HUD provides rental assistance through several programs, including:

• Public housing: Public housing properties are owned by the state and managed by public housing agencies (PHAs). PHAs are local government authorities that act on HUD’s behalf. They manage many of HUD’s programs and services. Public housing ranges from single-family homes to high-rise apartments.
• Multifamily housing: Multifamily properties are privately-owned, but the owner gets funding from HUD to provide affordable housing. Residents search for an apartment and submit a rental application directly to the property.
• Housing choice vouchers (Section 8): Individuals or families with housing choice vouchers find their own place and use the voucher to pay for all or part of the rent. Homes can vary and include apartments, single-family homes, and townhomes. This program includes the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program.

Inspection standards vary by the type of housing you live in.

Standards for public housing, multifamily housing, and HUD-funded nursing homes and assisted living facilities:

Standards for housing choice voucher (Section 8) units:

• Housing Quality Standards (HQS)

HUD is testing new inspection standards. Some properties have volunteered to participate in testing a new inspection process. The standards focus on resident homes (units) and serious health and/or safety issues like lead-based paint hazards and mold. Before finalizing the standards, HUD is getting feedback to find out what works and what doesn’t. The new standards are called the “National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate” or NSPIRE. Some housing choice voucher units are also being inspected using these standards and known as the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate for Vouchers (NSPIRE-V). Previously, these units were part of the Uniform Physical Condition Standards for Vouchers demonstration or UPCS-V.

The following are examples of things HUD inspectors make sure are functional and in good condition during an inspection. If there is an issue, they will report it as a deficiency in the inspection report. If you notice any of these items need repair, tell your property manager or landlord right away.

• Doors lock or latch properly. The door’s surface is undamaged (for example, no holes or rust). Door frames and trim are not damaged.
• There is a refrigerator and it is working.
• Windows are in good condition and open and close. They are lockable. They have screens. There are no cracks or breaks.
• The bathroom has a sink and shower/tub and they are working. Pipes and faucets are not leaking. The hot and cold water handles are in place and working.
• The walls are not damaged. There is no peeling paint.
• Plate covers for outlets and switches are not cracked or broken.
• The kitchen stove is working.
• There is an emergency or fire exit (such as fire stairs or an exit through windows). It is not blocked by furniture or other items not easily moved.
• Clothing dryers (in units or laundry rooms) are properly vented to the outside.

See the top 20 deficiency examples found in REAC inspections (PDF).

In addition to REAC inspections, properties also have routine inspections. Your property manager is required to give you notice of any type of inspection. Your state or local government may also have laws and regulations around inspections.

• Routine inspections are often done by property managers. They include a visual check of your rental property to make sure you are following your lease. The property manager will also look for health and safety issues. Work orders may be made during or after a routine inspection so issues can be fixed. These inspections may happen multiple times a year. They also help prepare your property for REAC inspections.
• If you live in a multifamily housing property, the property will also have regular Management and Occupancy Reviews (MORs). These are done by a Project-Based Contract Administrator (PBCA). PBCAs are contracted (or hired) by HUD to make sure property owners are following HUD’s rules and guidance. They help make sure you are being treated fairly and are provided with a decent, safe, and sanitary home. The PBCA makes sure any issues found during REAC inspections are fixed.
• Your building may have other types of inspections as well. For example, a building code inspection by your local government.

Federal resources:

• HUD rental assistance.
• Find information on tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Making homes healthier for families.
• Learn about HUD’s efforts towards environmental justice (ensuring the environment and human health are protected fairly for all people).
• HUD-certified housing counselors are available to help you with your housing situation, discuss your options, and send you to other local resources. Call 1-800-569-4287 or find a housing counselor.
• If you are at risk of homelessness, contact a homeless service provider in your community.

Non-governmental resources:

• Call 211 from any phone or visit 211.org to connect to local programs, resources, and services in your community. They can also help you find your local elected officials.
• Find legal aid or help for people with low incomes. Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is a network of non-profits that help people with fair housing issues and other civil legal problems.
• Search justshelter.org to find community organizations working to provide affordable housing, prevent eviction, and reduce family homelessness.

• Property and Unit Inspections flyer (PDF). The flyer is also available in 19 other languages.

• Housing discrimination: Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability. If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a fair housing complaint.
• Housing Choice Vouchers: File a Housing Choice Voucher complaint by calling 1-800-955-2232 or sending an email to Public Housing’s Customer Service at HUD-PIHRC@tngusa.net.
• Bad landlords in federal housing: Many landlords have been fined or prevented from doing business with the federal government because they failed to provide safe and decent housing for people living in poverty, while benefiting from taxpayer funds. Find out how to report a bad landlord.
• Fraud, waste, and abuse: If you are aware of fraud, waste, and abuse in HUD programs and operations, report it to HUD’s Inspector General Hotline.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224 is a confidential hotline for anyone experiencing domestic violence, looking for information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship. If you can’t speak safely on the phone, text “START” to 88788 or visit the website to start an online chat.
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 is available 24/7 to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing child abuse, seeking resources or information, and referrals.
• RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 is available 24/7 to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing sexual violence and needing crisis support.
• National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-786-2929 provides support to at-risk youth and their families 24/7 through phone, email, and live chat.
• National Human Trafficking Resource Center: 1-888-373-7888 is available 24/7 to confidentially provide help to victims of human trafficking.