Posts by Cody Taylor

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…

Proper property maintenance is a key part of INSPIRE inspections, and litter is one area that often raises questions. Where Litter is Inspected INSPIRE focuses on litter in two main areas: Important: Litter inside individual apartments is not citable under INSPIRE. Even if an apartment appears messy, it does not trigger a deficiency. What Counts…

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

Retaining walls are a common feature in housing developments, but under the INSPIRE inspection protocol, not all retaining walls are created equal. John from USIG provides clarity on what property managers need to know about inspecting these structures. Which Walls Are Inspectable? This distinction helps property managers focus on walls that could pose structural or…

Proper storage of flammable materials is critical for resident safety and compliance with INSPIRE inspections. John, an INSPIRE training instructor, highlights the dangers and common violations that property managers need to address immediately. Why It Matters Incorrectly stored flammable materials are considered life-threatening deficiencies. These are among the highest point-value violations in an inspection, often…

Playgrounds are a common feature in housing developments, but they are not a specific line item in INSPIRE inspections. That said, there are several safety concerns and recordable deficiencies that inspectors and property managers should monitor to ensure a safe environment for residents. Key Playground Safety Issues While the equipment itself isn’t directly inspected under…

Properly functioning shower heads and diverters are essential for maintaining safe, operable bathrooms in rental units. While there are relatively few defects to monitor, understanding them can help housing providers stay inspection-ready and ensure resident satisfaction. Common Defects When it comes to shower heads and diverters, there are three main inspection concerns: Ownership Considerations Best…

In NSPIRE inspections, understanding which items are considered inspectable is critical—especially when residents bring their own appliances or accessories into a unit. While ownership may belong to the resident, the responsibility for safety and functionality often falls on the housing provider once the item is installed or in use. Here’s a breakdown of common resident-owned…

Garage doors are a common feature in many properties, but under NSPIRE standards, they are relatively simple to inspect. Unlike other building components, garage doors have only two possible recordable defects. Understanding these will help property managers maintain compliance and avoid inspection failures. Key Garage Door Inspection Points 1. Penetrating Holes 2. Hardware or Operational…

Roofing shingles protect a building’s structure from water intrusion and weather damage. During NSPIRE inspections, shingles are evaluated for their condition, but the standards focus on safety and function rather than cosmetic appearance. Key Shingle Inspection Points 1. Missing or Damaged Shingles 2. Common Non-Defective Conditions 3. Recordable Defects Practical Tips for Property Managers Even…