Inspections

The goal of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is to provide “decent, safe and sanitary” housing at an affordable cost to low-income families. Housing Quality Standards help HUD and local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) accomplish that goal by defining “standard housing” and establishing the minimum quality criteria necessary for the health and safety of program participants. All HCV housing units must meet these housing quality standards in order to participate in the HCV program.

The 13 key aspects of housing quality covered by the HQS include:

• Sanitary facilities;
• Food preparation and refuse disposal;
• Space and security;
• Thermal environment;
• Illumination and electricity;
• Structure and materials;
• Interior air quality;
• Water supply;
• Lead-based paint;
• Access;
• Site and neighborhood;
• Sanitary condition;
• Smoke Detectors.

More information is available on the HUD website.