Home / Program Offices / Public and Indian Housing / Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) / National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) / NSPIRE Standards
NSPIRE Standards

HUD SEEKS STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK ON STANDARDS

Following intensive review and revision, HUD presents a fully updated set of NSPIRE standards.

The improvements in this release focus on technical accuracy, relevance, clarity, and applicability to HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher program. We have also updated the format, for ease of reading and evaluation.

We welcome your comments on all aspects of the standards.

SUBMIT FEEDBACK ON THE STANDARDS

UPDATED/CURRENT STANDARDS

Asterisk (*) indicates the standard is new or updated.

STANDARDS Version Inspectable area(s) standard applies to:
Inside Outside Unit
Address and Signage Standard 1-3*   Y  
Bathroom Ventilation Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Bathtub and Shower Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Cabinets Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Call-for-Aid System Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Carbon Monoxide Detector Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Ceiling Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Chimney Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Cooking Appliance Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Door - Entry Standard  1-3* Y   Y
Door - Fire Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Doors - General Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Dryer Vent Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Egress Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Electrical Enclosures Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Electrical Outlets Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Elevator Standard 1-3* Y    
Exit Sign Standard 1-3* Y Y  
Exposed Electrical Conductor Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Fence Security Standard 1-3*   Y  
Fire Escape Standard 1-3*   Y  
Fire Extinguisher Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Flammable and Combustible Items Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Floor Drain Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Floor, Floor Coverings, Floor Finish Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Foundation Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Garage and Garage Doors Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
GFCI/AFCI Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Graffiti Standard 1-3* Y Y  
Grab Bars Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Guardrails Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Handrail Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
HVAC Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Infestation Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Kitchen Countertops Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Kitchen Ventilation 1-3* Y   Y
Lead-Based Paint Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Leak Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Light Fixtures Interior Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Lighting - Auxiliary Standard 1.3* Y    
Lighting - Exterior Standard 1.3*   Y  
Litter Standard 1-3* Y Y  
Mold Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Parking Lot Standard 1-3*   Y  
Private Roads and Driveways Standard 1-3*   Y  
Refrigerator Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Retaining Wall Standard 1-3*   Y  
Roof Assembly Standard 1-3*   Y  
Sharp Edges Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Sidewalks, Walkway, and Ramp Standard 1-3*   Y  
Sink Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Site Drainage Standard 1-3*   Y  
Smoke Alarm Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Sprinkler Assembly Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Stairs Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Structural Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Toilet Standard 1-3* Y   Y
Trash Chute Standard 1-3* Y    
Trip Hazard Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Wall Covering and Finish - Interior Standard 1.3* Y   Y
Wall or Wall Covering - Exterior Standard 1.3*   Y  
Water Heater Standard 1-3* Y Y Y
Window Standard 1-3* Y   Y

​How to Navigate NSPIRE Standards

HUD’s template guide offers a structural overview of the NSPIRE standards. Each standard is organized into two (2) sections that present key components of an inspectable element under the NSPIRE program. The first section describes attributes of the item and identifies each deficiency to be evaluated. The second section provides further detail on each applicable deficiency by its inspectable location(s). Review the template guide here.

What’s New in NSPIRE Standards Version 1.3

  • A revamped template that supports easier navigation and more effectively allows for feedback opportunities
  • Refined method to ensure accuracy and consistency
  • Defined programmatic relevance

Comments, Concerns, and Compliments

If you have any additional questions, comments, concerns, or compliments, please feel welcome to email the NPSIRE team at NSPIRE@HUD.gov. We also encourage you to check back to our website regularly as we will be considering feedback and modifying standards throughout the test period.

Related Information

 

NSPIRE Logo