Important Notice Regarding HQS Inspections for the Housing Choice Voucher Program and Guidance Related to Electrical Outlets

The Housing Quality Standards (HQS) consist of performance requirements and acceptability criteria or HUD approved variations in the acceptability criteria.

View performance and acceptability criteria for these key aspects of housing quality by clicking the following links:

1. Sanitary facilities
2. Food preparation and refuse disposal
3. Space and security
4. Thermal environment
5. Illumination and electricity
6. Structure and materials
7. Interior air quality
8. Water supply
9. Lead-based paint
10. Access
11. Site and neighborhood
12. Sanitary condition
13. Smoke detectors

All program housing must meet the HQS performance requirements both at commencement of assisted occupancy, and throughout the assisted tenancy.

In addition to meeting HQS performance requirements, the housing must meet the acceptability criteria stated in this section, unless variations are approved by HUD.

HUD may approve acceptability criteria variations for the following purposes:

1. Variations which apply standards in local housing codes or other codes adopted by the PHA
2. Variations because of local climatic or geographic conditions

Acceptability criteria variations may only be approved by if such variations either:

1. Meet or exceed the performance requirements; or
2. Significantly expand affordable housing opportunities for families assisted under the program.

HUD will not approve any acceptability criteria variation if HUD believes that such variation is likely to adversely affect the health or safety of participant families, or severely restrict housing choice.

Typical items that violate HQS code:

• Peeling or Flaking Paint
• Unsafe or Rotted Porches
• Water Leaks
• Ventilation Issues (Flue/Hot Water Talk)
• Weak or Broken Floor Boards
• Faulty Plumbing
• Missing Outlet Covers or Switch Plates
• Inoperable Smoke Detectors
• more...

Click here to view full checklist