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What type of Inspections are performed?
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Initial inspections - the first inspection of the unit before a lease can be signed and the participant can move in.
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Biennial inspections - an inspection of each unit must be completed within 24 months of the previous inspection to ensure compliance with housing quality standards.
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Annual inspections - an inspection of each unit at least every 364 days to ensure compliance with housing quality standards.
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Special inspections - Housing Authority is informed by the participant, landlord, or 3rd party that there is a problem/complaint with the leased unit and some type of corrective action may be required.
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Quality Control Inspections - A supervisor re-inspects a unit to ensure the quality of the inspection and to ensure that the unit meets all of the HUD requirements.
The Long Beach Housing Authority will not conduct move-out inspections.
Who will inspect my unit?
The Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach inspectors will conduct all HQS inspections.
What is the inspector looking for during an inspection?
There are 13 key areas covered by HQS Inspection:
- Sanitary Facilities
- Food Preparation and refuse disposal
- Space and security
- Illumination and electricity
- Thermal environment
- Structure and Materials
- Interior Air Quality
- Water Supply
- Lead-Based Paint
- Access
- Smoke Alarms
- Site and Neighborhood
- Sanitary Conditions
How long does it take to get an initial inspection?
When a complete and accurate Request for Tenancy Approval packet (RFTA) is submitted to the Housing Authority, it can take 5 business days to process the documents. Once the RFTA packet is approved, the Inspections Department will email the owner/property manager to ensure the rent will be accepted. Once accepted, the initial inspection will be scheduled within 5 business days. Submitting incomplete or incorrect information will delay this process. Initial inspections will be scheduled via email/phone.
How will I be notified of a scheduled annual inspection?
The inspection notice letters will be mailed approximately 2-4 weeks prior to the scheduled inspection date. Except for initial (move-in) inspections, these will be scheduled over the phone or via email. Please keep mailing addresses and phone numbers current and send any updates or changes in writing. Owners/Property Managers may access the owner portal to obtain information regarding upcoming inspections.
Do I have to be there for the inspection?
It is the shared responsibility of the tenant and landlord to ensure someone over the age of 18 is present for the inspection. After receiving the inspection notice, contact the tenant to arrange for someone to be present on the day of the inspection.
Will I receive a letter if the inspection passes?
No. The Long Beach Housing Authority will not mail letters for a passed inspection. The inspector will notify the adult present of the inspection status at the end of the inspection. The owner can review this information via the owner portal. If the unit fails inspection, the inspection report will be mailed to the participant. The owner can obtain a copy of the inspection report via the owner portal.
If my unit fails inspection, how long will I have to make the repairs?
The second inspection will be scheduled within 30 days from the first inspection for non-life-threatening deficiencies. The second inspection notice will be mailed to both participant/landlords. The inspection report will contain the complete list of failed items and the next scheduled inspection date. Life-threatening deficiencies must be repaired within 24 hours. If the life-threatening deficiencies are not repaired within 24 hours, the Housing Authority Payment will be abated for owner-caused deficiencies. If the life-threatening deficiencies are caused by the participant, the assistance may be terminated.
What is an emergency or 24-hour fail?
There are specific items and/or conditions that HUD defines as hazardous to health and safety. If these items are identified during an HQS inspection, the inspector is required to return within 24 hours to check the status of the emergency fail item(s) only. Here is a list of the items or conditions that will result in a 24-hour failed inspection:
- Lack of security for the unit
- Ceiling imminent danger of falling
- Major plumbing leaks or flooding
- Gas Leak or fumes
- Electrical problem that could cause shock or fire
- Lack of heat
- Utilities turned off (will be marked participant or owner responsibility)
- No hot water
- Obstacle preventing tenant entrance or exit
- No functioning toilet in the unit
- No working smoke or carbon monoxide detector
- Any other life-threatening issue cited by other agencies within jurisdiction
The Inspector will attempt to contact the owner/agent while at the unit to inform him/her of the 24-hour fail item(s) and the need to return the next day. If the 24-hour fail items are not corrected by the second inspection, the unit will be abated starting the 1st of the month after the second failed inspection.
If you have additional questions, you can reach us via email at HA-Inspections@longbeach.gov, via our call center at (562)570-6985, or at our next Owner Orientation, linked below.
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