Inspections
The Thurston County Housing Authority currently conducts Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections. An HQS inspection is a thorough review conducted by trained inspectors to ensure that all homes meet specific safety, health, and quality guidelines as mandated by federal housing regulations. These inspections are important as they ensure the well-being of all residents, providing them with safe and decent living conditions.
Regular inspections are performed annually or biennially to ensure continuous compliance with HQS, though additional inspections may occur if there are changes in tenancy, a change in the voucher contract, or if an inspection is requested. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated throughout this process, as it helps us maintain a standard of living expected within our community. Together, we can ensure a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment for everyone.
Please note our inspection process will be transitioning from HQS to the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE). This change aims to enhance the quality and safety of housing conditions further. Please read more about NSPIRE below.
Changes in HQS Inspections: A Move to NSPIRE
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is set for a significant transition, moving from the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) to the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) by October 1, 2025. This shift, mandated by Congress, updates inspection standards that have remained unchanged for over two decades, unifying multiple HUD programs under a single inspection protocol. NSPIRE's core mission aims to ensure residents enjoy safe, habitable living conditions. It focuses on the functional adequacy, operability, and safety of elements within three crucial areas: Unit, Inside, and Outside.
NSPIRE for Vouchers Compliance Extended to Oct. 2025
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has extended the compliance date for transitioning from the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) to the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) from October 1, 2024, to October 1, 2025. This extension allows Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), jurisdictions, participants, and grantees additional time to implement the new standards. HUD encourages those to use this extension to train staff, communicate with landlords, and access more technical resources provided by HUD.
Despite this extension, statutory requirements for carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms remain in effect. By December 29, 2024, all smoke detectors must either be hard-wired with a battery backup or have a sealed, non-removable 10-year battery, in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.
For more information on the new smoke detector requirements, please refer to the letter mailed last year:
NOTICE: NEW SMOKE & CO DETECTOR REQUIREMENTS EFFECTIVE 12/29/2024
Area Definitions
Under NSPIRE, the critical areas of focus include Unit, Inside, and Outside, each defined below.
Further Reading
Welcome to the latest edition of our Housing Authority's commitment to ensuring safety and compliance through educational resources.
Understanding NSPIRE Inspections: Housekeeping
The Housing Authority of Thurston County is committed to helping landlords and property managers navigate the…
Read MoreUnderstanding NSPIRE Inspections: Mold-Like Substance
As the Housing Authority of Thurston County continues the transition from Housing Quality Standards (HQS) to…
Read MoreUnderstanding NSPIRE Inspections: Fire Extinguishers
As part of our ongoing compliance with HUD’s National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real…
Read MoreUnderstanding NSPIRE Inspections: Fire-Rated Doors
In our ongoing series about understanding NSPIRE, this article is on the critical aspect of fire-rated…
Read MoreUnderstanding NSPIRE Inspections: Fire Suppression Sprinklers
As part of HUD’s new National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), it’s…
Read MoreUnderstanding NSPIRE Inspections: Egress
One of the most important safety requirements under NSPIRE (National Standards for the Physical Inspection of…
Read More