The National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) is a new inspection model that prioritizes health, safety, and functional defects over appearance. The model implements inspections that better reflect the true physical conditions of the property. NSPIRE supports the adoption of sound, year-round maintenance practices, and introduces a range of changes for residents, property owners and agents (POAs), public housing agencies (PHAs), inspectors, and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
NSPIRE Demonstration
In late 2019, REAC began a two-year, voluntary demonstration to better identify potential adjustments to standards, protocols, and processes prior to nationwide implementation. This demonstration involves a diverse, representative group of stakeholders, including other HUD offices, PHAs, and POAs. During the demonstration, volunteer properties around the United States participate in inspections using the new protocol and provide feedback. The NSPIRE demonstration aims to:
- Identify adjustments to standards, protocols, and processes
- Increase inspection consistency
- Develop a streamlined, electronic-based inspection system
- Improve inspection accuracy
- Define clear inspection standards and protocols
- Capture pictures during inspections
- Introduce resident surveys for better service
NSPIRE Priorities for Residents
The NSPIRE model prioritizes the health, safety, and functional needs of residents. NSPIRE supports year-round maintenance with a unit-focused approach, introduces resident surveys for better service, and aims to provide safe and habitable homes for residents.
NSPIRE Priorities for POAs & PHAs
The NSPIRE model aims to increase inspection consistency, collaborate with HUD, and provide access to inspection data. POAs and PHAs will be able to contribute input to new standards and receive reliable data, and presentable reports for portfolio management and risk assessment.
NSPIRE Priorities for Inspectors
The NSPIRE model prioritizes electronic-based inspections, increased inspection accuracy, clearly defined inspection standards and protocols, and the ability to capture pictures during inspections. Inspectors will collaborate with HUD to ensure better performance assessments for HUD-assisted housing.
NSPIRE Priorities for HUD
NSPIRE aims to provide HUD with access to reliable, valid, and objective data. The model also aims to align multiple inspection standards, adapt to industry changes, and modernize health and safety standards. NSPIRE aims to provide better performance assessments for HUD-assisted housing.
NSPIRE Standards
HUD follows a clearly defined core set of principles when developing standards for NSPIRE. These include people-centered design, a focus on efficiency, science-based rationales, continuous collaborative improvement, and streamlined operations. Input from property owners and agents, PHAs, residents, technical experts, and the public is welcome. Your feedback is critical to the success of NSPIRE and the well-being of the residents HUD serves.
NSPIRE Score Calculator
The NSPIRE Score Calculator helps estimate a potential NSPIRE score based on the types and locations of deficiencies identified during an NSPIRE inspection. The score only provides an estimate as many factors will impact the actual score generated by a property inspection. You can learn how to use HUD’s NSPIRE Score Calculator by watching this video.
Proposed Scoring Notice and Request for Comments
On March 28, 2023, HUD issued a Proposed Scoring Notice for National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate and Associated Protocols.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the implementation of NSPIRE marks a significant improvement in the way physical inspections of real estate are conducted. With a focus on health, safety, and functional defects over appearance, NSPIRE will lead to safer and more habitable homes for residents of HUD-assisted housing. This shift also benefits POAs, PHAs, and inspectors with increased inspection consistency, reliable data, and presentable reports for portfolio management and risk assessment. One tool that can automate the calculation of potential NSPIRE scores is SnapInspect. We would love to hear from you if you want to find out how we can automate this calculation.
