Each unit is subject to an Annual Inspection. Annual Inspections are generally scheduled 90 days before the anniversary of the day your tenant moved in to allow time to prepare for the inspection. You will receive a notice in the mail with the date and time of the Annual Inspection. 

For less frequent inspections learn about the Risk-Based Inspection Protocol.

The Annual Inspections FAQ describes what you should expect before, during and after the Annual Inspection.​​​

Additional Types of Inspections

Complaint Inspections are conducted if a Housing Quality Standard (HQS) violation is reported by an owner, participant or another source.

For more details read the Complaint Inspection​ Information Sheet​. ​​​​

Or Check out the Complaint Inspections tab.

OHA is required to conduct quality control inspections on a randomly selected group of annual inspections to insure that housing quality standards have been met. As a result you may have more than one inspection within a calendar year.

Annual Inspection Risk-Based Protocol

Risk-Based Inspections are approved HUD Making Transitions Work (MTW) initiatives. Effective July 1 2010, the Oakland Housing Authority began implementation of a Risk-based Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection protocol. 

  • If your property passed the annual inspection the first time we inspected, your next Housing Quality Standards inspection won’t be for another 24 months.
    • This is a significant benefit to landlords and tenants for being proactive in maintaining their units.   
  • If your property failed the first inspection and passed on the second inspection, OHA will come back in 12 months.
    • This is the same annual inspection frequency that we have used in the past. This means there will be no change for most of our Landlords and Program Participants.
  • If your property fails two (2) consecutive inspections and comes into compliance on the third inspection, OHA will schedule another new inspection in just six months.
    • These failing properties will be put on a semi-annual inspection schedule for one year.

This is not so much an effort to save money as it is intended to focus inspector sources on properties that have difficulty passing Housing Quality Standards.

The risk-based inspection protocol does not override the current abate/termination process if units fail the second inspection. In addition to our scheduled Risk-Based Inspections, we will inspect when any owner or tenant has a complaint about Housing Quality Standards.

Annual Inspections FAQ

Complaint Inspection Request Information Sheet

Oakland Housing Authority MAY conduct a complaint inspection if the landlord/property manager, participant, or another source reports Housing Quality Standards (HQS) violations in the unit.  Requests will not be considered if the items reported in the complaint do not involve HQS criteria determined by HUD.   

Definition: Minimum quality “Standard Housing” necessary for the health and safety of program participants.
 
Some examples of HQS failed items include: 

  • Any condition that jeopardizes the security of the unit (i.e. fire, flooding, etc.) 
  • Major leaks (i.e. gas, water, etc.) 
  • Out of service Utilities (Gas, electricity, water) 

All complaints must first be put in writing and addressed to the person responsible for the repairs. 

In order for your inspection request to be considered, please do the following: 

  1. Report any HQS deficiencies to the owner or tenant of the property in writing.  Please allow at least 72 hours for them to respond to your notification. 
  2. If you have not received a response within 72 hours, then complete the attached form and attach a copy of the written complaint notice and any pictures you have taken.
  3. Your notice:
    • Must be addressed to the landlord/property manager or the tenant; and 
    • Must state the repairs or corrections that need to be made 


OHA will contact you and the other party to determine if any actions have been taken to resolve the problems. If OHA determines the complaint involves HQS deficiencies, a Complaint Inspection may be scheduled. OHA has the right to refuse to conduct a Complaint Inspection.
 
If there is an emergency where utilities have been disconnected by PG&E, or fire occurs and the unit is uninhabitable, please call

(510) 587-2100

immediately.