On July 5, HUD released a notice in the Federal Register extending the compliance date for implementing the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) to October 1, 2025. This extension applies to several key programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs), Project-Based Vouchers (PBVs), Section Eight Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) programs, and five Community Planning and Development (CPD) programs: HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), national Housing Trust Fund (HTF), Continuum of Care (CoC), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).
The decision to delay the NSPIRE compliance deadline, originally set for October 1, 2024, responds to requests from public housing agencies (PHAs) and program grantees who need additional time to integrate the new standards into their operations. These standards are intended to replace the current Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and are part of HUD’s broader efforts to enhance the quality and consistency of physical inspections across its programs.
The extended deadline will also allow HUD to finalize and publish the specific NSPIRE Standards for the affected CPD programs. Despite the delay, the requirements for carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, as mandated by the Consolidated Appropriations Acts of 2021 and 2023, will remain in effect. Additionally, the Visual Assessment Standard for Potential Lead-Based Hazards continues to apply.
HUD encourages agencies and grantees that are ready to transition to NSPIRE to do so before the new deadline. The delay provides an opportunity for further preparation, including staff training and updates to inspection procedures. The extension aims to ensure a smoother transition and allow more time for the development of necessary inspection products and software updates.
For further information on the extension, including the full notice and additional resources, click the links below: