NSPIRE INSPECTION

NSPIRE- the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate is the new physical inspection model designed to promote HUD's goal of reducing health and safety hazards in the home.  To achieve this goal, NSPIRE prioritizes the condition of dwelling units, where people live.  NSPIRE aligns multiple HUD programs to a single set on inspection standards so that the same expectations of housing quality can be achieved across HUD Programs. It is anticipated these changes will not be effective 10-1-2025.  Which means any initial inspection or any annual or special inspections will be completed using the NSPIRE regulations instead of the current Housing Quality Standards HQS inspection regulations

Changes:

As we are attending training here are some of the major differences:
  1. Electrical outlets that are 6 feet from a water source must have GFCI protection (kitchens, bathrooms)
  2. Smoke detectors must be in every level of the unit as well as a smoke detector in every sleeping room and outside each bedroom.  If they are mounted on the ceiling, they should be more than 4" from wall.  If mounted on wall, they should be between 4" and 12" from ceiling.
  3. For units serviced by any fuel-fired appliance, Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed within "the immediate area" of sleeping area.  Also they are required inside any sleeping room if a fuel-fired appliance is install directly in bedroom.  This includes central heat.  
  4. The smoke detectors and carbon monoxide must use 10 year untampered batteries.
  5. Dryer vents must not be blocked- also any type of restriction/kink or non metal vent can't be used
  6. Water heaters- TPR-temperature pressure relief discharge pipes must be no more than 6 inches from floor/pan but not closer than 2 inches.  These must also be constructed of an "approved" material (galvanized steel, copper or DPVC) and have no upward slope.

NSPIRE Resources

You can go to HUD.GOV NSPIRE to find more resources on NSPIRE regulations.

See Some Examples