In this September edition of our HUD-REAC newsletter, I’d like to discuss HUD’s NSPIRE Model Demonstration.
- NSPIRE is expected to overhaul HUD’s 20-year-old inspection process!
- Will allegedly be a 2-year Demonstration (most likely longer)
- HUD will inspect approximately 4500 properties from a pool of nationwide volunteers who are willing to adopt the new physical inspection standards.
- The GOAL is to design a new simplified inspection system that more accurately reflects the physical conditions within housing units and to place a greater emphasis on LBP (lead-based paint) hazards and mold.
- Prioritizing health, safety and functional defects over those about appearance.
- Proposed plan: Rule of 3’s:
- 3 Types of Inspections
- Property Owner/Agent (POA Self Inspections
- REAC Contracted Inspections
- HUD QA (Quality Assurance) Inspections
- 3 Categories of Deficiencies – Resident Focused
- Health & Safety
- Function & Operability
- Condition & Appearance
- 3 Inspectable Areas – Complexity Reduced
- Unit (worth 50% of score)
- Inside (worth 25% of score)
- Outside (worth 25% of score)
- 3 Types of Inspections
- Website where you can volunteer to participate in demonstration AND provide Feedback on the Standards they have currently released:
- Linked here.
- Benefits to participating:
- Scores are advisory – only one inspection!
- Can participate in focus groups, listening sessions, conference calls and training sessions on policies and procedures
- Your feedback will help HUD shape this new inspection model – Direct line to HUD!
- Taking advantage of free training opportunities including how to use the inspection software.
- Eligibility Criteria
- Willing to annually inspect 100% of your units and submit electronically to HUD – will NOT be scored!
- Willing to schedule a mutually agreed inspection date with the HUD inspector (not subject to 2-week rule under this Demo)
- Your feedback will help HUD shape this new inspection model – Direct line to HUD!
- Know that a QA could possibly visit for a reinspection if conditions warrant
- If your most recent REAC was scored between 60-70, your property will be considered on a “case by case” basis.
- Agree to participate in focus groups, listening sessions, conference calls and training sessions
- HUD has recently posted 65 new Standards and is requesting feedback from you!
- Linked here.
- Many of these items aren’t even currently inspected (like Grab Bars)
- EXAMPLE from website listed above with my comments:
