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HQS Inspection Checklist for DC Landlords

Pass your Housing Quality Standards inspection the first time. This comprehensive checklist covers all HUD requirements for Section 8 properties in Washington DC.

Inspection Readiness: 0 of 39 items checked0%

Common Fail Points

!Missing or non-working smoke detectors on each level
!Missing GFCI outlets near water sources
!Missing electrical outlet/switch cover plates
!Peeling or chipping paint (especially in pre-1978 homes)
!Hot water heater relief valve with PVC pipe (must be copper/galvanized)
!Double-keyed deadbolts (fire safety violation)
!Non-working or leaking plumbing fixtures
!Stove not secured with anti-tip bracket
!Refrigerator door seal not tight
!Bathroom without exhaust fan or openable window

DCHA Contact

202-535-1000 hcvpinspections@dchousing.org dchousing.org

Unit vacant and free of debris

The unit must be empty/vacant from previous tenant, and free and clear of all furnishings and debris

Furniture left behindTrash remainingPersonal items

Complete all cleaning and removal before scheduling inspection

Working smoke detectors on each level

There must be working smoke detectors properly mounted on each level of the unit including the basement and walk-up attics

Missing detectorsDead batteriesImproper placementDetectors over 10 years old

Install new batteries and test all detectors before inspection

All construction/rehabilitation completed

All construction/rehabilitation (painting, carpet replacement, etc.) must be completed

Unfinished paint workIncomplete flooringMissing fixtures

Do not schedule inspection until all work is 100% complete

Unit in clean and sanitary condition

The entire unit shall be in a clean and sanitary condition

Dirty appliancesStained carpetsUnclean bathrooms

Deep clean the entire unit including all appliances before inspection

Unit freshly painted

The entire unit must be freshly painted

Scuff marks on wallsUneven paintMissed areas

Apply fresh paint throughout the unit, especially in high-traffic areas

Utilities turned on

Utilities (water, gas, electric) must be turned on for the completion of the inspection

Utilities not activatedGas shut offWater off

Schedule utility activation at least 2-3 days before inspection date

No chipping/peeling paint or wall defects

No chipping or peeling paint, cracks, holes or loose plaster inside or outside the unit

Peeling paintHoles in wallsCracks in plasterWater damage

Repair all wall damage and repaint - this is especially critical in pre-1978 homes due to lead paint

Wood surfaces properly painted and intact

Interior and exterior wood surfaces shall be properly painted and kept intact at all times

Peeling paint on trimRotted woodBare wood surfaces

Sand, prime, and paint all wood surfaces including door frames, window sills, and baseboards

Permanently installed working heating system

There must be a permanently installed working heating system

System not workingPortable heaters onlyInadequate heat output

Test heating system before inspection, even in summer months

Hot water heater with proper relief valve

The hot water heater tank must have a temperature pressure relief valve with downward discharge pipe made of galvanized steel or copper tubing that is between 6-8 inches from the floor or directed outside the unit. No PVC allowed. CPVC is acceptable.

Missing relief valvePVC discharge pipePipe too far from floorNo discharge pipe

Replace PVC with copper or galvanized steel. Ensure pipe terminates 6-8 inches from floor.

No plumbing leaks

There must not be any plumbing leaks

Dripping faucetsLeaking pipes under sinksToilet leaksWater stains

Check under all sinks, around toilets, and at water heater connections

P-traps on all plumbing fixtures

All plumbing fixtures must have P-traps to prevent sewer gas from leaking into the unit

Missing P-trapsDamaged trapsImproper installation

Inspect under all sinks to ensure P-traps are present and in good condition

Floor covering in good condition

The floor covering cannot be torn or have holes that can cause someone to trip. Carpets if installed shall be clean and free of stains.

Torn carpetLoose tilesTrip hazardsStained carpets

Replace or repair damaged flooring. Clean or replace stained carpets.

Electrical outlets/switches with cover plates

All electrical outlets/switches must have cover plates and be in good working condition

Missing cover platesCracked platesNon-working outlets

This is a common fail point - check EVERY outlet and switch in the unit

GFCIs working properly

All ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) must work properly

Non-working GFCINo GFCI near waterFailed test button

Test all GFCI outlets with the test/reset buttons. Required near sinks, in bathrooms, and outside.

