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Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspections



As explained in the Administrative Plan that governs the CVR New York, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that all units subsidized under the Housing Choice Voucher Program meet a minimum standard of health and safety rules called Housing Quality Standards (HQS). To ensure compliance with HUD's requirement, CVR New York inspects any unit a Voucher Holder wants to rent before they move in and as required thereafter.

An HQS inspection ensures that all subsidized units have adequate living space for the family, are structurally sound, provide the necessary habitability systems (electricity, plumbing, heating, appliances, etc.) and present no conditions that endanger health and safety. HUD's Form 52580-A (available via link below) further outlines the minimum unit standards necessary to participate in CVR New York's programs.

HQS addresses the following areas:
  • Sanitation (facilities and condition)
  • Food preparation and refuse disposal
  • Space and security
  • Thermal environment
  • Illumination and electricity
  • Structure and materials
  • Interior air quality
  • Water supply
  • Lead-based paint
  • Access
  • Smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detectors


There are several types of inspections conducted during the course of a unit's participation in the HCVP as outlined below:

  • New Move (Initial) Inspection
  • Annual Inspection
  • Re-Inspections
  • 24 Hour Emergency Inspections
  • Quality Control Inspections


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