On March 28, HUD published a key piece of the agency’s system-wide overhaul of housing inspections: The proposed new approach to scoring REAC’s NSPIRE physical inspections. HUD’s Proposed Scoring Notice outlines the agency’s approach for scoring safety and habitability of HUD-assisted housing under NSPIRE, including both new and continued elements retained from the previous system.

NSPIRE applies to Public Housing and Multifamily Housing programs, including Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) and Section 202/811 programs. HUD has stated that the agency intends to implement NSPIRE for Multifamily Housing properties by October 1, 2023.

In addition to the new Scoring Notice, HUD is adjusting the standards that determine safety conditions and administrative procedures that govern inspection procedures. LeadingAge continues to weigh in heavily on all aspects of the NSPIRE design and implementation.

LeadingAge Meeting to Develop Public Comments to HUD

HUD is seeking public review and comment on the proposed NSPIRE physical inspection scoring and ranking methodology to implement HUD’s final NSPIRE Proposed Scoring Notice. HUD is accepting public comment to the proposed Scoring Notice until April 27, 2023.

LeadingAge is hosting a call with members to discuss the new scoring elements and generate feedback for HUD. The members-only call will take place on Wednesday, April 5, from 1:00-2:30pm ET. Advance registration is required; please register here.

LeadingAge Analysis of the Proposed Scoring Notice

HUD’s Proposed Scoring Notice represents a key element to the comprehensive new approach to HUD physical property oversight. The Notice outlines many core methodologies and priorities for HUD related to translating property habitability and safety into a numerical “score.”

LeadingAge has developed a complete analysis of the Proposed Notice; the analysis covers the following elements of HUD’s proposal:

• Major Changes to Housing Inspection Scoring Through NSPIRE
• Point Scale
• Failed Inspections
• Scoring Methodology
• Emphasis on Defect Severity and Location
• Defect Impact Weight
• Unit Sampling
• Impact of Unit Count on Inspection Score
• Remediation and Follow-Up
• Phased-In Scoring for New Affirmative Requirements
• Non-Scored Defects
• Scoring Designations

LeadingAge members can access the analysis here.