QUIRKY HQS INSPECTIONS Seanna Collins Lincoln Housing Authority September 16, 2015

Where can the answers be found for HQS questions? 24 Code of Federal Regulation HCV Guidebook – Chapter 10 Inspection form- HUD-52580A Housing Inspection manual YOUR Section 8 Admin Plan Notices Training Materials

15 minute Challenge Each group will receive an inspection observation scenario. The group will determine the following…. Is there an HQS defect citation? If yes…then who is responsible to correct defect? Landlord or Tenant Provide your supporting documentation (cite regulation, policy and etc that supports your decision) What are the Pro’s and Con’s to your decision?

AFTER 15 minutes…….. Presentations Discussion

#1- MOLD How much is okay?

#2- BED BUGS

#3- What qualifies as a BEDROOM? Ceiling height requirement? Ceiling only 4ft Door requirement? No door Wall requirement? What if one wall is only halfway up? Floor space requirement? Window? Size and distance from the floor Can you pass through one bedroom to get to another?

#4- Clutter or Hoarding? Clothes ankle high in the bedroom and laundry room.

Clutter/Hoarding continue Boxes stacked 4 feet high neatly covering the entire living room floor, but has paths to each room Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom and the boxes do not block egress or heating vents.

#5- What is Blocked Egress? Windows air conditioner in the only window?

Blocked Egress continue Windows nailed shut? Window screens nailed shut only?

Blocked Egress Dressers in front of window?

Blocked Egress? Bed in front of window? Plant stand blocking the bedroom window?

#6- Smoker Detectors Where required? What if there is a non-working smoke detector in an area not required? Hearing-Impaired ? How to test smoke detector with vaulted ceiling?

Smoke Detectors- Answers Smoke detectors must be installed in accordance with and meet the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association Standard (NFPA) 74 or its successors and must be on each level of the unit including basements. Smoke detectors must be outside of the sleeping room but in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping room(s) when installed to protect a sleeping area.

Smoke Detector Answers Smoke detectors must be secured to the ceiling at least four inches from the walls. If installed in an area with an open- joisted ceiling, the smoke detector must be installed on the bottom of the joist.

Smoke Detector Answers If installed to protect a basement, the smoke detector must be on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairway leading to the floor above.