HOUSING QUALITY STANDARDS INSPECTION

OVERVIEW

Before Mercedes Housing Authority (MHA) can make payments on behalf of a tenant family, the unit must meet HUD's minimum Housing Quality Standards (HQS). MHA will inspect the unit for HQS initially and at least annually. At the time of the inspection, the unit should be "move-in" ready. This will prevent delays in the housing assistance payments.

MOST COMMOM HQS FAILED ITEMS

• Non- functional smoke detectors

• Missing or cracked electrical outlet cover plates

• Railings not present where required

• Peeling exterior and interior paint

• Trip hazards caused by installed floor coverings

• Cracked or broken windowpanes

• Inoperable burners on stoves or inoperable range hoods

• Missing burner control knobs

• Inoperable bathroom fan / no ventilation

• Leaking faucets or plumbing

• No temperature/pressure relief on water heaters

• No dead bolt locks and no locks on windows

• No peep hole on door

• Floors should be sound and firm