NSPIRE Self-Inspection Checklist
Every deficiency an inspector can cite — all 204 of them — organized the way you actually walk a unit, severity-tagged, with the 45 life-threatening items flagged in red. Walk it before your PHA does.
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The 10 highest-stakes fails
These are life-threatening classifications under the published HUD standards — the items that carry a 24-hour repair clock the moment an inspector tags them. Check these first in every unit.
- 1
Exposed electrical conductor.
Electrical - Conductor, Outlet, and Switch · 24-hour fix window
- 2
The overcurrent protection device is damaged.
Electrical - Service Panel · 24-hour fix window
- 3
Smoke alarm is not installed where required.*
Smoke Alarm · 24-hour fix window
- 4
Carbon monoxide alarm is missing, not installed, or not installed in a proper location.*
Carbon Monoxide · 24-hour fix window
- 5
Obstructed means of egress.
Egress · 24-hour fix window
- 6
Unvented space heater that burns gas, oil, or kerosene is present.*
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) · 24-hour fix window
- 7
Chimney or flue piping is blocked, misaligned, or missing.
Water Heater · 24-hour fix window
- 8
Guardrail is missing or not installed.*
Guardrail · 24-hour fix window
- 9
Natural gas, propane, or oil leak.
Leak - Gas/Oil · 24-hour fix window
- 10
Presence of mold-like substance at extremely high levels is observed visually.
Mold-Like Substance · 24-hour fix window
The full room-by-room checklist
Filter by room or severity, check items off as you walk, print the whole thing for a clipboard. Photograph everything as you go — even what passes. Dated photos end the argument.
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Showing 204 of 204 items · 0 checked (saved for this browser session — create an account to keep it)
Unit Entry & Doors10 items
Entry door will not open.
Door - EntryModerateEntry door will not close.
Door - EntrySevere24-hr fix windowEntry door self-closing mechanism is damaged, inoperable, or missing.
Door - EntrySevere24-hr fix windowHole, split, or crack that penetrates completely through entry door.
Door - EntryModerateEntry door is missing.
Door - EntryLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowEntry door surface is delaminated or separated.
Door - EntryModerateEntry door frame, threshold, or trim is damaged or missing.
Door - EntryModerateEntry door seal, gasket, or stripping is damaged, inoperable, or missing.
Door - EntryModerateEntry door component is damaged, inoperable, or missing and it does not limit the door’s ability to provide privacy or protection from weather or infestation.
Door - EntryLowEntry door cannot be secured.
Door - EntrySevere24-hr fix window
Kitchen19 items
Food storage space is not present.*
Cabinet and StorageModerateStorage component is damaged, inoperable, or missing.
Cabinet and StorageModerateCooking range, cooktop, or oven does not ignite or produce heat.
Cooking ApplianceSevere24-hr fix windowCooking range, cooktop, or oven component is damaged or missing such that the device is unsafe for use.
Cooking ApplianceModeratePrimary cooking appliance is missing.*
Cooking ApplianceModerateA microwave is the primary cooking appliance and it is damaged.
Cooking ApplianceSevere24-hr fix windowA burner does not produce heat, but at least 1 other burner is present on the cooking range or cooktop and does produce heat.
Cooking ApplianceModerateFood preparation area is not present.*
Food Preparation AreaModerateFood preparation area is damaged or is not functionally adequate.
Food Preparation AreaModerateRefrigerator is inoperable such that it may be unable to safely and adequately store food.
RefrigeratorModerateRefrigerator component is damaged such that it impacts functionality.
RefrigeratorModerateRefrigerator is missing.*
RefrigeratorModerateSink or sink component is damaged or missing and the sink is not functionally adequate.
SinkModerateWater is directed outside of the basin.
SinkLowSink is not draining.
SinkModerateSink is improperly installed, pulling away from the wall, leaning, or there are gaps between the sink and wall.
SinkModerateSink component is damaged or missing and the sink is functionally adequate.
SinkLowCannot activate or deactivate hot and cold water.*
SinkModerateSink is missing or not installed within the primary kitchen.*
SinkModerate
Bathroom(s)14 items
Only 1 bathtub or shower is present and it is inoperable or does not drain.
