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.

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 the extension, statutory requirements for installing carbon monoxide devices and smoke alarms remain in effect. By December 29, 2024, smoke detectors must be either hard-wired or sealed, aligning with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.

For more information regarding the new smoke detector requirements, visit:

Understanding NSPIRE Inspections: Smoke Detectors

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: Light Fixtures

March 9, 2024

In this article, we dive into the essential aspects of light fixture inspections, under the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE)…

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Understanding NSPIRE Inspections: Water Heater TPR Valve & Discharge Line

March 9, 2024

In our commitment to resident safety and compliance with housing standards, it’s essential to spotlight the vital components of our homes that often go unnoticed—until…

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Understanding NSPIRE Inspections: Outlets and Switches

March 9, 2024

In this focus piece, we delve into the crucial aspects of the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) inspections relating to electrical outlets and switches,…

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Understanding NSPIRE Inspections: Handrails

March 9, 2024

An important aspect of the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) inspections is the evaluation of handrails on properties. This article…

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Understanding NSPIRE Inspections: GFCI Standards

March 9, 2024

Welcome to the latest update on the NSPIRE (National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate) inspections, particularly focusing on the Ground Fault Circuit…

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Understanding NSPIRE Inspections: Smoke Detectors

March 9, 2024

In this article we’re zeroing in on an essential component of home safety: smoke detectors. With recent changes and upcoming requirements, it’s vital for property…

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For more information, visit HUD’s NSPIRE homepage.