800 S 4th Ave • Albert Lea, MN 56007
Inspections
Before a Housing Choice Voucher tenant can settle into a new home, the property must pass an inspection by a housing authority inspector. This is to ensure that the unit adheres to Housing Quality Standards (HQS), a set of guidelines designed to guarantee the safety and well-being of families in rental units. These standards are common across various rental assistance programs.
The inspection process includes an initial inspection before the family’s move-in and subsequent annual or biannual inspections. The HRA is responsible for scheduling these inspections and will inform both tenants and landlords about the inspection date and time. Rent payments from HRA will commence from the day the unit passes inspection and the tenant occupies the property.
Common issues that can fail an HQS inspection include:
- Utilities not being operational.
- Absence or malfunction of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Cracked or broken window panes.
- Damaged or missing window screens.
- Peeling or chipping of both exterior and interior paint.
Inspections FAQ:
Could you explain a HQS Inspection?
The ALHRA conducts quality control inspections as mandated by HUD. These are performed on a select percentage of units that have been recently inspected, which occasionally results in a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) tenant undergoing two inspections in quick succession within a year.
What are the consequences of not addressing tenant-caused issues?
Failing to rectify tenant-caused issues within the specified timeframe puts your HCV housing subsidy in jeopardy.
What if the property owner neglects to address cited issues?
Should the landlord fail to correct cited issues within 30 days (without an approved extension), the unit will enter an abatement phase – meaning ALHRA will cease housing assistance payments to the landlord. If non-compliance persists for up to 60 days, the housing assistance payment contract (HAPC) faces termination. Both the landlord and tenant will receive a 30-day notice of HAPC termination. Upon issuance of this notice, tenants will have 30 days to initiate moving procedures with ALHRA.
What timeframe is given to landlords for repairing inspection failures?
Critical safety concerns, classified as 24-hour failures, must be addressed immediately, with re-inspection scheduled for the following day. This is communicated via written notice to the tenant and a phone call to the landlord on the day of the initial inspection. Other non-critical issues generally require resolution within 30 days. A follow-up inspection occurs after 21 days to check progress, unless the landlord is eligible to self-certify the repair of certain items.
Is my presence required during the HQS inspection?
Yes, an adult must be present during the inspection. If the scheduled time is inconvenient, you can contact us at (507) 377-4375 or alhra@albertleahra.com to reschedule.
How will I be notified about routine HQS inspections?
You’ll receive a mailed notice before the inspection. It’s important to keep your contact details updated with the ALHRA to ensure you receive these notifications.
What if I'm unable to attend the inspection at the scheduled time?
You can request a different time when you contact us, and we’ll try our best to accommodate your preference. However, please be aware that inspections conducted by external vendors or regulators may offer less scheduling flexibility, and their inspections might be obligatory.
How are inspection results communicated?
Both you and your landlord will receive the inspection results via mail.