Bathtub and ShowerSevere24-hr fix windowA bathtub or shower is inoperable or does not drain and at least 1 bathtub or shower is present elsewhere that is operational.
Bathtub and ShowerModerateBathtub component or shower component is damaged, inoperable, or missing such that it may limit the resident's ability to maintain personal hygiene.
Bathtub and ShowerModerateBathtub component or shower component is damaged, inoperable, or missing and it does not limit the resident's ability to maintain personal hygiene.
Bathtub and ShowerLowBathtub or shower cannot be used in private.*
Bathtub and ShowerModerateGrab bar is not secure.
Grab BarModerateOnly 1 toilet was installed, and it is missing.
ToiletLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowA toilet is missing and at least 1 toilet is installed elsewhere that is operational.
ToiletModerateOnly 1 toilet was installed, and it is damaged or inoperable.
ToiletSevere24-hr fix windowA toilet is damaged or inoperable and at least 1 toilet is installed elsewhere that is operational.
ToiletModerateToilet component is damaged, inoperable, or missing such that it may limit the resident’s ability to safely discharge human waste.
ToiletModerateToilet is not secured at the base.
ToiletModerateToilet component is damaged, inoperable, or missing and it does not limit the resident’s ability to discharge human waste.
ToiletLowToilet cannot be used in private.*
ToiletModerate
Bedrooms & Living Areas6 items
Ceiling has an unstable surface.
CeilingModerateCeiling has a hole.
CeilingModerateCeiling component(s) is not functionally adequate.
CeilingSevere24-hr fix windowFloor substrate is exposed.
FloorModerateFloor component(s) is not functionally adequate.
FloorModerateA sharp edge that can result in a cut or puncture hazard is present.
Sharp EdgesSevere24-hr fix window
Electrical (Throughout)17 items
Outlet or switch is damaged.
Electrical - Conductor, Outlet, and SwitchLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowTesting indicates a three-pronged outlet is not properly wired or grounded.
Electrical - Conductor, Outlet, and SwitchSevere24-hr fix windowOutlet does not have visible damage and testing indicates it is not energized.
Electrical - Conductor, Outlet, and SwitchSevere24-hr fix windowExposed electrical conductor.
Electrical - Conductor, Outlet, and SwitchLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowWater is currently in contact with an electrical conductor.
Electrical - Conductor, Outlet, and SwitchLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowGFCI outlet or GFCI breaker is not visibly damaged and the test or reset button is inoperable.
Electrical - GFCI/AFCISevere24-hr fix windowAFCI outlet or AFCI breaker is not visibly damaged and the test or reset button is inoperable.
Electrical - GFCI/AFCISevere24-hr fix windowAn unprotected outlet is present within six feet of a water source.*
Electrical - GFCI/AFCISevere24-hr fix windowElectrical service panel is not readily accessible.
Electrical - Service PanelModerateThe overcurrent protection device is damaged.
Electrical - Service PanelLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowThe overcurrent protection device is contaminated.
Electrical - Service PanelSevere24-hr fix windowAuxiliary lighting is damaged, missing, or fails to illuminate when tested.
Lighting - AuxiliarySevere24-hr fix windowA permanently installed light fixture is damaged, inoperable, missing, or not secure.
Lighting - ExteriorModerateA permanently installed light fixture is inoperable.
Lighting - InteriorModerateA permanently installed light fixture is not secure.
Lighting - InteriorModerateAt least one (1) permanently installed light fixture is not present in the kitchen and bathroom.*
Lighting - InteriorModerateAt least two (2) working outlets are not present within each habitable room. OR At least one (1) working outlet and one (1) permanently installed light fixture is not present within each habitable room.*
Minimum Electrical and LightingModerate
Smoke, CO & Life Safety20 items
Smoke alarm is not installed where required.*
Smoke AlarmLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowSmoke alarm is obstructed.
Smoke AlarmLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowSmoke alarm does not produce an audio or visual alarm when tested.
