Address and Signage Standard
Outside
Ensures properties have clearly visible and legible address numbers and signage. Addresses must be readable from the street and properly identify building entrances and units.
NSPIRE Standards Reference
NSPIRE Standards
Complete list of all NSPIRE (National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate) standards published by HUD. Each standard includes detailed inspection procedures, deficiency definitions, and location-specific requirements.
Source: HUD.gov/reac/nspire-standards
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Showing 63 of 63 standards
Bathtub and Shower Standard
UnitInside
Covers fixtures that dispense clean water for bathing and self-care with proper drainage. Includes inspection of operability, component condition, and privacy requirements for tubs and showers.
Cabinet and Storage Standard
UnitInside
Evaluates the condition and functionality of cabinets, shelving, and storage areas. Ensures doors, drawers, and hardware are operational and properly secured.
Call-for-Aid System Standard
UnitInside
Ensures emergency call systems are present and functional in units and common areas. Includes pull cords, buttons, and communication devices for residents to request assistance.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standard
UnitInside
Requires functional carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate locations. Alarms must be properly installed, operational, and meet safety requirements to protect residents from CO exposure.
Ceiling Standard
UnitInside
Evaluates ceiling condition, including damage, missing materials, or structural issues. Ensures ceilings are intact, properly finished, and free from hazards that could affect habitability.
Chimney Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Inspects chimneys for structural integrity, proper venting, and safety hazards. Includes assessment of masonry, flashing, caps, and clearance from combustible materials.
Clothes Dryer Exhaust Ventilation Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Ensures dryer exhaust systems properly vent to the exterior. Checks for proper installation, blockage, and adequate airflow to prevent fire hazards and moisture buildup.
Cooking Appliance Standard
UnitInside
Covers stoves, ovens, and cooktops in units and common areas. Verifies appliances are operational, properly installed, and have functional controls and safety features.
Door – Entry Standard
UnitInside
Evaluates entry doors for security, operability, and condition. Includes locks, hardware, weatherstripping, and structural integrity of primary unit and building entrances.
Door – Fire Labeled Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Inspects fire-rated doors for proper labeling, self-closing mechanisms, and integrity. Critical for fire safety and code compliance in multi-unit buildings.
Door – General Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Assesses all doors for proper operation, condition, and hardware. Includes interior and exterior doors, ensuring they open, close, and latch correctly.
Drain Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Evaluates drainage systems including floor drains, roof drains, and yard drains. Ensures proper installation, functionality, and absence of blockages or damage.
Egress Standard
UnitInside
Ensures safe exit pathways from units and buildings. Verifies windows and doors meet egress requirements for emergency escape, including size, operability, and accessibility.
Electrical – Conductor, Outlet, and Switch
UnitInsideOutside
Inspects electrical wiring, outlets, and switches for safety and functionality. Identifies exposed wires, damaged components, and improper installations that pose fire or shock hazards.
Electrical – GFCI or AFCI – Outlet or Breaker Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Verifies ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) are present where required. Critical safety devices that prevent electrical fires and shocks.
Electrical – Service Panel Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Evaluates main electrical service panels for proper installation, labeling, and condition. Ensures panels are accessible, secure, and free from hazards.
Elevator Standard
Inside
Inspects elevators in common areas for proper operation, safety features, and maintenance. Includes door operation, leveling, emergency systems, and code compliance.
Exit Sign Standard
InsideOutside
Ensures exit signs are present, illuminated, and properly located in common areas. Critical for emergency egress and building code compliance.
Fence and Gate Standard
Outside
Evaluates perimeter fencing and gates for condition, security, and safety. Includes structural integrity, proper height, and gate operation.
Fire Escape Standard
Outside
Inspects exterior fire escape systems for structural integrity, accessibility, and safety. Ensures escape routes are clear, properly maintained, and meet code requirements.
Fire Extinguisher Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Verifies fire extinguishers are present, properly mounted, and accessible in required locations. Checks for current inspection tags and proper type for the area.
Flammable and Combustible Item Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Identifies unsafe storage or presence of flammable materials. Ensures proper handling and storage to prevent fire hazards in units and common areas.
Floor Standard
UnitInside
Evaluates floor condition including damage, tripping hazards, and structural issues. Ensures floors are safe, level, and properly finished in units and common areas.
Food Preparation Area Standard
UnitInside
Inspects kitchen areas for proper counter space, surfaces, and functionality. Ensures adequate space and condition for safe food preparation.
Foundation Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Assesses building foundation for structural integrity, cracks, and settlement. Identifies issues that could affect building stability and habitability.
Garage Door Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Evaluates garage doors for proper operation, safety features, and condition. Includes automatic reversal systems and structural integrity.
Grab Bar Standard
UnitInside
Ensures grab bars are properly installed in bathrooms where required. Verifies secure mounting, proper height, and accessibility for residents with mobility needs.
Guardrail Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Inspects guardrails for height, structural integrity, and spacing. Ensures safety barriers are present and properly constructed on elevated surfaces.
Handrail Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Evaluates handrails on stairs and ramps for proper installation and condition. Ensures continuous, graspable handrails meet safety requirements.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Standard
UnitInside
Covers heating and cooling systems for functionality, safety, and adequate temperature control. Includes furnaces, air conditioners, and ventilation systems.
Infestation Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Identifies presence of pests, insects, or vermin that affect habitability. Includes evidence of rodents, insects, or other infestations requiring treatment.
Leak – Gas or Oil
UnitInsideOutside
Detects gas or oil leaks that pose fire, explosion, or health hazards. Requires immediate attention for resident safety and property protection.
Leak – Sewage System
UnitInsideOutside
Identifies sewage leaks or backups that create health hazards. Includes broken pipes, blockages, and improper drainage of waste systems.
Leak – Water
UnitInsideOutside
Detects water leaks that cause damage or mold growth. Includes roof leaks, pipe leaks, and water intrusion that affects habitability.
Lighting – Auxiliary Standard
InsideOutside
Evaluates emergency and auxiliary lighting systems. Ensures backup lighting functions during power outages for safety and code compliance.
Lighting – Exterior Standard
Outside
Inspects exterior lighting for adequate illumination and safety. Includes building entrances, parking areas, and walkways.
Lighting – Interior Standard
UnitInside
Ensures adequate interior lighting in units and common areas. Verifies fixtures are functional and provide sufficient illumination for safety.
Litter Standard
InsideOutside
Identifies excessive trash, debris, or litter in common areas and exterior spaces. Ensures properties are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
Minimum Electrical and Lighting
Unit
Establishes minimum requirements for electrical service and lighting in units. Ensures adequate power and illumination for basic habitability.
Mold-Like Substance Standard
UnitInside
Identifies visible mold or mold-like substances that affect health or habitability. Requires assessment and remediation when present in significant quantities.
Parking Lot Standard
Outside
Evaluates parking areas for condition, markings, and safety. Includes pavement condition, striping, and proper maintenance of parking facilities.
Potential Lead-Based Paint Hazards – Visual Assessment Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Conducts visual assessment for potential lead-based paint hazards. Identifies deteriorated paint, friction surfaces, and impact areas that may contain lead.
Private Roads and Driveways Standard
Outside
Inspects private roadways and driveways for condition and safety. Ensures proper maintenance, drainage, and absence of hazards.
Refrigerator Standard
UnitInside
Evaluates refrigerators for functionality and proper operation. Ensures units maintain appropriate temperatures and are in good working condition.
Retaining Wall Standard
Outside
Assesses retaining walls for structural integrity and stability. Identifies damage, erosion, or failure that could pose safety hazards.
Roof Assembly Standard
Outside
Inspects roof systems for condition, leaks, and structural integrity. Includes shingles, flashing, gutters, and overall roof performance.
Sharp Edges Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Identifies sharp edges, corners, or protrusions that pose injury hazards. Ensures surfaces are properly finished and safe for residents.
Sidewalk, Walkway, and Ramp Standard
Outside
Evaluates pedestrian pathways for condition, accessibility, and safety. Includes trip hazards, proper slope, and ADA compliance for ramps.
Sink Standard
UnitInside
Covers sinks in kitchens and bathrooms for functionality and condition. Verifies water supply, drainage, and proper installation of fixtures.
Site Drainage Standard
Outside
Assesses property drainage to prevent water accumulation and flooding. Ensures proper grading, drainage systems, and water management.
Smoke Alarm Standard
UnitInside
Requires functional smoke alarms in all required locations. Verifies proper installation, operation, and battery power for resident safety.
Sprinkler Assembly Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Inspects fire sprinkler systems for proper installation and condition. Ensures systems are operational and meet fire safety requirements.
Steps and Stairs Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Evaluates stairs and steps for safety, condition, and code compliance. Includes handrails, tread condition, and structural integrity.
Structural System Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Assesses overall building structure for integrity and safety. Identifies significant structural defects that affect habitability or safety.
Toilet Standard
UnitInside
Covers toilets for functionality, proper installation, and condition. Ensures fixtures operate correctly and provide adequate sanitation.
Trash Chute Standard
Inside
Evaluates trash chute systems in multi-story buildings. Ensures proper operation, safety features, and maintenance of waste disposal systems.
Trip Hazard Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Identifies tripping hazards including uneven surfaces, raised edges, or obstacles. Ensures walkways are safe and free from hazards.
Ventilation
UnitInside
Evaluates ventilation systems for adequate air circulation. Ensures proper airflow in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas requiring ventilation.
Wall – Exterior Standard
Outside
Inspects exterior walls for condition, damage, and weather protection. Includes siding, masonry, and structural integrity of building envelope.
Wall – Interior Standard
UnitInside
Evaluates interior walls for condition, damage, and proper finish. Ensures walls are intact, properly painted, and free from significant defects.
Water Heater Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Inspects water heaters for proper installation, operation, and safety. Ensures adequate hot water supply and compliance with safety requirements.
Window Standard
UnitInsideOutside
Evaluates windows for operability, condition, and weather protection. Includes glass condition, hardware, and proper sealing for energy efficiency and safety.
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