National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE)
National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE)
OHA Is Transitioning to NSPIRE Inspections Beginning August 3, 2026
The Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) will begin using the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) inspection process on August 3, 2026, for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs.
NSPIRE is the inspection standard developed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It replaces the previous Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection process.
The new inspection model places greater emphasis on:
- Resident health and safety
- Safe and functional housing
- Conditions that affect daily living
What Is Changing?
Beginning August 3, 2026, OHA will use NSPIRE standards for Initial Inspections.
At this time, only Initial Inspections will use the new standards. OHA will share additional information as other inspection types transition to NSPIRE.
During an inspection, inspectors will focus on conditions that have the greatest impact on the health, safety, and well-being of residents.
OHA Is Here to Help
OHA is committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for participants and property owners. Additional guidance, educational materials, and updates will be provided as the implementation date approaches.
Learn More About NSPIRE
The following resources can help you understand the new inspection process:
- HUD NSPIRE Home Page – Learn about the NSPIRE program.
- HUD NSPIRE Standards – Review the inspection standards used by inspectors.
- NSPIRE: What to Expect During an Inspection – Learn what happens during an NSPIRE inspection.
- NSPIRE: Preparing for an NSPIRE Inspection (Resident Job Aid) – Get tips to help prepare your home before an inspection.
