NSPIRE Scoring System Explained
Understand how HUD calculates your inspection score and what you need to pass. Minimum passing score: 60/100
Perfect Score
No deficiencies found
Minimum Pass
Lowest passing score
Fail
Requires remediation
How NSPIRE Scoring Works
You start with 100 points. Points are deducted for each deficiency found.
Start at 100 Points
Every property begins with a perfect score of 100 points. The inspector then walks through and documents any deficiencies found.
Deficiencies Are Categorized
Each deficiency is assigned a severity level: Life-Threatening (most severe), Severe, or Moderate. The severity determines point deduction.
Points Are Deducted
Each deficiency results in point deductions based on severity and inspection area. More severe issues and issues in critical systems deduct more points.
Final Score Determines Outcome
Score ≥60: Pass (unless there are Life-Threatening issues). Score <60: Fail. Any Life-Threatening deficiency = automatic fail regardless of score.
NSPIRE Severity Levels
What It Means
- Immediate danger to life or health
- Automatic inspection failure
- 24-hour remediation required
Examples
- • Missing or non-working smoke detectors
- • Exposed electrical wiring
- • Gas leaks
- • Blocked emergency exits
What It Means
- Significant impact on livability
- Larger point deductions
- 30 days to remediate
Examples
- • HVAC not functioning
- • Major water leaks
- • Missing deadbolt locks
- • Inoperable windows
What It Means
- Minor impact on livability
- Smaller point deductions
- 60 days to remediate
Examples
- • Minor plumbing drips
- • Damaged window screens
- • Peeling paint (non-lead)
- • Minor floor damage
NSPIRE vs UPCS
NSPIRE replaced UPCS on October 1, 2023. Here are the key differences.
| Aspect | UPCS (Old) | NSPIRE (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Date | Until Oct 2023 | Oct 1, 2023+ |
| Severity Levels | 5 levels | 3 levels |
| Passing Score | 60/100 | 60/100 |
| Focus | Physical condition | Health & safety outcomes |
| Deficiency Types | ~200 | 220+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What score do I need to pass an NSPIRE inspection?
Properties must achieve a score of at least 60 points out of 100 to pass NSPIRE inspection. However, having any Life-Threatening deficiencies results in automatic failure regardless of score.
How are NSPIRE scores calculated?
NSPIRE uses a points-based system where you start at 100 and lose points for deficiencies. Life-Threatening deficiencies result in automatic failure. Severe deficiencies deduct more points than Moderate ones.
Can I fail with a score above 60?
Yes. Even with a score above 60, any Life-Threatening deficiency triggers automatic failure and requires immediate remediation within 24 hours. The score only matters if there are no Life-Threatening issues.
How does NSPIRE scoring differ from UPCS?
NSPIRE replaced UPCS in 2023 with a simplified severity-based system. UPCS had 5 severity levels; NSPIRE has 3 (Life-Threatening, Severe, Moderate). NSPIRE focuses more on health and safety outcomes.
Track Your NSPIRE Compliance Score
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