Ground floor windows and doors with working locks

All ground floor windows and exterior doors shall open and close as designed and must have working locks

Broken locksWindows painted shutDoors that don't close properly

Test all windows and doors for proper operation and locking function

No double-keyed deadbolts

Double-keyed dead bolts are not permitted

Double-cylinder deadbolts requiring key from inside

Replace double-keyed deadbolts with single-cylinder (thumb-turn interior) for fire safety

Security bars with quick release

All security bars and windows must have a quick release mechanism

No release mechanismStuck or painted-over release

Ensure security bars can be opened from inside without tools for emergency egress

Sliding glass door security

All sliding glass doors must have a lock or security bar on the door that works

Broken lockMissing security barLock doesn't engage

Install both a door lock and a security bar in the track for sliding doors

Two means of fire egress per living space

Each living space must have two means of fire egress (i.e. door & window)

Only one exitWindow painted shutWindow too small

Bedrooms especially must have a window that opens for emergency exit

Windows and doors weather tight

Windows and doors shall be weather tight with glass free of cracks to prevent wind, air or rain penetration

Cracked glassGaps around framesMissing weatherstripping

Replace cracked glass and add weatherstripping to prevent air infiltration

No bedrooms with furnaces or gas meters

No room which contains a furnace, open flame heating unit without proper ventilation or gas meter is designated as a bedroom

Furnace in bedroom closetGas meter in sleeping area

Bedrooms cannot contain heating equipment or gas meters

Bedroom minimum size and access

Bedrooms shall have at least seventy (70) square feet of floor space and a separate entrance without going through another bedroom

Room too smallPass-through bedroomNo closet

Each bedroom must be at least 70 sq ft with its own entrance - cannot access through another bedroom

Stove clean, working, and secured

Stove must be clean and in working order and secured

Non-working burnersDirty/greasy stoveNot secured to wallGas leak

Test all burners and oven. Deep clean stove. Ensure anti-tip bracket is installed for freestanding ranges.

Refrigerator clean and working

Refrigerator must be clean and be in working order with a good door seal

Not coolingBroken door sealDirty interiorFreezer not freezing

Clean inside thoroughly. Check door seal by closing on a dollar bill - should hold firmly.

Hot and cold running water

Hot and cold running water in the kitchen and bathroom(s)

No hot waterLow water pressureOnly cold water

Run water at all faucets to confirm both hot and cold are working

Working shower or bathtub

There must be a shower or bathtub that works

Clogged drainNo water flowBroken handlesMissing caulk

Test water flow and drainage. Re-caulk around tub to prevent water damage.

Flush toilet - working and secured

There must be a flush toilet that works, is securely mounted and does not leak

Loose toiletRunning waterLeaking baseCracked tank/bowl

Tighten floor bolts, replace wax ring if base leaks, and ensure toilet is stable

Bathroom ventilation

The bathroom must have either an outside window or an exhaust fan vented to the outside

No exhaust fanFan vents to atticWindow painted shut

Exhaust fan must vent to outside (not attic). If no fan, window must open.

No plugged drains

There must not be any plugged drains (check for slow drains)

Slow draining sinkClogged tub drainGurgling sounds

Test all drains before inspection. Clear any slow drains.

Address visible with proper lighting

House or apartment shall be properly numbered or lettered with the proper illumination (lighting)

No house numbersNumbers not visibleNo exterior lighting

Install visible address numbers and ensure exterior light illuminates them at night

Walkway to unit

There must be stepping stones or walkway to the unit

No defined pathBroken walkwayTrip hazards

Ensure safe, clear path from street/parking to unit entrance

Roof does not leak

The roof must not leak. Indications of a leak are discolorations or stains on the ceiling.

Water stains on ceilingMissing shinglesActive leaks

Check interior ceilings for water stains which indicate roof problems

Common areas safe and lit

All common hallways, walkways, and parking areas shall be free of cracks and tripping hazards and properly illuminated

Cracked sidewalksPoor lightingTripping hazards

Repair cracks, fill holes, and ensure all common areas are well lit

Grass/weeds under 4 inches

Weeds and grass shall be less than four (4) inches in height

Overgrown lawnWeeds in walkwaysUnmaintained landscaping

Mow lawn and remove weeds within a few days of inspection

Garbage containers with covers

All units shall have adequate garbage containers with covers

No garbage cansMissing lidsBroken containers

Provide covered trash receptacles appropriate for the property

Stairs and railings secure

If there are stairs and railings, they must be secure

Loose railingsRotted woodMissing balustersBroken steps

Test all railings for stability. Repair or replace loose components.

Handrails on 4+ exterior stairs

Four or more exterior stairs must have handrails 34 inches to 38 inches from the ground

No handrailWrong heightLoose handrail

Handrails required at 34-38 inches height when there are 4 or more steps

Guard rails on elevated areas

Walk offs or porches 30 inches above grade must have guard rails 36 inches from the ground

No guard railRail too shortGaps too wide

Porches, decks, and balconies over 30" high require 36" guard rails

Important DCHA Notes

All utilities (water, gas, electric) must be ON during inspection
Unit must be vacant and move-in ready - completely empty of previous tenant belongings
Owner must correct all deficiencies within 30 days
Annual inspections are required for continued HCVP participation
Emergency fails (no heat, no water, gas leaks) require immediate attention
This checklist covers common violations - refer to DCMR Title 14 and HUD HQS for complete requirements

Note: If your property fails inspection, you have 30 days to correct deficiencies and schedule a re-inspection.

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