In this July Newsletter, I am still hopeful that HUD will announce SOON that they have posted the Standards in the Federal Register for public review and commentary. Unfortunately, we’re still waiting.
They did, however, release an updated Final Rule – Administrative Notice which can be found here: https://www.hud.gov/sites/default/files/PIH/documents/PIH-2026-18.pdf
Top 10 Takeaways from the Updated Final Rule:
- The NSPIRE-V compliance date of February 1, 2027, remains unchanged, although they urge PHAs to comply asap.
- PHAs implementing inspections using NSPIRE must be in communication with their owners and families regarding the changes to the inspection standards. All participating owners and families must be notified of NSPIRE, what the NSPIRE standards are, and when these changes will take effect for their inspections. PHAs must also ensure that inspectors are trained on NSPIRE and any new software or tools they will be required to use.
- PHAs are required to comply NOW with the following CFR sections:
- 24 CFR 982.352(b)(1)(v)(A)(3) (previously at 24 CFR 982.352(b)(1)(iv)(A)(3)), which, in the case of PHA-owned housing, requires a PHA to obtain the services of an independent entity to perform HQS inspections and communicate the inspection results to the family and PHA
- 24 CFR 982.405(a)-(b) (previously at 24 CFR 982.405(a)(1)-(2)), which allows for periodic inspections on a biennial basis for HCV units and a triennial basis for HCV units at small, rural PHAs
- 24 CFR 983.103(e)(1) (previously at 24 CFR 983.103(d)(4)), which allows for random sampling of periodic inspections on a biennial basis for PBV contract units and a triennial basis for PBV contract units at small, rural PHAs
- Units and owners are subject to the requirements in effect at the time the unit was inspected until final resolution of the inspection process, even if the PHA implements NSPIRE before the inspection process is complete.
In other words, if you have failed inspection under HQS, you must re-inspect the unit (or verify corrections) under the HQS guidelines, even if you have adopted NSPIRE.
- You MUST notify HUD (if you haven’t already) of the date you intend to implement NSPIRE following these rules:
- PHAs should email NSPIREV_AlternateInspection@hud.gov, copying the field office representative, with the subject: “Notification of Implementation of NSPIRE [PHA Code].”
- The body of the email should include the PHA name, PHA code, and the date the PHA implemented NSPIRE or, if the PHA has not yet implemented NSPIRE, the date the PHA plans to implement NSPIRE (which may be no later than February 1, 2027).
- This email should be sent by September 30, 2026, though HUD will continue to accept updates, changes, and implementation confirmations after this date.
- PHAs that wish to apply for approval of variant inspection standards from the NSPIRE standards must email HUD at NSPIREV_AlternateInspection@hud.gov, copying the field office representative, with the subject: “Variation Request, [PHA Code].”
**Previously approved variations under HQS MUST BE re-approved!**
Requests for variations must include the following:
- Name and PHA code of the PHA requesting the variation;
- The variation requested or the current NSPIRE standard requested to be modified;
- Purpose of the request. HUD will only consider variations for the following purposes:
- The local housing code that supports the request,14 or
- The unique climatic or geographical condition that supports the request
- 4. Justification for approval:
- Whether the variation meets or exceeds the performance requirements under NSPIRE, or
- How the variation will significantly expand housing opportunities for families.
- A significant change between NSPIRE and HQS is the removal of the “Site and Neighborhood” requirement for unit inspections.
- Potential Lead Based Paint
- For the HCV Program (a tenant-based assistance program), any housing constructed prior to 1978, with assisted units where a child under age 6 resides or is expected to reside, common areas that service that unit, and exterior painted surfaces associated with that unit or common areas is subject to visual assessment for potential lead-based paint hazards.
- For the PBV Program (a project-based assistance program), any housing constructed prior to 1978, with assisted units, regardless of whether a child under age 6 resides or is expected to reside in the unit, common areas that service that unit, and exterior painted surfaces associated with that unit or common areas is subject to visual assessment for potential lead-based paint hazards.
- Inspection Tool
- HUD will officially NOT be providing software to use for NSPIRE-V inspections.
- You must stop using the 52580 form after you implement NSPIRE
- The absolute best complete administrative AND inspector software solution I have ever tested was created by Inspect Edge https://inspect-edge.com/ ask for Lloyd Adams.
- I am currently updating the NSPIRE-V form on my website to include the deficiency parameters that must be met in order to correctly cite the deficiency. You can find HUD’s version here: https://c4n6.com/site/hud-pre-reac-inspections/reac-resources/
- Training and Resources
- HUD has 22 excellent videos located here: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/nspire/
- A BASIC NSPIRE training is located at the same address
- If you’re ready for the advanced training, contact me
Please reach out to me for consulting, Pre-NSPIRE inspections, training, appeals, or if you just have a question!
Resources
HUD has PDFs (videos are currently down) on how to appeal and how to close out H&S deficiencies here:
NSPIRE Toolkit
**Remember, if you will be appealing something that was cited,
your “defect mitigation in 24 hours” is that you are appealing…not that you fixed it!**
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