When it comes to property inspections under INSPIRE, many landlords and property managers wonder how overgrown vegetation is handled.

Key Takeaways

1. Overgrown vegetation is not automatically a deficiency.
   • There is no line item in INSPIRE specifically for overgrown vegetation.
   • Vegetation touching roofs, buildings, or fences is not considered a defect.
2. When vegetation does become a concern:
   • If plants, bushes, or tree limbs block a walkway, it is considered a deficiency.
   • This includes sidewalks, porches, patios, and stoops.
   • Tree limbs hanging low enough that someone has to duck to pass would also be cited.
3. Impact on INSPIRE:
   • For Housing Choice Voucher inspections, this is a fail deficiency that requires a 30-day repair.
4. Vegetation causing damage:
   • If vegetation causes physical damage, such as pulling siding off a building, the damage itself can be recorded as a deficiency.
   • Simply touching a structure or fence does not trigger a defect.

Practical Examples

• Safe: Bushes touching a building or fence, or tree branches near the roof.
• Deficient: A hedge growing across a sidewalk, or a low-hanging branch obstructing pedestrian traffic.
• Conditional: Vegetation that damages siding or other building components can trigger a recordable defect.

Conclusion

For INSPIRE inspections, overgrown vegetation is generally not a problem unless it interferes with walkways or causes damage. By understanding these standards, property managers can prioritize maintenance efforts effectively and avoid unnecessary point deductions.