Inspection Checklist for Tenants and Landlords

In order for your unit to pass inspection, it must meet certain requirements of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The list below covers those items which most commonly cause a unit to fail and inspection.

Please inspect your unit BEFORE you request an inspection to avoid any delays in the beginning date of the lease and contract. No payments can be made for any period prior to a unit passing an initial inspection.

Remember, your unit must pass inspection annually within the allotted time frame or payments will stop.

• 1. All utilities such as water, gas and electricity must be in service.
• 2. Working smoke detectors are required in every unit and on every level.
• 3. Cooking stove and oven must be clean and in working order.
• 4. Refrigerator must be clean and in working order.
• 5. There must be a heating system that works.
• 6. There must be hot and cold running water in the kitchen and bathroom(s).
• 7. There must be a shower or bathtub that works and does not leak.
• 8. There must be a secure flush toilet that works and does not leak.
• 9. The bathroom must have either a window to the outside with a screen, OR an exhaust fan.
• 10. There must not be any plugged drains (check for slow drains).
• 11. All windows and doors must have locks that work and all exterior doors must have working deadbolts (inside cannot be keyed - must be butterfly type lock).
• 12. Each room with a window must have at least one window screen in good condition.
• 13. All bedrooms must have at least one window or exterior door with a screen.
• 14. All electrical outlets must have cover plates and be in good condition. All outlets must be properly installed, three prong outlets must also be grounded.
• 15. There must not be any missing, broken or cracked windows.
• 16. There must not be any water damage (or excessive water damage) caused by leaks.
• 17. The hot water heater tank MUST have a temperature pressure relief valve with a downward discharge pipe made of galvanized steel or copper tubing that is 3 feet long (NO PVC). Two earthquake straps (one in the top third and one in the bottom third) are required for all hot water heaters. If plumber's tape is used as earthquake strap, it must be wrapped completely around the tank. An exception would be in the case of electric water heaters located inside a cupboard, typically under a counter top and commonly referred to as 30 gallon stubbies (these are half the size of a normal water heater. In these instances, one earthquake strap is preferred but Plumbers tape may be used to secure the water heater).
• 18. There cannot be any chipping, peeling paint anywhere on the inside of the unit. There cannot be any chipping peeling paint on the exterior of the unit.
• 19. The floor covering cannot be torn or have holes that can cause someone to trip.
• 20. If there are stairs and railings, they must be secure. Stairs with 4 or more steps requires secure hand railings.
• 21. The roof must not leak. (Check the ceiling for stains.)
• 22. The contract rent must be reasonable based on the rent of comparable units in the area.
• 23. All security bars on windows must have a quick release mechanism.
• 24. All units located east of and including Palm Springs must have a functional cooling system.
• 25. All overhead lights or ceiling fans must be installed properly.
• 26. Remove any inoperable or unregistered vehicles.
• 27. Modifications or adaptations to a unit must meet applicable HQS and building codes.
• 28. Certified Carbon Monoxide Detectors must be installed in all single family. Dwellings having a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance (such as gas stove, or oven), fireplace, or attached garage. (SB183)

This is a partial list, it lists the most common things a unit fails for.

Lead Base Paint

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has implemented new regulations regarding lead based paint in units built prior to 1978 where children under 6 years old reside or may reside in the future. Inspectors are required to inspect for deteriorated paint (where surfaces are peeling, cracking, chipping or chalking) in these units. If deteriorated paint is found, then the unit can not pass inspection until the owner obtains a Clearance Report from a Certified Lead Inspector. Because obtaining the report can be time consuming and expensive, owners are strongly advised to inspect their property and take care of any deteriorated paint prior to the inspection. You can obtain more information about lead based paint hazards and safe work practices from HUD.

HUD LEAD INFORMATION