Revised Compliance Date for NSPIRE New Affirmative Requirements Published HUD is extending the date, until October 1, 2025, for the inclusion of point deductions in the physical inspection scores for new affirmative requirements under NSPIRE. These new affirmatives include Fire Labeled Doors; Electrical—GFCI or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI); Guardrail; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC); Interior Lighting; and Minimum Electrical and Lighting. This extension is applicable to Public Housing and Multifamily Housing programs. For detailed descriptions of each category and the associated defects, please refer to Section IV.D. of the Scoring Notice (Non-Scored Defects and New Affirmative Requirements). Revised Compliance Date for NSPIRE New Affirmative Requirements New Resources For PHAs and Property Owners View the Inspection 101 One-Pager & Inspection Journey Map  Public housing authorities and owners and agents can now reference two new resources to help walk them through the NSPIRE inspection process: NSPIRE Inspection 101 and the Property Owner Inspection Journey Map. The first year of NSPIRE marks a significant improvement in ensuring that residents of HUD housing live in safe, habitable housing. The Inspection 101 sheet offers an overview of the NSPIRE protocols before, during, and after inspections. The Property Owner Inspection Journey Map offers a condensed visual of similar information. See both on the NSPIRE Toolkit page.  Recent Improvements in the NSPIRE app HUD is continuously working on improving the user experience in the NSPIRE app and has several updates that are now available to users. Updates are scheduled for the upcoming months. The following updates were made available on December 10, 2024: Improved the automation logic to update the inspection records with the Preliminary and Final scores. Updated the sample size calculation to account for Multifamily Housing properties identified as Assisted. Automated the backend processing for the NSPIRE for Vouchers self-registration process to accurately determine when a username has already been created. Provided the ability to correctly view and select updated Smoke Detector and Alarm Standards during the inspection process for the NSPIRE-V program. HUD is aware of the challenges that users have had with the NSPIRE system and has completed several improvements to the user experience. The Department’s Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) is working with PIH’s IT team and the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) and their vendor on additional functionality and improvements. HUD will send a message on these updates once they are available. PHAs and Owners Reminded to Make NSPIRE Reports Available to Residents As described in the NSPIRE Administrative Procedures Notice, public housing authorities (PHAs) and property owners/agents (POAs) are required to make inspection results available to residents after an inspection. This practice is part of HUD’s efforts to increase transparency and maintain a resident-focused approach with NSPIRE. HUD is working on two initiatives to gather continuous feedback to improve collaboration and resident engagement in the NSPIRE inspection process, including: Providing a survey to capture residents’ opinions of the inspection process, and Working to build capability to allow resident council or equivalent to recommend units for inspection. Visit the NSPIRE webpage for more information. New Resources for Inspectors NSPIRE Inspection Protocol and Guidance Published Inspectors can now view the newly published NSPIRE Inspection Protocol and Guidance. This inspection protocol establishes operative guidance for inspectors to perform thorough NSPIRE inspections. The objectives are to provide guidance and direction to achieve: Consistent, accurate and objective REAC inspections using the NSPIRE Standards; and Appropriate inspector and contractor conduct and behavior during the inspection. The protocol does not apply to Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) NSPIRE inspections. VIEW THE NSPIRE INSPECTION PROTOCOL & GUIDANCE View Inspector Dine and Learns Inspectors can now view all past Dine and Learns on the REAC Inspector playlist. VIEW THE REAC INSPECTOR PLAYLIST NSPIRE for Vouchers NSPIRE for Vouchers Office Hours and Webinars Continue Office hours and webinars for NSPIRE for Vouchers continue January 15, January 29 and into 2025. NSPIRE subject matter experts will present various topics and address questions. Advance registration is not required. PHAs, landlords, maintenance staff, inspectors, and industry staff are invited to come with questions and to engage in discussion with the NSPIRE experts. The full schedule can be found on the HCV Program Trainings and Resources webpage. Recordings and presentation materials from previous sessions are posted on the Past Trainings and Webinars webpage. NSPIRE for Vouchers resources are also now available to help landlords and residents prepare for inspections. SEE THE OFFICE HOURS & WEBINARS SCHEDULE How to Inspect Videos Available for HCV Inspectors Inspectors can view more than 20 short instructional videos that help broaden their knowledge related to the application of NSPIRE standards for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. Each includes the definition, inspection process, and deficiencies for the corresponding standard. Watch the videos. WATCH THE HCV HOW TO INSPECT VIDEOS Questions? The NSPIRE webpage includes tools, information, and additional resources. Send questions to NSPIRE@hud.gov. |
