The U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development (HUD) requires that homes of Housing Choice Voucher Program (commonly known as Section 8) participants be inspected to ensure that they meet all health and safety standards.

There are five main types of inspections:

• The new/vacant inspection, which must take place before the HAP contract is executed.
• Full inspections are required to ensure that health and safety standards are maintained. Depending on the program, there are two types of regularly occurring inspections:
  • Annual inspections must take place within 365 days of the last full inspection (once a year).
  • Biennial inspections must take place within 730 days if the last full inspection (every other year).

• Re-inspections are scheduled to make sure issues discovered during a full inspection are addressed. Re-inspections will be scheduled as-needed until the issues have been resolved.
• Audit inspections are conducted quarterly for quality control purposes. Homes are chosen at random and any home under contract may be chosen.
• Special or complaint inspections are conducted at the request of either the tenant or the property owner. These inspections should only be scheduled after all other means of remedy have been attempted.

1. Functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
2. Windows that open and shut without being propped up. Locks and screens are also required.
3. Handrails where there are four or more steps inside and outside the building.
4. A window or a working ventilation fan in the bathroom.
5. No locks on interior doors that could result in a person being unable to exit a room.
6. Flooring that is free of trip hazards. Bathroom and kitchen floors must be watertight and easy to clean.
7. Heat must be operational between September 15 and May 31 at a minimum of 68° F between 11:01 PM and 6:59 AM. Hot water must be functional and range between 110-130° F in all fixtures and 110-120 degrees in the shower/tub.
8. Weather-tight, caulked doors and windows.
9. Plumbing that is free of leaks.
10. A clean stove that works properly and must be secured to an anti-tip bracket.
11. Lights on the exterior of the building, both front and rear.

If an apartment fails an inspection due to repairs that are the responsibility of the property owner, the property owner is notified in writing and is provided 30 days to complete all the necessary repairs. If there is an immediate health and safety hazard for which the owner is responsible, the property owner is given 24 hours to complete the repair.

When a unit fails an inspection due to non-life threatening conditions, Metro Housing|Boston will provide the owner with written notification within five business days outlining the corrective action to be taken and possible penalties for failure to comply. The owner is given a reasonable amount of time to make the necessary repairs. During this time, the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) continues without penalty. If all the repairs are completed no further action is necessary.

If Metro Housing|Boston has given the owner notice that the unit has failed, and has given the owner reasonable time to make the repairs, but the owner has not completed the repairs, the owner will be told that the contract may be suspended or terminated. If the contract is terminated, the tenant will be directed to locate a new unit that will pass inspection.

• Metro Housing|Boston Inspection Grading Guidelines (How inspectors determine unit grades)
• HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
• Chapter II State Sanitary Code (Minimum standards for human habitation)
• City of Boston Housing Inspection Division website