Chapter 9: Inspections

1. Overview

Inspections provide an opportunity for NYCHA to identify potential problems in the apartment, ensure residents continued access to safe and quality housing, and support resident compliance with NYCHA rules and regulations. Residents, in turn, have the opportunity to interact with staff and inquire about the proper methods of maintaining an apartment. This chapter provides NYCHA's policies for inspections.

2. Key Acronyms

• • HUD: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • NYCHA: New York City Housing Authority

3. Types of Inspections

1. 1. Pre-Occupancy Inspections/Move-in Inspections
      NYCHA and the prospective resident must inspect the apartment prior to signing the lease to determine and document the condition of the apartment and inventory equipment in the apartment at the time of move-in. NYCHA staff and the prospective resident will sign the relevant inspection form(s).

1. 2. New Resident Visit
      During the first month of occupancy, NYCHA staff will visit the apartment to welcome the new resident to their new surroundings and check-in on resident compliance with NYCHA rules and regulations.

1. 3. Annual Inspections
      NYCHA periodically inspects each apartment to determine the condition of the apartment, make minor repairs during the inspection, and schedule additional visits when more extensive repairs are needed. NYCHA’s goal is to inspect each public housing apartment at least once every two years. NYCHA inspects all occupied apartments using HUD’s National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) model, which prioritizes health, safety, and functional defects over appearance. It implements inspections that better reflect the true physical conditions of the property. Residents must be present at these inspections and are required to cooperate with HUD and NYCHA in completing these inspections.

1. 4. Pre-Move-out/Vacate Inspections
      NYCHA inspects each apartment when a resident moves out to determine and document the condition of the apartment. NYCHA schedules the appointment date for the move-out inspection with the resident. NYCHA inspects the vacated apartment with the resident who is moving out if the resident has given prior notice. The resident who is moving out may refuse to be present at the scheduled inspection.
      
      NYCHA records conditions found in the apartment that require charges. Any disagreement by a resident about an existing condition will be noted on the appropriate NYCHA inspection form.
      
      The resident and NYCHA staff sign the inspection form, and a copy is given to the resident.

4. Scheduling of Inspections

Residents will receive two written notices and one phone call in advance of the scheduled inspection. The first notice will be delivered at least 21 calendar days prior to the inspection date and the second notice will be delivered at least seven calendar days prior to the inspection date. In addition, residents will receive a robocall at least 24 hours prior to the apartment inspection.

5. Entry into Apartments for Scheduled Inspections

• • For scheduled inspections, residents must make sure that an adult (18 years of age or older) is home at the scheduled time and must allow NYCHA staff into all rooms and areas of the apartment to perform the inspection and any repairs that are needed.

  • If NYCHA is not able to complete an inspection on the first attempt, the inspection will be rescheduled. If NYCHA is not able to complete the inspection on a second attempt, NYCHA may start the termination of tenancy process.

  • If it is not possible for an adult to be home on the scheduled inspection date, residents must reschedule the inspection by contacting their property management office as soon as possible and by no later than 4 p.m. on the business day prior to the scheduled inspection date. Residents may reschedule an inspection only one time.

6. Inspection Results and Re-inspections

1. 1. Failed Inspections
      An apartment will fail a periodic inspection if the apartment does not meet NYCHA’s housekeeping or maintenance standards. Either of these conditions will trigger future visits by NYCHA staff. Refer to NYCHA’s “A Home to be Proud Of” handbook located on NYCHA - Policies Procedures webpage for details regarding these standards.
      
      If a maintenance issue is identified, NYCHA staff will repair the deficiency. If this cannot be accomplished during the inspection, NYCHA staff will return to make the necessary repair.
      
      If a housekeeping issue is identified, NYCHA staff will schedule a future inspection to ensure that the issue is resolved.

   2. Re-Inspections
      If an apartment fails an inspection due to identified housekeeping issues, NYCHA staff will schedule a re-inspection approximately two weeks after the date of the failed inspection.
      
      If an apartment fails three consecutive inspections due to housekeeping issues (an initial inspection and two related re-inspections), NYCHA may start proceedings to terminate the household’s lease.

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