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NSPIRE Self-Inspection Checklists are NOW AVAILABLE for ALL programs<\/span><\/strong> In this September Newsletter, HUD made an official announcement that the temporarily unscored items will begin scoring 10\/01\/2026.\u00a0 For properties subject to a SCORED REAC inspection this NEEDS YOUR FEEDBACK<\/u><\/strong>!!!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n HUD REQUESTS FEEDBACK FROM SCORED PROPERTIES!<\/u><\/strong> Before we dive into the AHR\u2019s that will start scoring October 1st \u2013 there ARE still deficiencies that will remain non-scoring<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 I have a document from HUD that literally states they will \u201cnever\u201d score: These remain \u201cLife-Threatening\u201d and must be repaired\/corrected within 24 hours (or communicated to HUD why you need additional time) \u2026but are NOT SCORED.<\/p>\n Same as CO Alarms \u2013 these will stay Life-Threatening but not<\/u> scored against the property.Battery-only (not hard-wired) smoke alarms have to be 10-year, tamper-resistant, sealed batteries and contain a way to hush\/silence \u2026but we still don\u2019t have a Protocol for that nor is it in the Federal Register.If a hard-wired smoke alarm is missing, there is a chance that the exposed wires could be cited and WILL BE scored as an electrical hazard \u2013 I am still fighting the good fight on this one.<\/p>\n Both deficiencies listed under the Call-for-Aid Standard are considered Life-Threatening, but only Deficiency #1 is not scored.<\/strong>Deficiency #2, \u201cSystem does not function properly\u201d is absolutely scored and is often mistakenly clicked on by inspectors.<\/p>\n Deficiency #2 should only be cited in the following scenarios:<\/p>\n Multifamily properties \u2013 if you missed the announcement in my Special Bulletin \u2013 here is the recently released memo on old E-Call systems: Emergency Call Systems<\/a><\/p>\n The other 2 deficiencies, \u201cHandrail is not secure\u201d and \u201cHandrail is not functionally adequate\u201d will continue to score at the Moderate H&S level. Deficiencies that START SCORING 10\/01\/2026<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n To be cited as a Fire Labeled Door, a tag\/plug must be on the door or frame.If unable to determine if a tag\/plug is present (missing or painted over), and one other door along the egress path has a fire tag\/plug, then the door will be considered fire labeled.<\/p>\n Up until now, this deficiency was cited but not scored \u2013 primarily to give properties time to comply with this expensive requirement.\u00a0 I have fully analyzed this deficiency in a few previous Newsletters.\u00a0 Click here to read them: August 2024 Newsletter<\/a> and\u00a0 January 2024 Newsletter<\/a><\/p>\n Both deficiencies are Life-Threatening and can be cited in all 3 inspectable areas.Any time you have a drop of 30 inches or more, the inspector will be evaluating whether you need to have a guardrail installed.Please note: this also includes the balusters connected to the handrail for staircases.<\/p>\n Instead of looking them up, the bottom line is if your heater is not working \u2013 it will be scored at the Life-Threatening level.MAKE SURE YOU REPLACE ALL THE BATTERIES ON THE THERMOSTATS PRIOR TO INSPECTION!There is nothing in writing by HUD allowing you to change the thermostat battery on the day of inspection.<\/p>\n I cannot imagine any property other than historical housing will have an issue with this deficiency.<\/p>\n The 4 habitable rooms are: Living room, Bedroom, Dining Room, and Kitchen This means that the inspectors will have to be able to gain access to the outlets to test them with their circuit tester!Units subject to hoarding may have a difficult time providing access to 2 outlets (if there is no permanent light source) so please start informing your residents immediately!Although not expressly permitted in writing by HUD, common sense indicates that if the resident or the property contact is willing to move furniture to provide access to test the outlet receptacle, this deficiency would not be cited.<\/p>\n Please reach out to me for consulting, Pre\/Post-NSPIRE inspections, training, appeals, or if you just have a question!<\/strong><\/p>\n Resources<\/strong>
\nthat have their Final Rules released (HCV, HOPWA, HOME, HTF, LIHTC)<\/span><\/strong>
\nClick here for free, downloadable <\/span><\/strong>REAC Resources<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.<\/span>
\nNew Training Dates TBD due to NSPIRE Standard Updates this Summer!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nAHR = Affirmative Habitability Requirements
\nOfficial Notice and info on how to provide commentary: AHRs to Begin Scoring 10-1-2026<\/a> \u2013 this will be posted TODAY, September 29, 2026 in the Federal Register.<\/p>\n
\nDeficiencies that remain<\/em> NON-SCORING in all applicable inspectable areas:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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\nAdditionally, there is no requirement to install a handrail where the inspector believes it is required. It is the ONLY deficiency out of all the Standards categorized as a N\/A under Units.Under the Inside and Outside inspectable areas, it is listed as a Low H&S\u2026but there is no requirement to install the handrail per the 35-page \u201cComplementary Document\u201d to the NSPIRE Rule here: Inspection Standards – 35 page Supplemental Document<\/a><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/mcusercontent.com\/09ba5c1c1015b2f3c02e52ae8\/images\/a41ee2ba-5527-6f9b-520a-286cd12b7705.png\")
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\nKeep in mind that HUD defines a \u201cworking outlet\u201d as one that allows the user to SAFELY access power.<\/p>\n
\nHUD has PDFs (videos are currently down) on how to appeal and how to close out H&S deficiencies here:
\nNSPIRE Toolkit<\/a>
\n**Remember, if you will be appealing something that was cited, <\/strong>
\nyour defect mitigation in 24 hours is that you are appealing\u2026not that you fixed it<\/u>!**<\/strong><\/p>\n