If you're getting ready for a Section 8 inspection—whether you're a tenant moving into a new place or a landlord preparing your property—this guide covers everything you need to know about Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections.

What is a Section 8 Housing Inspection?

Before any Section 8 tenant can move into a unit, it must pass an HQS (Housing Quality Standards) inspection. This is a safety and habitability check conducted by the local housing authority (PHA). After move-in, units are re-inspected annually or every two years. The inspection typically takes 30-60 minutes and covers 13 key areas.

The 13 HQS Inspection Areas

Inspectors check: (1) Sanitary Facilities - working bathroom, (2) Food Preparation - kitchen with appliances, (3) Space and Security - adequate living space with lockable doors, (4) Thermal Environment - heating capable of 68°F, (5) Illumination and Electricity - working lights and outlets, (6) Structure and Materials - sound walls, floors, roof, (7) Interior Air Quality - adequate ventilation, (8) Water Supply - hot and cold running water, (9) Lead-Based Paint - no chipping paint in pre-1978 buildings, (10) Access - safe building entry, (11) Site and Neighborhood - no immediate hazards, (12) Sanitary Condition - clean and pest-free, and (13) Smoke/CO Detectors - working on each level.

Most Common Section 8 Inspection Failures

Based on our data, these items cause the most failures: Smoke detectors (missing, dead batteries, or expired), peeling paint (especially pre-1978 buildings), missing outlet/switch covers, leaky faucets, windows that don't open or stay open, no GFCI outlets near water, heating system issues, and toilets not secured to the floor.

Section 8 Inspection Checklist

Kitchen: Stove/oven works, refrigerator cools, sink has hot/cold water, no leaks, GFCI outlet near sink, ventilation present.

Bathroom: Toilet flushes and is secured, sink and tub have hot/cold water, no leaks, GFCI outlet, ventilation, caulking intact.

All Rooms: Ceiling light OR two working outlets, all covers in place, windows open/close/lock, no cracked glass, paint not peeling, smoke detector present.

Safety: Smoke detectors on every level and in bedrooms, CO detector if gas appliances, exterior doors have working locks, no exposed wiring, handrails on stairs.

What Happens If You Fail?

For initial inspections: landlord gets a list of deficiencies, typically has 30 days to make repairs, then re-inspection is scheduled. No rent payments until unit passes.

For annual inspections: 24 hours for emergency items, 30 days for other items, HAP may be suspended if not fixed.

Use our interactive HQS inspection checklist tool to prepare.