Prepping for an Inspection
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Periodic Health and Safety Checks
HASCO is required to certify homes rented to Housing Choice Voucher recipients meet HUD’s (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) Housing Quality Standards.
The standards are consistent with state and federal requirements for rental properties.
We provide notice to the landlord and tenant before every inspection, which typically take place once a year or less.
First Inspection
New Voucher Holder tenants provide the landlord with the Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) packet. Before the tenant moves in, HASCO inspects the home to confirm it meets HUD’s health and safety requirements, typically 3-5 business days after we receive the completed RFTA forms.
Pages 13 through 16 of the RFTA packet list the standards reviewed through in-person HASCO staff inspection. Our focus is on health, safety and confirming that the homes’ vital systems are in good working order.
The landlord receives written notice of HASCO’s inspection results and is not required to attend.
One Year Onward
A similar inspection of the home is required prior to the two-year anniversary of the tenant’s move-in date. Both the landlord and tenant receive advance notice of the inspection date, and the results. In addition to written notices, inspection information is posted to the landlord’s account in the Landlord Portal.
If the home passes inspection, the unit will remain on an every-other-year inspection schedule.
If the home fails inspection, 30 days are given to make most corrections. Corrections may be the responsibility of the landlord or the tenant.
If a failed item is considered life-threatening, federal law requires that the repair be made within 24 hours.
When corrections are needed, a letter is sent immediately to the landlord and tenant. The letter states who is responsible for making each required correction and the exact timeframe within which the repairs must be made.
If a home fails an inspection, it may be placed on a once-a-year inspection schedule.
Get the most updated Housing Quality Standard (HQS) requirements.
Resources for Addressing Mold
Mold inside buildings is caused by water and moisture problems. In many cases, the problem can be remedied by the tenant through proper heating and ventilation of the unit.
The following links about mold may also be helpful resources for landlords and tenants:
Tenant-Caused Damage
HASCO policy holds the landlord responsible for making repairs to ensure that the home meets Housing Quality Standards. If the tenant is responsible for any damages, the landlord can charge the tenant for the cost of making the repairs.
