NSPIRE for Public Housing
Description
This training provides a comprehensive overview of the National Standards for the Physical Inspections of Real Estate (NSPIRE) protocols and requirements as they apply to the Public Housing Program.
NSPIRE serves as a replacement for the Uniform Physical Condition Standards (USPCS) creating a unified approach to inspection standards for all HUD-assisted properties. This training will help attendees navigate the current standards, understand the scoring system, and assess the impact of deficiencies identified during inspections.
Participants will explore the 63 NSPIRE standards in detail, including the categories of deficiencies (life-threatening, severe, moderate, and low), their impact on scoring, and related administrative requirements. The training covers all three inspection areas, Outside, Inside, and Units, and includes photo examples of actual deficiencies to help clarify expectations and scoring implications.
We’ll take a deep dive into the standards, provide guidance on identifying and addressing high-impact deficiencies, and share strategies for improving your agency’s Physical Assessment Subsystem (PHAS) scores through effective inspection preparation and response.
Objectives
After completing this training, participants will be able to:
- Provide a greater understanding of the new inspection requirements and standards
- Provide methods to improve the scores of the Public Housing Program
- Obtain a better understanding of inspectable areas and the levels of deficiencies
- Provide foundational information that can be used by all personnel as a guide to the standards and processes
Who Should Attend?
- Public Housing Executive Directors of small agencies who conduct inspections
- PH Directors of Operations of small agencies who conduct inspections
- Public Housing Inspectors
- Public Housing Managers
- PH Maintenance Supervisors
- Maintenance Personnel
Agenda
| Modules | Topic |
|---|---|
| Module 1 – Value Statement and Overview | -What is NSPIRE? -How did we get here? -Milestones. -Key takeaways. |
| Module 2 – NSPIRE Policy | -NSPIRE rules. -New items. -NSPIRE standards notice. -Scoring notice. -Administrative notice. -Final inspection framework. |
| Module 3 – NSPIRE Standards | -Changes from UPCS to NSPIRE. -What’s new? -Organization of NSPIRE standards and deficiencies. -New Affirmative Requirements Inspectable areas: unit, inside, & outside. -Health and Safety -Compliance with State and Local code. -Types of Inspections. |
| Module 4 – The Alphabet of NSPIRE: A-D | -Address and signage. -Bathtub and shower. -Cabinet and storage. -Call-for-Aid system. -Carbon monoxide alarm. -Ceiling. -Chimney. -Clothes dryer and exhaust ventilation. -Cooking appliances. -Door – entry. -Door – fire labeled. -Door – general. -Drain. |
| Module 5 – The Alphabet of NSPIRE: E-H | -Egress. -Electrical conductor. -Electrical – GFCI or AFCI – outlet or breaker. -Electrical – outlet and switch. -Electrical – service panel. -Elevator. -Exit sign. -Fence and gate. -Fire escape. -Fire extinguisher. -Flammable and combustible item. -Floor. -Food preparation area. -Garage door. -Grab bar. -Guardrail. -Handrail. -HVAC. |
| Module 6 – The Alphabet of NSPIRE: I-R | -Infestation. -Leak – gas or oil. -Leak – sewage system. -Leak – water. -Lighting – auxiliary, exterior, & interior. -Litter. -Minimum electrical and lighting. -Mold-like substance. -Parking lot. -Potential lead-based paint hazards – visual assessment. -Private roads and driveways. -Refrigerator. -Retaining wall. -Roof assembly. |
| Module 7 – The Alphabet of NSPIRE: S-Z | -Sharp edges. -Sidewalk, walkway, ramp. -Sink. -Site drainage. -Smoke alarm. -Sprinkler assembly. -Steps and stairs. -Structural systems. -Toilet. -Trash chute. -Trip hazard. -Ventilation. -Wall – exterior & interior. -Water heater. -Window. |
| Module 8 – NSPIRE Scoring Model | -Differences from UPCS -Deficiencies: life-threatening, severe, moderate, & low. |
| Format | Length | CEUs |
| In-Person or Virtual Classroom | In-Person: 3 Days Online: 18 Hours | 2.0 |