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Apartment Inspections at NYCHA

periodic-apartment-inspections

NYCHA aims to inspect each public housing apartment at least once every 12 months
to make sure apartments are in decent, safe, and sanitary condition. Here is some
information to help you prepare for your apartment inspection and know what to expect.

NYCHA will conduct annual apartment inspections to ensure that:

  • Minor repairs are addressed on the spot;
  • All the equipment and appliances in your apartment are properly functioning and
    are safe for you and your neighbors;
  • The temperature of your apartment complies with the required standards during
    the heating season and your hot water is the proper temperature year-round; and
  • Potential issues are proactively identified and addressed before they become
    repair needs.

While the NYCHA inspector is there, they will inspect and perform minor repairs
to many items in your home. If they can’t complete these repairs that day, 
property management staff will follow up soon after the inspection to complete 
the repairs. These minor repairs may include:

  • Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replacing them if they are
    defective;
  • Installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all bedrooms/sleeping areas;
  • Replacing the fire safety notice on the entrance door as needed;
  • Replacing or fixing broken or defective switches, knobs, handles, and burners on
    your stove/oven;
  • Checking locks, knobs, and hinges on your front door and/or closets;
  • Replacing broken light switches and electrical outlets;
  • Installing GFCI outlets as needed;
  • Fixing leaky sinks and faucets;
  • Replacing or fixing broken toilet parts like the handle and flapper;
  • Replacing broken refrigerator handles and light bulbs;
  • Fixing any broken shower heads, diverters, and overflow cover plates;
  • Checking window guards, balances, and latches; and
  • Fixing any broken kitchen cabinet latches, hinges, and knobs.
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How will more complex repairs be handled?

NYCHA inspectors will not only identify and make minor repairs but will also create work orders for more complex repairs. These new work orders will be coordinated with and reviewed by property management for follow-up and resolution.

NYCHA also works with residents to correct any lease violations, if found. These may include:

  • Prohibited appliances like a clothes dryer (electric or gas) or having multiple refrigerators/ranges (only one of each is permitted);
  • Severe damage, hoarding, or odors that create safety hazards in the apartment;
  • Improperly installed appliances, like the water line components of a washing machine;
  • Removed or improperly installed window guards;
  • Improperly installed air conditioners;
  • Evidence of violation of the smoke-free policy; or
  • Dangerous or prohibited animals.

When will I have my periodic apartment inspection? How should I prepare?

  • NYCHA is planning to inspect all apartments in 2024.
  • You will receive written notices and robocall reminders before your inspection appointment, giving you a specific date and time for the inspection. Please contact your property manager if you will not be able to have an adult (age 18 or older) home for the entire inspection.
  • The inspector will need access to all the rooms in your apartment and must be able to inspect each area (including all the walls and closets of each room). If the inspector is not able to access one or more areas of the apartment, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to complete the inspection.

Please note that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) NSPIRE inspections and lead paint inspections are separate inspections.
Even if your apartment already had a HUD NSPIRE or lead paint inspection, it still needs to receive this required NYCHA annual inspection. The staff for each of these inspections use different types of equipment to check for different priorities, issues, and requirements.

If you have any questions about apartment inspections, please reach out to your property manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an annual apartment inspection?

NYCHA periodically inspects each apartment to determine the condition of the apartment, make minor repairs during the inspection, and schedule additional visits if more extensive repairs are needed. NYCHA’s goal is to inspect each public housing apartment at least once every 12 months.

Why does NYCHA conduct apartment inspections?

Federal law requires that NYCHA inspect its apartments and buildings annually to ensure that public housing properties meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s decent, safe, sanitary, and good repair standards. NYCHA inspects apartments to help meet these goals.

Do I need to allow staff into my apartment to conduct an inspection?

Yes. Apartment inspections are very important and are required by law. Tenants must make sure that an adult (18 years of age or older) is home at the scheduled time and must allow NYCHA staff or NYCHA’s inspection vendor into all rooms and areas of the apartment to perform the inspection and any repairs that are needed.

Will I get a reminder before my scheduled apartment inspection?

Tenants will receive two written notices and one robocall before the scheduled inspection of their apartment. The first written notice will be delivered at least 21 calendar days before the inspection date and the second notice will be delivered at least 7 calendar days before the inspection date. Tenants will receive the robocall at least 24 hours before the inspection date.

If a maintenance worker is not able to complete an inspection on the first attempt, the inspection will be rescheduled. If a maintenance worker is not able to complete the inspection on a second attempt, the property manager may start a termination of tenancy proceeding.

Which areas in my apartment will be inspected?

NYCHA will inspect all areas in the apartment, including but not limited to:

  • Foyer/hallway, including closets;
  • Kitchen;
  • Bathroom(s);
  • Bedroom(s), including closets; and
  • Living room.

Will repairs be performed during the inspection?

During the apartment inspection, the inspector will try to perform minor repairs in your apartment. This includes previously scheduled work that can be addressed during the inspection.

What is a minor repair?

A minor repair is a simple repair that can be done on the spot during an inspection. Some examples of minor repairs include replacing electrical outlets, repairing doorknobs, resettingelectric breakers, and clearing shower stoppages.

What happens if items cannot be repaired during the inspection?

If the inspector cannot make a repair during the inspection, the inspector will create a work order and staff will visit the apartment at another time to make the repairs.

Will I be able to review the results of the inspection?

After the apartment inspection, the inspector reviews the inspection work order and results with the tenant, including:

  • Any actions taken to correct issues found during the inspection;
  • Other issues that were identified and work orders created; and
  • If applicable, any room(s) that the inspector could not inspect due to the tenant denying access.

The tenant must sign the inspection work order to confirm the results of the inspection.

I cannot be home for my scheduled apartment inspection. How can I reschedule it?

If it is not possible for an adult to be home on the scheduled inspection date, tenants 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. Tenants may reschedule an inspection only one time.