Smoke AlarmLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowCarbon monoxide alarm is missing, not installed, or not installed in a proper location.*
Carbon MonoxideLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowCarbon monoxide alarm is obstructed.
Carbon MonoxideLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowCarbon monoxide alarm does not produce an audio or visual alarm when tested.
Carbon MonoxideLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowSystem is blocked, or pull cord is higher than 6 inches off the floor.
Call-For-Aid SystemLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowSystem does not function properly.
Call-For-Aid SystemLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowObstructed means of egress.
EgressLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowSleeping room is located on the 3rd floor or below and has an obstructed rescue opening.
EgressLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowFire escape access is obstructed.
EgressLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowExit sign is damaged, missing, obstructed, or not adequately illuminated.
Exit SignLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowFire escape component is damaged or missing.
Fire EscapeLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowFire extinguisher pressure gauge reads over or under-charged.
Fire ExtinguisherLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowFire extinguisher service tag is missing, illegible, or expired.
Fire ExtinguisherLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowFire extinguisher is damaged or missing.
Fire ExtinguisherLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowSprinkler head assembly is encased or obstructed by an item or object that is within 18 inches of the sprinkler head.
Sprinkler AssemblyLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowSprinkler assembly component is damaged, inoperable, or missing and it is detrimental to performance.
Sprinkler AssemblyLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowSprinkler assembly has evidence of corrosion.
Sprinkler AssemblyLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowSprinkler assembly has evidence of foreign material that is detrimental to performance.
Sprinkler AssemblyLife-Threatening24-hr fix window
HVAC, Water Heater & Utility24 items
A visually accessible chimney, flue, or firebox connected to a fireplace or wood-burning appliance is incomplete or damaged such that it may not safely contain fire and convey smoke and combustion gases to the exterior.
ChimneyLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowChimney exhibits signs of structural failure.
ChimneyLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowElectric dryer transition duct is detached or missing.
Clothes Dryer Exhaust VentilationLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowGas dryer transition duct is detached or missing.
Clothes Dryer Exhaust VentilationLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowElectric dryer exhaust ventilation system has restricted airflow.
Clothes Dryer Exhaust VentilationLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowDryer transition duct is constructed of unsuitable material.
Clothes Dryer Exhaust VentilationLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowGas dryer exhaust ventilation system has restricted airflow.
Clothes Dryer Exhaust VentilationLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowExterior dryer vent cover, cap, or a component thereof is missing.
Clothes Dryer Exhaust VentilationLowAir conditioning system or device is not operational.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)ModerateUnvented space heater that burns gas, oil, or kerosene is present.*
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)Life-Threatening24-hr fix windowCombustion chamber cover or gas shutoff valve is missing from a fuel burning heating appliance.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)Life-Threatening24-hr fix windowHeating system or device safety shield is damaged or missing.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)Severe24-hr fix windowThe inspection date is on or between April 1 and September 30 and a permanently installed heating source is damaged, inoperable, missing, or not installed.*
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)ModerateFuel burning heating system or device exhaust vent is misaligned, blocked, disconnected, improperly connected, damaged, or missing.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)Life-Threatening24-hr fix windowThe inspection date is on or between October 1 and March 31 and the permanently installed heating source is inoperable.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)ModerateExhaust system does not respond to the control switch.
VentilationModerateExhaust system has restricted airflow.
VentilationModerateExhaust system component is damaged or missing.
VentilationModerateBathroom does not have proper ventilation or dehumidification.
VentilationModerateTemperature pressure relief (TPR) valve has an active leak or is obstructed or relief valve discharge piping is damaged, capped, has an upward slope, or is constructed of unsuitable material.
Water HeaterSevere24-hr fix windowNo hot water.
Water HeaterSevere24-hr fix windowThe relief valve discharge piping is missing or terminates greater than 6 inches or less than 2 inches from waste receptor flood-level.
Water HeaterModerateChimney or flue piping is blocked, misaligned, or missing.
Water HeaterLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowGas shutoff valve is damaged, missing, or not installed.
Water HeaterLife-Threatening24-hr fix window
Walls, Floors, Windows & Throughout54 items
Fire labeled door does not open.
