This is an accessible HTML version of the HQS Self-Inspection Checklist. Download the original PDF for printing.
Download PDF (opens in new tab)Housing Quality Standards
Self-Inspection Checklist
Use this checklist to identify common items that fail HQS inspection so you can address them before the official inspection.
Inspection Checklist Items
Each item below is a question to ask yourself when self-inspecting the unit. Items are grouped by area.
| # | Question to Ask |
|---|---|
| Electricity | |
| 1. | Do all fixtures and outlets work? (At least 2 outlets per room, or one outlet and one light fixture per room.) |
| 2. | Is there lighting in the common hallways and porches? |
| 3. | Are all outlets, light switches, and fuse boxes properly covered with no cracks or breaks in the cover plates / doors? |
| 4. | Are light / electrical fixtures securely fastened without any hanging or exposed wires? |
| 5. | Have you arranged for all utilities to be on the day of the inspection? |
| 6. | Are there any missing or damaged light bulbs? |
| 7. | Are there loose or broken lights, ceiling fans, outlets, switches, or cover plates? |
| HVAC | |
| 8. | Is there adequate heat and air cooling in all living spaces? |
| 9. | Is the heating and air conditioning unit working properly? |
| 10. | Are there dirty or missing air filters? |
| Bathroom | |
| 11. | Is the toilet securely fastened with no leaks or gaps? Does it flush properly? |
| 12. | Sink — is there hot and cold running water, proper drainage, proper water pressure, and no leaks? |
| 13. | Bathtub / shower — is there hot and cold running water, proper drainage, proper water pressure, and no leaks? |
| 14. | Is the bathroom vented with either an exterior window or exhaust fan? |
| Kitchen | |
| 15. | Sink — is there hot and cold running water, proper drainage, and no leaks? |
| 16. | Is the refrigerator / freezer large enough for the family occupying the unit? |
| 17. | Are all appliances in proper working order: refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, stove hood, garbage disposal? |
| 18. | Are all elements / burners working on the stove? Are all stove knobs present and legible? |
| 19. | Is there space for food preparation and storage? |
| 20. | Are cabinet doors securely fastened? |
| Walls, Ceilings & Floors | |
| 21. | Are walls free of air and moisture leaks, large holes, and cracks? |
| 22. | Are ceilings free of air and moisture leaks, large holes, and cracks? |
| 23. | Are floors free of weak spots or missing floorboards? |
| 24. | Is there exposed tack stripping? |
| 25. | Is the carpet / flooring sanitary? |
| 26. | Are floors free of tripping hazards from loose flooring or buckling carpets? Are tiles free of cracks / broken tile? |
| Doors | |
| 27. | Is there no air filtration around exterior doors? |
| 28. | Are all interior doors free of holes? |
| 29. | Are all doors securely hung? |
| 30. | Is there free and clear access to all exits? |
| Security | |
| 31. | Are there deadbolt locks on entry doors to the unit? Do they open with a key from the outside and a knob / latch from the inside? |
| 32. | Are entrance and exit solid-core doors? |
| 33. | Do first-floor windows and those opening to a stairway, fire escape, or landing have locks? |
| Health & Safety | |
| 34. | Is there at least one battery-operated CO detector present and functioning within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping and every source of carbon monoxide (including furnaces and boilers)? |
| 35. | Is there a working smoke detector on each level of the unit, installed per manufacturer’s guide? |
| 36. | Is the unit free of any evidence of insect or rodent infestation, including roaches, fleas, mice, rats, and bed bugs? |
| 37. | Is the unit free of any evidence of mold-like substance or mildew? (Check window sills, walls, ceilings, under all sinks.) |
| 38. | There are no owner items being stored on the property (cars, RVs, tools, etc.)? |
| Water Heater | |
| 39. | Is the discharge line free of missing sections or upward pitch? |
| 40. | Is there a pressure relief valve? |
| 41. | Is the discharge line proper material? |
| Windows | |
| 42. | Do windows open, close, and lock properly? |
| 43. | Is there at least one exterior window in each bedroom and in the living room? |
| 44. | Do windows open and remain open without assistance? |
| 45. | Are all windows free of defects, cracks, or broken panes? |
| Exterior | |
| 46. | Is the roof free of leaks? |
| 47. | Are gutters firmly attached? |
| 48. | Are exterior surfaces in a condition to prevent moisture leakage and rodent infestation? |
| 49. | Is the chimney secure? Is the flue tightly sealed with no gaps? |
| 50. | Is the foundation sound? |
| 51. | Are yards maintained? Are there tree limbs laying on roofs? |
| 52. | Are fences / gates secure, stable, and free of protruding nails and broken boards? |
| Stairways & Common Areas | |
| 53. | Are sidewalks free of tripping hazards? |
| 54. | Are all handrails properly secured? |
| 55. | Is a handrail present when there are 4 or more consecutive steps? |
| 56. | Are stairs free of any loose, broken, or missing steps? |
| 57. | Are stairways free of tripping hazards? |
| 58. | Are there proper exit signs? |
| 59. | Are there secure railings on porches, balconies, and landings 30″ high or higher? |
| 60. | Is the unit free of debris inside and outside? |
| 61. | INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR of units rented to families with children under age 6: is the unit free of any chipping, peeling, flaking, chalking, or cracking painted surfaces — including windows, window sills, door frames, walls, ceilings, porches, garages, fences, or play equipment? |
| 62. | Is there fencing around the perimeter of swimming pools? |
| 63. | Steps with 4 or more risers must have a handrail. |
| 64. | Is the elevator certification current? (Required every three years for multi-unit buildings.) |
Disclaimer
The criteria listed above is provided as a generalized checklist to determine if a unit is rent-ready for Housing Choice Voucher Program participants. This checklist is to be used as a guide only; other items not listed may cause the unit to fail an HQS inspection. In addition, all city, county, and state codes must be followed. For multi-unit properties and cooperatives, common areas are the responsibility of the property owner / manager.
Download the original PDF version for printing or offline reference.
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