Property Inspections
Properties are inspected regularly by Commission Compliance Officers
or by one of our funding partners (currently
Department of Commerce - Housing Services,
the City of Seattle Office of
Housing, City of
Tacoma Community and Economic Development Housing Development Section and
USDA Rural Development Washington - Rural Housing Service are doing
inspections for us). The property will receive a written notice before the
inspection. Resident Managers must send a written notification to ALL
residents at least 48 hours prior to the inspection in accordance with state
Landlord/Tenant Law.
Sample Resident
Notification (Word)
Rev 03/2007
Tax Credit Properties
Section 42 states that HUD Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC)
Uniform Physical Conditions Standards will be used for inspections of Tax Credit
properties. Properties must be inspected a minimum of once every three
years.
Inspection
Regulations
Certifications Requirements
Commission notices of inspection for Tax Credit Properties includes a
Checklist and
Explanation of Certification Requirements
Rev 05/2007
Unit Selection
At least 20% of the properties’ units will be randomly selected for
inspection. The IRS stipulates that owners cannot be given advance notice
of the units selected. Owners are required to submit copies of
Resident Certification packages for all units inspected no later than 10
business days after the inspection per the instructions during the inspection.
All packages are sent to the Commission's Seattle office.
Inspection Procedures
Inspectors look for deficiencies in the following areas:
- Area 1—Site: Fencing & Gates,
Grounds, Storm Drainage, Play Areas & Equipment, Walkways & Steps,
Refuse Disposal, Mailboxes, Market Appeal, Parking Lots, Driveways &
Roads, Retaining Walls
- Area 2—Building Exterior:
Doors, FHEO Access,
Fire Escapes, Foundations, Lighting, Roofs, Walls, Windows
- Area 3—Building Systems: Domestic Water,
Electrical, Elevators, Emergency Power, Exhaust System, Fire Protection,
HVAC, Sanitary System
- Area 4—Common Areas:
Basement/Garage/Carport, Mechanical/Utility Closet, Patio/Porch/Balcony,
FHEO Hallways/Routes, Stairs/Corridors, Kitchen, Laundry Room, Pools,
Restrooms
- Area 5—Health and Safety: Air Quality, Electrical Hazard, Elevator, Emergency Fire Exits,
Flammable Materials, Garbage & Debris, Hazards, Infestation
- Area 6—Units: Bathrooms, Call for Aid,
Ceiling, Doors, Electrical System, Floors, Hot Water Heater, HVAC
System, Kitchen, Laundry Area, Lighting, Outlets/Switches,
Patio/Porch/Balcony, Smoke Detector, Stairs, Walls, Windows
Inspection Findings
If there are items that need immediate attention or remedy, the inspector will
complete an "Items
Needing Immediate Attention or Remedy" (PDF)” form and leave a signed copy of this
form at the property. After the inspection is completed, the inspector
will provide a written summary of any findings to the owner and property
manager. The owner is responsible for maintaining the property and
correcting deficiencies, other deficiencies could exist that were not detected
by the inspector.
Bond Properties
- Properties must be inspected a minimum of once every three years.
- A minimum of 10% of the properties’ units will be randomly selected for
inspections.
These entities have agreed to work with us to
streamline inspections and reporting.
Questions?
Call or email the
Compliance Officer assigned to the property
Web Resources for
Common Problems
The following websites below offer information about how to deal
with some of the common deficiencies encountered during on-site inspections.
Other
information related to site visits:
Illegal
Provisions in Rental Agreements - Office of the Attorney General
Landlord/Tenant Law
(PDF)
The
Commission Preservation
Resources page offers a number of helpful links to help find money
or expertise to fix problems. The Events
Calendar includes maintenance certification classes and specific
events to help fix or prevent inspection deficiencies. Compliance
Resources
offers other helpful information.
Specific Information for
Resident
Residents should contact their Apartment Manager with any maintenance or repair
requests. Most properties request that residents fill out a written
work request.
This page was
last modified on 5/24/2009.
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