Door - FireSevere24-hr fix windowFire labeled door does not close and latch or the self-closing hardware is damaged or missing such that the door does not self-close and latch.
Door - FireSevere24-hr fix windowFire labeled door assembly has a hole of any size or is damaged such that its integrity may be compromised.
Door - FireSevere24-hr fix windowFire labeled door seal or gasket is damaged or missing.
Door - FireSevere24-hr fix windowAn object is present that may prevent the fire labeled door from closing and latching or self-closing and latching.
Door - FireSevere24-hr fix windowFire labeled door cannot be secured.
Door - FireSevere24-hr fix windowFire labeled door is missing.
Door - FireLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowA passage door does not open.
Door - GeneralModerateA passage door component is damaged, inoperable, or missing and the door is not functionally adequate.
Door - GeneralLowA door that is not intended to permit access between rooms has a damaged, inoperable, or missing component.
Door - GeneralLowAn exterior door component is damaged, inoperable, or missing.
Door - GeneralModerateDrain is fully blocked.
DrainModerateFlammable or combustible item is on or within 3 feet of an appliance that provides heat for thermal comfort or a fuel-burning water heater. OR Improperly stored chemicals.
Flammable and Combustible ItemLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowGuardrail is missing or not installed.*
GuardrailLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowGuardrail is not functionally adequate.
GuardrailLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowHandrail is missing.
HandrailModerateHandrail is not secure.
HandrailModerateHandrail is not functionally adequate.
HandrailModerateHandrail is not installed where required.
HandrailLowEvidence of cockroaches.
InfestationModerateExtensive cockroach infestation.
InfestationSevere24-hr fix windowEvidence of bedbugs.
InfestationModerateExtensive bedbug infestation.
InfestationSevere24-hr fix windowEvidence of mice.
InfestationModerateExtensive mouse infestation.
InfestationSevere24-hr fix windowEvidence of rats.
InfestationModerateExtensive rat infestation.
InfestationSevere24-hr fix windowEvidence of other pests.
InfestationModerateNatural gas, propane, or oil leak.
Leak - Gas/OilLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowBlocked sewage system.
Leak - Sewage SystemSevere24-hr fix windowLeak in sewage system.
Leak - Sewage SystemSevere24-hr fix windowCap to the cleanout or pump cover is detached or missing.
Leak - Sewage SystemModerateCleanout cap or riser is damaged.
Leak - Sewage SystemModerateEnvironmental water intrusion.
Leak - WaterModeratePlumbing leak.
Leak - WaterModerateFluid is leaking from the sprinkler assembly.
Leak - WaterModeratePresence of mold-like substance at moderate levels is observed visually.
Mold-Like SubstanceModeratePresence of mold-like substance at high levels is observed visually.
Mold-Like SubstanceSevere24-hr fix windowPresence of mold-like substance at extremely high levels is observed visually.
Mold-Like SubstanceLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowElevated moisture level.
Mold-Like SubstanceModeratePaint in a Unit or Inside the target property is deteriorated – below the level required for lead-safe work practices by a lead-certified firm or for passing clearance.
Potential Lead-Based Paint Hazards - Visual AssessmentModeratePaint in a Unit or Inside the target property is deteriorated – above the level required for lead-safe work practices by a lead-certified firm and passing clearance.
Potential Lead-Based Paint Hazards - Visual AssessmentSevere24-hr fix windowPaint Outside on a target property is deteriorated – below the level required for lead-safe work practices by a lead-certified firm or for passing clearance.
Potential Lead-Based Paint Hazards - Visual AssessmentModeratePaint Outside on a target property is deteriorated – above the level required for lead-safe work practices by a lead-certified firm and passing clearance.
Potential Lead-Based Paint Hazards - Visual AssessmentSevere24-hr fix windowInterior wall has a loose or detached surface covering.
Wall - InteriorModerateInterior wall component(s) is not functionally adequate.
Wall - InteriorModerateInterior wall has a hole that is greater than 2 inches in diameter or there is an accumulation of holes that are cumulatively greater than 6 inches by 6 inches.
