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NSPIRE-V

NOTICE: NSPIRE-V Implementation for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Programs

1) Purpose

This notice informs all HCV and PBV landlords, property managers, and participants that Decatur Housing will adopt HUD's National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate - Voucher program (NSPIRE-V) beginning October 1, 2026.

Although HUD has extended the federal implementation date to February 1, 2027, Decatur Housing is moving forward earlier to ensure a smooth transition, maintain inspection excellence, and continue protecting resident health and safety.

2) Background

HUD is replacing the long-standing Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection model with NSPIRE-V, a modernized and standardized framework for assessing housing quality. This transition marks a significant shift away from subjective HQS interpretations toward clear, measurable, and objective standards that focus on resident well-being.

NSPIRE-V emphasizes direct health and safety conditions-particularly those related to fire protection, electrical safety, and environmental hazards-to ensure that all assisted housing provides safe, decent, and sanitary living environments.

3) What's Changing

  • Inspection Model: NSPIRE-V introduces structured, health- and safety-based inspection criteria to replace the broader HQS approach.
  • Inspectable Areas: All inspections will be organized into three categories-Inside, Outside, and Units-with specific standards and deficiency definitions for each.
  • Focus on Safety: The protocol prioritizes conditions that directly affect life and health, including smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, egress, electrical hazards, and fire safety.

4) How Decatur Housing Is Helping Landlords Prepare

To ensure a successful transition, Decatur Housing is taking proactive steps, including:

  • Hosting periodic NSPIRE Expos that feature live inspection demonstrations and training.
  • Publishing training materials, inspection guides, and checklists to help owners and managers understand and meet NSPIRE-V requirements.
  • Continuing to serve as an industry leader by providing timely answers and clarity to landlord inquiries about upcoming inspection changes.
  • Offering technical guidance to help landlords correct common deficiencies before inspections occur.

5) What Landlords Should Do Now

  • Review NSPIRE-V standards and inspectable areas to verify compliance in advance.
  • Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, electrical outlets, and trip/fall hazards.
  • Share updated expectations with maintenance staff and vendors to prevent inspection failures and delays.

6) Resources (Shareable Links)

7) Implementation at Decatur Housing

Beginning October 1, 2026, all HCV and PBV inspections conducted by Decatur Housing will use the NSPIRE-V protocol. Units that fail to meet NSPIRE-V standards within HUD-prescribed correction periods will be subject to abatement or other enforcement actions in accordance with federal regulation and Decatur Housing policy.

8) Contact

For questions about NSPIRE-V implementation or inspection readiness: Shamar Holley - NSPIRE Inspector Phone: 404-270-2132