Yakima Housing Authority

Housing Quality Standards

Once a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) participant/family has found a suitable unit and the owner has approved the family, YHA will need to determine if the unit qualifies for the HCV program.  This includes a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection.  Inspections are performed upon initial move-in and annually thereafter to ensure the unit meets the minimum health and safety standards according to HUD.

Below is a list of the most common conditions which cause a unit to fail inspection:

• Nonfunctional smoke detectors
• Missing or cracked electrical outlet cover plates
• Missing railings where required
• Peeling exterior or interior paint
• Tripping hazards caused by permanently installed flooring coverings (e.g. carpets and/or vinyl)
• Cracked or broken windowpanes
• Inoperable stove burners or range hoods
• Missing burner control knobs
• Inoperable bathroom fans or no ventilation in bathroom
• Leaking faucets or plumbing
• No temperature/pressure-relief valve on water heaters

Please click here to visit HUD’s website with information regarding HQS inspections, including a description of each type of inspection and a checklist to ensure your unit meets HUD’s requirements for the Housing Choice Voucher program.

You can also view Yakima Housing Authorities HQS inspection check list by clicking here.