HQS

HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS)

An HQS inspection provides an unbiased evaluation of properties current condition to three parties.

All three parties use the inspection results to comply with the requirements of HUD's HQS program.

The HA uses the report to help decide on eligibility in the program, rent reasonableness, required maintenance required to allow the unit to qualify and conditions which may be acceptable by the potential tenant.

The owner of the property uses the report to document the current condition and to know what needs to be repaired or modified so the unit will be acceptable.

The tenant uses the report to see what condition the unit is in prior to moving in.

In certain situations an inspection point may rely on the tenant's acceptance and/or knowledge of the item being inspected. These conditions should be discussed with the tenant and the Housing Authority (HA). The HA may discuss repairs with the owner to improve the condition. In some cases the tenant makes the final decision to accept the conditions and lease the unit.

HUD relies on contracts with Housing authorities (HA's) to manage and administer the subsidized rent programs in accordance with federal law.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is regulated by Federal Law under Code of Federal Regulation Title 24. Over the years the program has been modified to improve and adapt to changing times. HUD relies on contracts with Housing Authorities (HA's) that build, manage, maintain and administer the subsidized rent programs. There are two categories of housing authorities: