The goal of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is to provide “decent, safe and sanitary” housing at an affordable cost to low-income families. Housing Quality Standards help HUD and local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) accomplish that goal by defining “standard housing” and establishing the minimum quality criteria necessary for the health and safety of program participants. All HCV housing units must meet these housing quality standards in order to participate in the HCV program

Resources

US HUD Inspection Checklist – 52580

HCVP Progam Guidebook

HQS Standards Guidebook

Most Common HQS Fail Items

  • Inoperable light fixtures and improperly wired electrical outlets: reverse polarity, open ground, hot neutral reverse, etc.
  • Exposed electrical wires/connections: light fixtures missing globes, electrical junction boxes missing cover plates or knockout plugs, breaker boxes with open sockets, etc.
  • Missing, inoperable, or incorrectly mounted smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Broken or inoperable windows: cracked glass panes, broken locks, drafty frames, etc.
  • Broken or faulty door locks and drafty doors.
  • Cutting hazards: protruding sharp nails, pipes/metals objects with jagged edges, deteriorated sheet metal, cracked glass blocks on windows, etc.
  • Gaps and holes around heating system flue pipes and gas utility not in service.
  • Evidence of rodent and/or bug infestation.
  • Holes and large gaps (more than a quarter-inch) on walls, ceilings or floors of living space areas.

The 13 key aspects of housing quality covered by the HQS include:

  • • Sanitary facilities

  • • Food preparation

  • • 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

  • • Smoke Detectors