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The
goal of the housing choice voucher program is to provide "decent, safe
and sanitary" housing at an affordable cost to low-income families. To
accomplish this, program regulations set forth basic housing quality
standards (HQS) which all units must meet before assistance can be paid
on behalf of a family and at least annually throughout the term of the
assisted tenancy. HQS defines "standard housing" and establishes the
minimum criteria necessary for the health and safety of program
participants.
HQS
regulations provide performance requirements and acceptability criteria
to meet each performance requirement. HQS includes requirements for all
housing types, including single and multi-family dwelling units, as
well as specific requirements for special housing types such as
manufactured homes, congregate housing, single room occupancy (SROs).
The
HUD Housing Inspection Manual for Section 8 Housing, available through
the HUD user at 800-245-2691, and the HUD Inspection Form, form
HUD-52580 (3/01) and Inspection Checklist, form HUD 52580-A (9/00),
available through HUDCLIPS website: www.hudclips.org, provide guidance to
PHAs in interpreting the standards, as well as HUD regulations
Housing Quality Standards General
Requirements
At
least annually, it is the responsibility of the PHA
to conduct inspections of units to determine compliance with HQS prior
to the execution of the entire term of the assisted lease. Inspections
may be completed by PHA staff or by contract personnel. HQS consists of
the following thirteen (13) performance requirements:
- 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; and
- Smoke Detectors.
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