When it comes to NSPIRE inspections, dumpster enclosures are a common area of concern—but it’s important to understand what is and isn’t inspected. While the dumpster and its surrounding enclosure may catch your eye, HUD standards focus on safety hazards and general maintenance in the area, not the dumpster structure itself.

What Inspectors Look For

Although the dumpster enclosure itself is outside the scope of NSPIRE and Housing Choice Voucher inspections, several potential hazards in the surrounding area are inspectable:

1. Sharp Objects: Broken glass, jagged metal, or other sharp edges near the dumpster must be addressed.
   • Housing Choice Voucher: Requires a 30-day repair.
2. Litter and Trash: Garbage on the ground around the dumpster is classified as a litter deficiency.
   • While litter is a deficiency, it does not automatically fail an inspection.
3. Tripping Hazards: Uneven walkways, protruding objects, or other safety concerns near the dumpster are inspectable. Inspectors check for conditions such as uneven surfaces greater than 3/4 of an inch, which could pose a risk to residents.

Key Takeaways

• The dumpster and enclosure itself are not inspected. Focus is on hazards in the immediate area.
• Inspectors evaluate safety hazards and cleanliness, including broken glass, litter, and tripping hazards.
• Maintaining a clean, safe dumpster area helps reduce inspection deficiencies and protects residents.

While dumpsters are often overlooked, keeping the surrounding area safe and free of hazards is a small but important step in ensuring a property passes NSPIRE inspections.