NSPIRE for Vouchers
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 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, including both Tenant-Based Vouchers (TBV) and Project-Based Vouchers (PBV).
NSPIRE serves as a replacement for the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) creating a unified approach to inspection standards for all HUD-assisted properties. This training will help participants understand the current standards, prepare for inspections, and respond to identified deficiencies in alignment with HUD’s requirements.
Participants will explore the NSPIRE standards and variances in depth, including enforcement procedures, corrective actions, and inspection administration. The training will cover the rationale behind the shift to NSPIRE, outline the required timelines for addressing deficiencies, and provide guidance on conducting inspections in accordance with the updated protocol. Special attention will be given to health and safety considerations, scoring implications, and the newly defined conditions that must now be addressed under NSPIRE.
Objectives
After completing this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify the new inspection requirements and standards.
- Provide methods to improve the information in the Administrative Plan and manage variations.
- Obtain a better understanding of inspectable areas and the levels of deficiencies.
- Understand the conformity with Annual, Biennial, or Triennial Standards and Alternative Inspection Methods
- Understand the new Updated NSPIRE Checklist, Standards, Lead-based Paint Protocol, and Affirmative Habitability Requirements
- Understand foundational information that can be used by all personnel as a guide to the standards and processes.
Who Should Attend?
- HCV Executive Directors who are responsible for inspections
- HCV Directors of Operations who conduct inspections
- HCV Inspectors
- PBV and HCV Housing Managers
- Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Programs
- RAD Conversions to PBV
- Maintenance Supervisors Managing PBV Properties
Agenda
| Module | Topics |
|---|---|
| Module 1 – NSPIRE Policy for HCV Programs | -Inputs and processes. -Rules and notices. -Provisions and procedures. |
| Module 2 – NSPIRE Standards | -Changes from HQS to NSPIRE. -Organization of standards. -Affirmative requirements. |
| Module 3 – The Alphabet of NSPIRE: A-C | -Bathtub and shower. -Cabinet and storage. -Call-for-aid system. -Carbon monoxide. -Ceiling. -Chimney. -Cooking appliances. |
| Module 4 – The Alphabet of NSPIRE: D-F | -Doors and drains. -Egress and electrical. -Elevators and exit signs. -Fence and gate. -Fire escape and extinguisher. -Flammable items and floors. -Food preparation. -Foundation and garage. |
| Module 5 – The Alphabet of NSPIRE: G-L | -Grab bars, guardrails, and handrails. -Heating, ventilation, air conditioning. -Infestations. -Leaks and lighting. -Litter. |
| Module 6 – The Alphabet of NSPIRE: M-R | -Minimal electrical. -Mold and parking. -Lead-based paint. -Large and small surfaces. -Private roads and driveways. -Refrigerators and retaining walls. -Roof assembly. |
| Module 7 – The Alphabet of NSPIRE: S-Z | -Sharp edges. -Sidewalk, walkway, ramp. -Sinks and site drainage. -Smoke alarm and sprinkler assembly. -Steps and stairs. -Structural systems. |
| Module 8: Protocol for Deficiencies | -Deficiency rationales. -Determinations and inspectable areas. -Criteria and addressing deficiencies. |
| Format | Length | CEUs |
| In-Person or Virtual Classroom | In-Person: 3 Days Online: 18 Hours | 2.0 |