Section 8 Inspection FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions on Section 8 Inspections

How often are inspections performed?

The first Section 8 inspection will happen after you pick a property, such as an apartment, townhome, or single-family home. Before you can move in, an inspector will check to see that the property meets the HUD’s Housing Quality Standards. Once it’s deemed safe, you can move into the property.

After that, you can expect Section 8 inspections every year, although they could happen on an as-needed basis. If there are health or safety issues, you or your landlord could request an inspection from the Public Housing Agency (PHA).

What do inspectors look for?

Section 8 inspectors check to see that the property meets the following performance requirements set by the HUD:

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

They want to see that the house is safe, decent, and sanitary, which is what the criteria above helps them figure out.

What happens if you fail an inspection?

Believe it or not, you can fail a Section 8 property inspection if just one issue is found. You’ll be given time to fix the issue, after which the inspector will come back. If the problem is fixed, you’ll be fine. If not, the landlord will have to let you move if it’s their fault. And if it’s your fault, you may lose your voucher.

Are there any red flags inspectors look for?

Some specific issues that could put you on the fast path towards a failed inspection include:

• Broken doors, light fixtures, bathroom fixtures, or windows.
• Dirty or unusable appliances.
• Garbage hoarding.
• Holes or stains in ceilings.
• Walls littered with holes, grease, graffiti, or mold.
• Tears, stains, punctures, holes, or burns in floors.
• Flea infestation from pets.
• Utilities that are turned off for non-payment.
• Uncut grass, high weeds, and other examples of neglected landscaping.

Is there anything you can do to prepare for a Section 8 inspection?

Since failing an inspection could lead you to lose your voucher that you may have waited years to receive, it’s crucial to prepare. If not, you could find yourself scrambling to finish repairs at the last minute.

The two biggest things you can do to prepare for a Section 8 home inspection are:

1. Ask your landlord to make the necessary repairs.
2. Maintain your home throughout your lease, so problems don’t pile up.

Your lease agreement should outline what your landlord is responsible for. Let them know what needs to be fixed before the inspection comes. And if it’s a problem you caused, take care of it before the inspector arrives.

If your landlord refuses, you can contact your PHA and request an inspection to show that there is, in fact, a problem. If they don’t fix it, you may be allowed to move elsewhere.

Again, maintaining the property throughout your lease is your best bet to passing inspection every time. And it will also give you the added benefit of putting a safe, clean roof over your loved ones’ heads.