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NSPIRE Standards

HUD presents the final NSPIRE standards. Questions can be sent to NSPIRE@HUD.gov.

NSPIRE Final Standards Published

June 22, 2023 - National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate: Inspection Standards. Learn More »

Final Standards

STANDARDS Inspectable area(s) standard applies to:
Unit Inside Outside
Address and Signage Standard     Y
Bathtub and Shower Standard Y Y  
Cabinet and Storage Standard Y Y  
Call-for-Aid System Standard Y Y  
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standard Y Y  
Ceiling Standard Y Y  
Chimney Standard Y Y Y
Clothes Dryer Exhaust Ventilation Standard Y Y Y
Cooking Appliance Standard Y Y  
Door – Entry Standard Y Y  
Door – Fire Labeled Standard Y Y Y
Door – General Standard Y Y Y
Drain Standard Y Y Y
Egress Standard Y Y  
Electrical – Conductor, Outlet, and Switch Y Y Y
Electrical – GFCI or AFCI – Outlet or Breaker Standard Y Y Y
Electrical – Service Panel Standard Y Y Y
Elevator Standard   Y  
Exit Sign Standard   Y Y
Fence and Gate Standard     Y
Fire Escape Standard     Y
Fire Extinguisher Standard Y Y Y
Flammable and Combustible Item Standard Y Y Y
Floor Standard Y Y  
Food Preparation Area Standard Y Y  
Foundation Standard Y Y Y
Garage Door Standard Y Y Y
Grab Bar Standard Y Y  
Guardrail Standard Y Y Y
Handrail Standard Y Y Y
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Standard Y Y  
Infestation Standard Y Y Y
Leak – Gas or Oil Y Y Y
Leak – Sewage System Y Y Y
Leak – Water Y Y Y
Lighting – Auxiliary Standard   Y Y
Lighting – Exterior Standard     Y
Lighting – Interior Standard Y Y  
Litter Standard   Y Y
Minimum Electrical and Lighting Y    
Mold-Like Substance Standard Y Y  
Parking Lot Standard     Y
Potential Lead-Based Paint Hazards – Visual Assessment Standard Y Y Y
Private Roads and Driveways Standard     Y
Refrigerator Standard Y Y  
Retaining Wall Standard     Y
Roof Assembly Standard     Y
Sharp Edges Standard Y Y Y
Sidewalk, Walkway, and Ramp Standard     Y
Sink Standard Y Y  
Site Drainage Standard     Y
Smoke Alarm Standard Y Y  
Sprinkler Assembly Standard Y Y Y
Steps and Stairs Standard Y Y Y
Structural System Standard Y Y Y
Toilet Standard Y Y  
Trash Chute Standard   Y  
Trip Hazard Standard Y Y Y
Ventilation Y Y  
Wall – Exterior Standard     Y
Wall – Interior Standard Y Y  
Water Heater Standard Y Y Y
Window Standard Y Y Y

» Download all NSPIRE standards in one .ZIP file (7MB)

» Download all NSPIRE standards changelogs in one PDF file (2.4MB)

How to Navigate NSPIRE Standards

HUD’s template guide offers a structural overview of the NSPIRE standards. Each standard is organized into two (2) sections that present key components of an inspectable element under the NSPIRE program. The first section describes attributes of the item and identifies each deficiency to be evaluated. The second section provides further detail on each applicable deficiency by its inspectable location(s). Review the template guide here or learn more about how to read the NSPIRE standards.

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