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HUD Form 52580

HQS Pre-Inspection Checklist

Walk every room of your unit, check the items the PHA inspector will check, and catch the common fails before they cost you a re-inspection.

Pass first try

Units that fail HQS the first time average 21+ extra days to lease-up. Self-inspecting in advance cuts that to near zero.

13 HUD categories

Every item the inspector will check, from living-room outlets to CO detectors. Saves your spot in this browser.

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Pro members see typical low/high contractor cost for every item flagged Fail, plus a printable summary.

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  • At least 2 working electrical outlets OR 1 outlet + 1 permanent light fixture

    common failFix: $75–$250
    Count duplex outlets as 2 only if both halves work.

  • Window present, openable, and weather-tight

    occasional failFix: $50–$400

  • Walls/ceiling free of large holes, water stains, or peeling paint

    common failFix: $50–$600

  • Floor covering intact, no tripping hazards

    occasional failFix: $30–$800

  • Stove with working burners + oven

    common failFix: $200–$1,200
    If tenant supplies the stove, mark the box on the lease.

  • Working refrigerator

    common failFix: $200–$1,500

  • Sink with both hot and cold running water

    occasional failFix: $50–$600

  • At least 1 working electrical outlet + 1 permanent light

    occasional failFix: $75–$250

  • Counter or food-prep surface, clean and intact

    rare failFix: $30–$600

  • GFCI outlet at sink (post-2023 updates)

    occasional failFix: $25–$120

  • Flush toilet that drains and refills

    occasional failFix: $50–$400

  • Sink with hot and cold running water

    occasional failFix: $50–$400

  • Tub or shower with hot and cold running water

    common failFix: $100–$800

  • Openable window OR working exhaust fan

    common failFix: $75–$350
    Bathroom fans frequently fail HQS; test by holding a tissue to it.

  • GFCI outlet present (if any outlet in bathroom)

    occasional failFix: $25–$120

  • Each bedroom has a window openable from inside (egress)

    common failFix: $50–$600
    Window must open without tools or special knowledge.

  • At least 2 working outlets OR 1 outlet + 1 fixture

    occasional failFix: $75–$250

  • Walls/ceiling intact, no large holes or stains

    common failFix: $50–$600

  • Door present and operable (privacy)

    occasional failFix: $50–$300

  • Floors, walls, ceilings present no health/safety hazard

    occasional failFix: $50–$500

  • Doors/windows secure against intrusion

    rare failFix: $50–$300

  • No active roof leaks; no rotted soffits/eaves

    occasional failFix: $200–$4,000
    Active water staining inside almost always means a roof or plumbing fail.

  • Foundation visibly sound, no major cracks

    rare failFix: $250–$5,000

  • Exterior walls weather-tight, paint not peeling badly

    occasional failFix: $200–$2,500

  • Exterior doors lockable and weather-tight

    occasional failFix: $75–$600

  • Exterior stairs/railings sturdy, railings present where required (>30")

    common failFix: $50–$500

  • Heating system works in all habitable rooms

    common failFix: $100–$4,000
    Portable/unvented space heaters are an automatic fail in most jurisdictions.

  • Water heater present, vented (if gas), TPR valve + drain pipe

    common failFix: $75–$1,500

  • No leaks under sinks, around toilets, or at supply lines

    common failFix: $25–$400

  • Adequate water pressure at all fixtures

    rare failFix: $50–$600

  • No exposed wiring, missing outlet/switch covers, or improper extensions

    common failFix: $25–$400

  • Electrical panel accessible (3 ft clearance) and labeled

    occasional failFix: $25–$200

  • Two means of egress from each living level

    occasional failFix: $50–$800

  • No visible signs of rodent or roach infestation

    occasional failFix: $75–$600

  • Adequate covered garbage storage available

    rare failFix: $25–$150

  • Working detector on every habitable level (incl. basement)

    common failFix: $30–$200
    Test each detector; replace ones >10 yrs old (check date on back).

  • Working detector outside each separate sleeping area

    common failFix: $30–$200

  • Strobe/visual alarm if any occupant is hearing-impaired

    rare failFix: $50–$300

  • No standing water that creates a mosquito breeding ground

    rare failFix: $100–$1,500

  • Working exterior light at entry (for multifamily/common areas)

    occasional failFix: $30–$200

  • Walkway from sidewalk/parking to entry is intact + safe

    occasional failFix: $50–$1,500

  • Unit broom-clean, no accumulated trash or filth

    occasional failFix: $50–$400
    Bring a turnover crew before the re-inspection if first inspection fails for cleanliness.

  • Covered trash containers, regular pickup scheduled

    rare failFix: $25–$100

  • No chipping/peeling/deteriorated paint (any surface, any room)

    common failFix: $100–$4,000
    EPA RRP-certified contractor required for any disturbance >6 sq ft interior / 20 sq ft exterior.

  • Lead-based paint disclosure form provided to tenant

    occasional fail

  • Working CO detector on every level with fuel-burning equipment

    common failFix: $30–$200
    Newer rule; many older units fail here. Combo smoke+CO units count.

  • CO detector outside each separate sleeping area

    common failFix: $30–$200

Based on HUD Form 52580 (HCV Housing Quality Standards) plus December 2023 HOTMA updates (CO detectors, sealed-battery smoke alarms). Last reviewed 2024-01-01. Local PHAs may apply additional requirements — verify with the housing authority before scheduling inspection.