Housing Quality Standards
MHA INSPECTIONS LANDLORD FAQ
HUD regulations require The Marietta Housing Authority to inspect all potential Housing Choice units to ensure that they are “decent, safe and sanitary” according to federal Housing Quality Standards (“HQS”). No unit can be leased through Housing Choice unless it meets these standards.
- When will I have initial inspection?
Initial inspections are scheduled approximately 15 days from the receipt of the Request for Tenancy Approval form (RFTA).
If the unit is not available for inspection until after the 15 days, the inspection will not be scheduled until after the date the unit is available.
- What time is my inspection?
All inspections are between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm, Monday-Friday.
The inspectors will contact the landlord for initial inspections to coordinate a specific time for the inspection.
Marietta Housing Authority will mail out a letter 30 days before the inspection date to the tenant for biennial and special inspections. The letter will indicate the date and timeframe of the inspection. The tenant is responsible for being present at the unit for biennial and special inspections.
- If the unit fails inspection, when is the follow-up inspection?
If the unit fails an inspection, the inspector will do a follow-up inspection after the deficiencies are fixed.
The reinspection for biennial inspections is 30 days after the failed date.
The reinspection for initial inspection is usually scheduled within 10 days of the first inspection.
- Who fixes the item(s) that fail?
At the inspection, the inspector determines if the owner or tenant is responsible for correcting the deficiency, based upon his findings, and questioning of how a condition occurred.
Failure to correct deficiencies will result in the going into abatement. Once the unit is placed in abatement a letter is mailed out to the landlord and the tenant. The letter will indicate the final date repairs must be made by before the HAP contract is terminated and the tenant must move out.
- What are some common failed items?
Some common failed items that would be the landlord responsibility are:
Bathroom– Drain clogged/slow drain, drain-pipe leaking, faucet/handle loose or missing,
cabinetry deteriorated/damaged.
Ceiling– Black mold, evidence of leak, holes or cracks, vents/grates not secured/missing
Electrical Hazards-Broken, frayed or exposed wiring, outlet not a GFCI, outlet inoperable,
missing or broken switch covers
Exterior– Holes or cracks allowing air penetration into unit, structure/area +30” w/no railings,
walls deteriorated/loose surfaces
Floors– Cracked/broken tile, rotted/soft areas, tripping hazard-uneven flooring
Foundation– Cracked/deteriorated, evidence of water intrusion into crawl space
Garbage– Excessive garbage and debris (trees, leaves, unregistered vehicles, damaged fences)
on the exterior of unit
Heating– Furnace not properly vented, furnace not working properly, gas odor present
Infestation– Evidence of bed bug infestation, evidence of roach infestation
Kitchen Sink– Drain pipe clogged/slow, drain-pipe leaking, faucet handle loose/ missing, faucet
leaking, sprayer not in properly working order
Interior Hazards-Smoke Detector required for each level, electrical panel has blown fuses or
missing/unsecured cover
Refrigerator– Door handle damaged/missing, door seal damaged, no refrigerator present
Roof-Gutter/downspouts not working properly, gutters not securely attached
Security– Door frame/trim damaged, lockset damaged/missing
Smoke Detector-Missing or chirping
Stairs and Halls-4 or more risers w/ no handrail, loose/unstable handrail
Stove– Oven does not work properly, knobs missing
Toilet– Clogged/overflows, cracked/ leaking, runs continuously, toilet lid cracked/missing
Ventilation-Excessive noise from vent fan, no operable window, no window, or vent present
*PLEASE USE OUR MHA PRE-INSPECTION CHECKLIST TO HELP YOU WITH THE HQS INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS.