Wall - InteriorModerateWindow will not open or stay open.
WindowModerateWindow cannot be secured.
WindowModerateWindow will not close.
WindowSevere24-hr fix windowWindow component is damaged or missing and the window is not functionally adequate.
WindowModerateTread is missing or damaged.
Steps and StairsModerateStringer is damaged.
Steps and StairsModerateStep or stair is not functionally adequate.
Steps and StairsModerate
Exterior, Site & Common Areas40 items
Address, signage, or building identification codes are broken, illegible, or not visible.
Address and SignageModerateStructural system exhibits signs of serious failure.
Structural SystemLife-Threatening24-hr fix windowFoundation is cracked.
FoundationModerateFoundation has exposed rebar or foundation is spalling, flaking, or chipping.
FoundationModerateFoundation is infiltrated by water.
FoundationModerateFoundation support post, column, beam, or girder is damaged.
FoundationModerateFoundation vent cover is missing or damaged.
FoundationModerateRestricted flow of water from a roof drain, gutter, or downspout.
Roof AssemblyModerateGutter component is damaged, missing, or unfixed.
Roof AssemblyModerateRoof surface has standing water.
Roof AssemblyModerateSubstrate is exposed.
Roof AssemblyModerateRoof assembly has a hole.
Roof AssemblyModerateRoof assembly is damaged.
Roof AssemblyModerateExterior wall covering has missing sections of at least 1 square foot per wall.
Wall - ExteriorModerateExterior wall has peeling paint of 10 square feet or more.
Wall - ExteriorModerateExterior wall component(s) is not functionally adequate.
Wall - ExteriorModerateFence component is missing.
Fence and GateModerateGate does not open, close, latch, or lock.
Fence and GateModerateFence demonstrates signs of collapse.
Fence and GateModerateGarage door has a hole.
Garage DoorModerateGarage door does not open, close, or remain open or closed.
Garage DoorModerateLitter is accumulated in an undesignated area.
LitterModerateParking lot has any one pothole that is 4 inches deep and 1 square foot or greater.
Parking LotModerateParking lot has ponding.
Parking LotModerateRoad or driveway access to the property is blocked or impassable for vehicles.
Private Roads and DrivewaysSevere24-hr fix windowRoad or driveway has any one pothole that is 4 inches deep and 1 square foot or greater.
Private Roads and DrivewaysModerateRetaining wall is leaning away from the fill side.
Retaining WallModerateRetaining wall is partially or completely collapsed.
Retaining WallModerateSidewalk, walkway, or ramp is blocked or impassable.
Sidewalk, Walkway, RampModerateSidewalk, walkway, or ramp is not functionally adequate.
Sidewalk, Walkway, RampModerateWater runoff is unable to flow through the site drainage system.
Site DrainageLowErosion is present.
Site DrainageLowGrate is not secure or does not cover the site drainage system’s collection point.
Site DrainageModerateTrip hazard on walking surface.
Trip HazardModerateElevator is inoperable.
ElevatorModerateElevator door does not fully open and close.
ElevatorModerateElevator cab is not level with the floor.
ElevatorModerateSafety edge device has malfunctioned or is inoperable.
ElevatorModerateChute door does not open or self-close and latch.
Trash ChuteModerateChute is clogged.
Trash ChuteModerate
Items marked with an asterisk (*) carry additional conditions in the published HUD standard text. Severity shown is the unit-context classification where HUD publishes one; inside/outside classifications are used otherwise. Checklist v2026.07.
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This checklist on your phone — offline, with photos and repair tracking
The same 204 items, as an in-app inspection flow: check items in the basement with no signal, attach dated photos, and turn fails into work orders automatically.
Start freeHow this list is built: generated from PropertyLedger's structured database of the published HUD NSPIRE standards — 204 deficiencies across 63 standards — the same data that powers our in-app inspections. Versioned (v2026.07) and re-checked against HUD notices quarterly; the version stamp tells you it's current.
Educational tool based on published HUD NSPIRE standards; not affiliated with or endorsed by HUD; not a guarantee of inspection results.