Before the inspection: turn on all utilities, replace any dead bulbs, test smoke / CO detectors, and make sure every room is accessible. The inspector can't fail a unit for items they can't see.
1Sanitary facilities
- Flush toilet in enclosed private room. Common fail: running or loose toilet.
- Fixed basin with hot and cold running water.
- Shower or tub with hot and cold running water, proper drainage, no active leaks.
- Adequate ventilation — operable window or working exhaust fan.
2Food preparation & refuse disposal
- Cooking appliance (range/stove) with all burners and oven working.
- Refrigerator at safe temp — freezer should hold ice cream frozen.
- Kitchen sink with hot and cold running water and functioning drain.
- Adequate counter / shelf space for food prep and storage.
- Refuse disposal — trash containers with lids, functional garbage service.
3Space & security
- At least one bedroom or living/sleeping room for every 2 persons (excluding children under 2 in some PHAs).
- All exterior doors and windows accessible from outside lock securely. Common fail: broken window lock.
- Every room used for living has a means of emergency egress.
4Thermal environment
- Safe, adequate heating capable of maintaining healthy living temp (typically 68°F). No unvented space heaters.
- Heating system is permanently installed (not portable).
- No health/safety hazards from cooling — if unit has central A/C or a window unit, it must be safely installed.
5Illumination & electrical
- Two working electrical outlets or one outlet plus one permanent light fixture in every habitable room.
- Kitchen has one permanent light fixture plus one outlet.
- Bathroom has one permanent light fixture.
- No exposed wiring, overloaded circuits, missing cover plates, or damaged fixtures. Common fail: missing outlet cover.
6Structure & materials
- Floors, walls, ceilings structurally sound — no large holes, buckling, or water damage.
- Roof structurally sound and weather-tight.
- Stairs, rails, porches sound and secure — handrails required for 4+ steps.
7Interior air quality
- Unit is free of dangerous levels of air pollution from carbon monoxide, natural gas leaks, sewer gas, etc.
- Each room used for sleeping has an operable window or equivalent ventilation.
8Water supply
- Unit served by an approved public or private water system.
9Lead-based paint
- Units built before 1978 must have no deteriorated paint. Chipping/peeling paint is the #1 cause of pre-1978 failures.
- Visual inspection applies; full testing required in some jurisdictions (Massachusetts, etc.).
10Access
- Unit can be entered without going through another dwelling.
- Alternate means of emergency exit from the unit.
11Site & neighborhood
- Site is free from dangerous walks, steps, and other hazards.
- No unacceptable environmental conditions (hazardous waste, excessive noise, etc.).
12Sanitary condition
- Unit and its equipment are in sanitary condition — free of rodent infestation, standing water, etc.
13Smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
- Working smoke detector on each level and in each sleeping area, per local code.
- CO detector where required by state / local code (most jurisdictions require them).
- Detectors hardwired or with a fresh battery at time of inspection. Common fail: chirping/dead battery.
Failed inspection? The inspector gives you an abatement period — usually 15–30 days — to fix cited items. Most fails are minor (dead batteries, missing outlet covers, loose handrails). Fix, request re-inspection, and HAP begins.