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Housing quality Standards

General HQS Standards and Mandated Inspections 

At least annually, SFHRC conducts inspections of participants’ units to determine compliance with HUD Housing Quality Standards, prior to the execution of the entire term of the assisted lease. Inspections may be completed by PHA staff or by contracted personnel. 

HQS consists of the following thirteen (13) performance requirements: 

  • Sanitary facilities 

  • Food preparation and refuse disposal 

  • Space and security 

  • Thermal environment 

  • Illumination and electricity 

  • Structure and materials 

  • Interior air quality 

  • Water supply 

  • Lead-based paint 

  • Access (i.e., entrances and exits) 

  • Site and neighborhood 

  • Sanitary condition 

  • Smoke Detectors 

Illustration of a graded inspection checklist

NOTE: SFHRC strives to ensure consistency among inspection staff in areas requiring personal judgment of conditions. Not all areas of HQS are exactly defined. While acceptability criteria specifically state the minimum standards necessary to meet HQS, inspector judgment or tenant preference may also need to be considered in determining whether the unit meets minimum standards or livability. Staff receive the tools to make sound decisions through training, access to written policy and procedures, and with consistent written and oral instruction. 

Potential safety hazards that are not specifically addressed in HQS acceptability criteria must be addressed in the field. For example, damaged kitchen cabinet hardware may present a cutting hazard to small children. A good practice is to assess potential hazards based on the composition of the family residing in a unit. Some potential hazards may only apply when small children are in occupancy. 

Download the Housing Quality Standards Reference Quide

 This is only a reference guide for use by a landlord participating on the Housing Choice Voucher Program. All items may not be listed. However, Sioux Falls Housing (SFHRC) hopes we have provided you with adequate information to assure that your rental unit will be ready for inspection.