Good Morning,



The implementation of the new Inspection standards is October 1, 2025. I would like to share with you some of the changes you can expect during future inspections to better help you prepare for NSPIRE-V. Below are a few citable defects but does not constitute a full list of fail items.

• GFCI protected outlets will be required at all “wet” locations. Including exterior and other areas within 6 feet of a water source. Broken outlets will require a 24-hour repair as they can pose a safety hazard to the family.
• Guardrails will be required for elevated heights of 30 inches or more and the rails must be at least 30 inches tall. It is a 24-hour repair if the guardrail is missing where required, the incorrect height or has missing or loose components that impact the function.
• Dryer vents (gas & electric) with non-metal ducts, that are missing, detached or damaged, kinking (restricting flow) or improvised with cloth, sock, stocking, etc. are safety hazards and will require a 24-hour repair.
• Damaged breakers
• 9 square feet of mold-like substance
• Unshielded wiring
• Electrical/missing knockouts or the use of foreign material used for repairs is considered a deficiency
• Evidence of water infiltration is a citable defect on the foundation or other walls.

One final change I’d like to point out is the definition of infestation. “Evidence” of roaches, bedbugs, rodents and other pests constitutes infestation. Inspectors can also use a mirror and/or a flashlight to search for evidence. An empty trap is not considered evidence of infestation.  

As you know, a significant NSPIRE-V change took effect January 1, 2025. Units must include a ten-year tamper resistant battery-operated or hard-wired smoke detector, in proper working condition, in each of the following locations: - On each level of the unit; - Inside each bedroom; - Within 21 feet of any door to a bedroom measured along a path of travel. Units not abiding by these requirements will fail an inspection requiring a 24-hour correction. Carbon monoxide detectors are required for units with attached garages and those with fuel burning appliances.

Furthermore, inspection results are posted in the partner portal by the end of the day of the inspection. Please review your partner portal to ensure all open inspections have passed. Often, multiple inspections are opened as some items have different due dates. It is possible that one of your inspections passed, but the other may not have, which means the unit is still not in compliance with HQS/NSPIRE standards and subject to abatement. A re-inspection may still be required, and if the items have not been corrected an abatement will occur. The Inspection section of the portal includes the scheduled date, due date, tenant info and results. If there are failed items, photos of those items are also included. If you have any questions regarding your inspections, please reach out to HCVinspectionrequest@cintimha.com. As CMHA transitions its operations electronically, this will be the method for notification of inspection results. Please take the time now to register for portal access. Customer Service can provide your registration code.

The IRS requires that CMHA maintains accurate and updated W-9 for each entity/business/LLC (not every unit) that currently receives Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) from CMHA. Blank W-9 forms can be downloaded by clicking here. Please provide this information to CMHA by July 31, 2025 to prevent delays in payments or assignment of payments. Documents should be emailed to the Finance Department at HCV.Finance@cintimha.com or mail them to CMHA Finance, 1635 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45214. If you have already provided a new W-9 for 2025, thank you, you do not have to send it again. 

Do you have a landlord you’d like us to spotlight? CMHA staff, voucher holders, partner organizations and landlords can suggest property owners and managers for this recognition. If you have a suggestion, please indicate why this person(s) should be recognized. Email the details and photos (if available) to this link: HCV Help.