Inspections

Uniform Physical Condition Standards for Vouchers (UPCS-V)

Housing Choice Voucher Inspections at AMHA

The goal of the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) at the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) is to ensure families live in housing that is decent, safe, and sanitary at an affordable cost.

To accomplish this, all assisted units must meet Uniform Physical Condition Standards for Vouchers (UPCS-V) before housing assistance can begin and throughout the tenancy. These standards establish the minimum health and safety requirements set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

This page explains AMHA’s inspection process, timelines for repairs, responsibilities of landlords and families, and the consequences of non-compliance.

Preparation for the Move-In Inspection

Prior to the move-in inspection please ensure that:

  • Both the landlord and prospective tenant have inspected the unit. See below for common fail items.
  • No major construction work is being done on the unit.
  • The unit is free of trash and debris.
  • No evidence of mice, roaches, fleas, or other infestations.
  • All utilities are in service.
  • There is no defective paint on the inside or outside of the property.
  • Smoke Detector in each bedroom
  • CO2 detector in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms
  • Reminder: the property must pass inspection within 30 days of the first inspection.
Nspire Inspection Checklist

Inspection Types

Why UPCS-V Inspections Matter

Inspections protect both residents and property owners. They ensure:

  • Units are safe and structurally sound
  • Major systems such as plumbing, heating, and electrical are functioning properly
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present and working
  • The property meets minimum health and safety standards

While UPCS-V sets minimum standards, AMHA strongly encourages landlords to maintain properties above those minimum requirements. To ensure consistency and accuracy, AMHA also conducts annual quality control inspections on a sample of units.

Types of Inspections

AMHA conducts four types of inspections during a unit’s participation in the program.

  1. Initial (Move-In) Inspection
    This inspection occurs after a Request for Tenancy Approval is submitted. The unit must pass before the lease and Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract can start.
  2. Periodic Inspection
    At least once every 24 months, AMHA inspects each unit to confirm continued compliance.
  3. Special or Complaint Inspection
    Conducted when requested by a landlord, tenant, agency staff, or third party if concerns arise about the condition of the unit.
  4. Quality Control Inspection
    Performed by a supervisor or certified designee to ensure inspections are consistent, accurate, and compliant with federal requirements.

Requirements & Timeline

Initial Inspection Requirements

Before an initial inspection can pass, the unit must be fully ready for occupancy.

All utilities (electric, gas, and water) must be active. If utilities are off, the unit automatically fails and must be rescheduled.

The inspection documents the condition of the unit, verifies compliance with UPCS-V standards, and provides information used to determine rent reasonableness.

If the tenant is responsible for providing a stove or refrigerator, AMHA may allow those appliances to be installed after inspection, provided the family certifies they are present and working. Landlords are permitted up to two re-inspections. If the unit does not pass within 30 days of the first inspection—or exceeds the allowed re-inspections—the family must select another unit.

Ongoing (Periodic) Inspections

AMHA inspects assisted units at least every two years. Landlords are encouraged to conduct a pre-inspection to identify and correct issues before the scheduled appointment.

Families are notified at least 10 days in advance. Inspections occur during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). Families must allow access at reasonable times. Missing or rescheduling two appointments may result in termination of assistance.

If a unit fails, required repairs must be completed by the reinspection date unless AMHA approves an extension for documented major repairs.

Time Standards for Repairs

Repair timelines depend on the severity of the issue.

Emergency (Life-Threatening) Conditions must be corrected within 24 hours of notification. Examples include gas leaks, missing smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, exposed electrical hazards, lack of heat in winter, structural instability, major plumbing leaks, or the absence of essential appliances such as a working refrigerator or stove.

Non-Emergency Deficiencies must generally be corrected within 30 days. In limited circumstances, the Inspection Supervisor may approve a short extension with proper documentation.

If repairs can be verified through third-party documentation (such as a utility company or licensed contractor), AMHA may accept verification instead of conducting a physical reinspection.

Emergency Conditions

Certain conditions are considered immediately hazardous and require prompt correction. These include:

  • Gas leaks or fumes
  • Electrical hazards that could cause shock or fire
  • Missing smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
  • No heat in cold weather
  • No running water or sanitation facilities
  • Major structural instability
  • Severe plumbing leaks or flooding
  • Conditions affecting vulnerable residents during extreme temperatures

These issues must be corrected within 24 hours unless a short extension (not more than three business days) is approved for non-life-threatening situations.

Responsibility

Responsibility for Repairs

During the inspection, the inspector determines whether deficiencies are the responsibility of the landlord or the family.

Landlords are responsible for maintaining the unit and correcting most UPCS-V violations, including structural issues, systems failures, and vermin infestations.

Families are responsible for maintaining tenant-paid utilities, properly caring for family-supplied appliances, and repairing damage beyond normal wear and tear caused by household members or guests.

If the Landlord Is Responsible

If required repairs are not completed within the specified timeframe, AMHA will abate (stop) Housing Assistance Payments (HAP).

Abatement occurs when:

  • Emergency violations are not corrected within 24 hours
  • Routine violations are not corrected within 30 days (or approved extension period)

Payments will not be made for the period the unit remains non-compliant. The tenant is not responsible for AMHA’s abated portion of the rent.

If deficiencies remain unresolved, AMHA may terminate the HAP contract. If repairs are completed before termination becomes effective and the tenant chooses to remain, the termination may be rescinded.

If the Family Is Responsible

If inspection deficiencies are determined to be the responsibility of the family and are not corrected by the required date, AMHA may propose termination of assistance.

The family will receive written notice and the opportunity to request a hearing. The landlord’s payments will not be abated for violations that are the family’s responsibility.

Maintaining Program Integrity

AMHA’s Commitment to Quality & Consistency

To maintain program integrity, AMHA conducts quality control inspections on a representative sample of units across neighborhoods and inspectors. These reviews ensure:

  • Accurate and consistent application of UPCS-V standards
  • Fair and uniform inspection practices
  • Compliance with federal oversight requirements

Working Together for Safe Housing

UPCS-V inspections are not designed to be punitive. They are safeguards that protect residents, property owners, and the integrity of the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

By maintaining units in good repair, responding promptly to deficiencies, and communicating clearly with AMHA, landlords and families can ensure housing remains safe, stable, and compliant throughout the tenancy.

For inspection questions or assistance, please contact AMHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Department.