 HQS Inspection Areas

HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection covers 13 key areas. Every area must pass for the property to receive approval:

1. Sanitary Facilities — Bathroom with toilet, sink, and tub/shower; proper ventilation

1. Food Preparation and Refuse Disposal — Kitchen with stove/range, refrigerator, sink with hot and cold water, and adequate food storage
   1. Space and Security — Adequate living space; doors and windows that lock properly
      1. Thermal Environment — Heating system capable of maintaining 68°F; cooling if required by local standards
         1. Illumination and Electricity — Adequate electrical outlets in each room; no exposed wiring; working light fixtures
            1. Structure and Materials — Sound structural condition; no major defects in floors, walls, ceilings, roof, or foundation
               1. Interior Air Quality — No evidence of mold, mildew, or air quality hazards
                  1. Water Supply — Safe, adequate water supply; hot and cold running water at all fixtures
                     1. Lead-Based Paint — For pre-1978 properties: no deteriorated paint; disclosure requirements met
                        1. Access — Property accessible without passing through another unit; adequate egress
                           1. Site and Neighborhood — No serious hazards in the immediate vicinity
                              1. Sanitary Conditions — No evidence of pest infestation; proper garbage disposal
                                 1. Smoke Detectors — Working smoke detectors on every level and outside every sleeping area

Most Common Failure Points (From 300+ Inspections)

Based on our experience preparing properties for and conducting 300+ Section 8 inspections across Alabama and Missouri, these are the items that cause the most failures:

Smoke Detectors (Failure Rate: Very High)

The most common failure point. Requirements: working smoke detector on every level of the home, outside every sleeping area, and inside every bedroom (in some jurisdictions). Battery-only detectors are acceptable in most markets, but must be tested and functional. Interconnected detectors are preferred. Cost to fix: $15–$30 per detector.

GFCI Outlets (Failure Rate: High)

Ground fault circuit interrupter outlets are required within 6 feet of any water source — kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, and garages. Many older homes lack these. Inspectors test every outlet near water. Cost to fix: $20–$50 per outlet installed by an electrician.

Window Deficiencies (Failure Rate: High)

Windows must open, close, and lock properly. Broken window locks, painted-shut windows, cracked glass, and missing window stops are common failures. Bedroom windows must meet egress requirements — minimum opening size for emergency exit. Cost to fix: $50–$300 per window depending on the issue.

Heating System (Failure Rate: Moderate)

The heating system must be capable of maintaining 68°F in all habitable rooms. Inspectors may test the system. Filters must be clean, and the system must be in working order. Portable space heaters do not satisfy the heating requirement. Cost to fix: $100–$500+ depending on the issue.

Hot Water (Failure Rate: Moderate)

All plumbing fixtures must have hot and cold running water. Water heater temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valves must be present and properly installed. Water heater must be in working condition. Cost to fix: $50–$1,500+ depending on the issue.

Electrical Hazards (Failure Rate: Moderate)

Exposed wiring, missing outlet covers, double-tapped breakers, and overloaded circuits are common failures. Inspectors look for any electrical condition that poses a safety hazard. Cost to fix: $50–$500+ depending on the issue.

Lead-Based Paint (Failure Rate: Moderate for Pre-1978 Homes)

For properties built before 1978, any deteriorated paint (peeling, chipping, cracking) is a failure. The paint must be stabilized or removed. Disclosure requirements must also be met. Cost to fix: $200–$2,000+ depending on the extent of deterioration.

Structural Deficiencies (Failure Rate: Low-Moderate)

Damaged floors, walls, ceilings, and stairs are inspected. Loose handrails, damaged steps, holes in walls or ceilings, and soft spots in floors are common failures. Cost to fix: $100–$2,000+ depending on the issue.

Pre-Inspection Preparation Checklist

Use this checklist before every HUD inspection:

Smoke Detectors

☐ Test every smoke detector — replace batteries if needed ☐ Verify detector on every level ☐ Verify detector outside every sleeping area ☐ Verify detector inside every bedroom (check local requirements)

Electrical

☐ Install GFCI outlets within 6 feet of all water sources ☐ Replace all missing outlet and switch covers ☐ Check for exposed wiring — cover or repair ☐ Test all light fixtures — replace burned-out bulbs

Windows and Doors

☐ Test every window — must open, close, and lock ☐ Replace cracked or broken glass ☐ Verify bedroom windows meet egress requirements ☐ Test all exterior door locks ☐ Verify all doors open and close properly

Plumbing

☐ Test hot and cold water at every fixture ☐ Check water heater TPR valve ☐ Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets ☐ Verify water heater is in working condition

Heating

☐ Test heating system — verify it reaches 68°F ☐ Replace HVAC filter ☐ Verify no portable space heaters as primary heat source

Lead-Based Paint (Pre-1978 Properties)

☐ Inspect all painted surfaces for deterioration ☐ Stabilize or remove any peeling, chipping, or cracking paint ☐ Ensure lead-based paint disclosure is complete

General

☐ Repair any holes in walls, ceilings, or floors ☐ Tighten loose handrails and stair treads ☐ Remove any pest evidence ☐ Ensure garbage disposal is functional ☐ Clean property thoroughly