Erosion is a common concern for property managers, but under the new INSPIRE inspection protocol, how it’s evaluated has changed dramatically. Here’s exactly what counts as erosion, what doesn’t, and how property managers can prioritize their maintenance efforts.

What Counts as Erosion

Under INSPIRE, the only form of erosion that is considered a deficiency is erosion beneath a structure. This includes situations such as:

• Under an air conditioning pad
• Beneath sidewalks or patios
• Beneath porches or foundations
• Under basketball courts or similar structures

If soil is missing from under a structure in a way that compromises stability, it is a recordable deficiency.

What Does NOT Count

Many common types of erosion are no longer cited under INSPIRE:

• General soil wash or ruts caused by water runoff
• Tire tracks or worn paths on property grounds

These issues may look unsightly but are not considered defects unless they involve erosion beneath a structure.

Practical Tips

1. Inspect beneath structures regularly, especially after heavy rain or flooding.
2. Address soil voids promptly by filling with dirt or stabilizing material to prevent hazards.
3. Monitor high-traffic or water-prone areas, even if they are not currently cited as deficiencies.

Key Takeaways

• INSPIRE has greatly reduced the priority of erosion compared to UPCS.
• Only erosion beneath a structure is a recordable defect.
• Other common soil wash issues or ruts are not cited, reducing unnecessary maintenance concerns.

Conclusion

Erosion remains something to monitor, but INSPIRE has dramatically minimized its impact on inspection scores. Focusing on soil loss beneath structures ensures compliance without over-prioritizing minor, cosmetic issues.