The Building of a New Inspection Model – National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE)
NSPIRE Standards
Learn the current version of the developing NSPIRE standards, how to submit feedback, and what kind of feedback HUD is looking for.
NSPIRE Resources
Have more questions about NSPIRE? Need additional information? Review NSPIRE Resources including printer-friendly factsheets and a multitude of NSPIRE links.
NSPIRE Inspection Protocol and Guidance Published
This inspection protocol establishes operative guidance for inspectors to perform thorough NSPIRE inspections. This protocol does not apply to Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) NSPIRE inspections. Learn More >>
Try the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) NSPIRE Inspection Tool and Checklist
Agencies administering HUD's Section 8 voucher programs can use this checklist in MS Excel and two PDF formats to conduct an NSPIRE inspection. The HCV checklist is an optional tool to help inspectors that use a paper-based checklist in areas without electronic tools or internet connectivity. REAC will issue an NSPIRE software application for voucher programs in the coming months. Note: agencies that participated in the NSPIRE Demonstration may continue using the app they were already using to conduct NSPIRE inspections.
- NSPIRE Checklist PDF (for printing and manual completion)
- NSPIRE Checklist MS Excel tool
- NSPIRE Checklist PDF-fillable form
Try the Updated NSPIRE Score Calculator
The Updated NSPIRE Score Calculator (MS Excel) helps you estimate a potential NSPIRE score based on the types and locations of deficiencies identified during an NSPIRE inspection. This score only provides an estimate as many factors will impact the actual score generated by a property inspection.
About REAC
HUD’s Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) assists in improving housing quality by performing accurate, credible, and reliable assessments of HUD’s real estate portfolio. REAC’s primary mission is to provide our customers with independent, actionable assessments that advance risk-informed decisions about the condition of the nation’s affordable housing portfolio.
The new NSPIRE model prioritizes health, safety, and functional defects over appearance. It implements inspections that better reflect the true physical conditions of the property. The NSPIRE model supports the adoption of sound, year-round maintenance practices.
The most positive aspect to NSPIRE is its desire to improve the quality of life for residents and address unit needs in a meaningful way.
— Wandae Johnson, Charlottesville Public Housing Association of Residents
NSPIRE Standards
HUD’s approach to standards development follows a clearly defined core set of principles: people-centered design, a focus on efficiency, science-based rationales, continuous collaborative improvement, and streamlined operations. HUD welcomes input from property owners and agents, public housing agencies, residents, technical experts, and other members of the public. Your feedback is critical to the success of NSPIRE and the well-being of the residents HUD serves.
More About NSPIRE
Webinars & Webcasts
Watch the many NSPIRE webinars and webcasts to learn about NSPIRE overviews, standards, and more. View »
 | Phone the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) 1-888-245-4860 |
 | Email the NSPIRE Information Center NSPIRE@hud.gov |
 |