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INSPECTION GUIDENSPIRE Standards

Inspection Guide

NSPIRE-Aligned Property Inspection Guide

Apartment inspections ensure that a unit meets the National Standard for Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) safety, health, and functional standards. Inspectors evaluate life-safety devices, electrical and plumbing systems, heating and cooling, structural integrity, moisture intrusion, and overall sanitation. Every item is assessed against NSPIRE's three core principles:

Three Core NSPIRE Principles

Every item is assessed against NSPIRE's three fundamental principles

1

Health & Safety

Critical life-safety and health hazard prevention

2

Functionality

All systems and components must operate properly

3

Resident Condition

Cleanliness and proper maintenance standards

NSPIRE Inspection Framework

NSPIRE organizes deficiencies into three categories

Life Safety

  • Smoke alarms
  • CO alarms
  • Egress
  • Electrical hazards
  • Fire hazards

Health & Sanitation

  • Mold-like substances
  • Pests
  • Water leaks
  • Plumbing failures
  • Ventilation

Function & Operability

  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Appliances
  • HVAC
  • Lighting
  • Structural components

Key NSPIRE Inspection Categories

1. Life Safety (NSPIRE Priority 1)

Smoke & CO Alarms

Must be present, installed correctly, and functional. Missing or non-functional alarms = NSPIRE Life-Threatening.

Electrical Safety

No exposed wiring, damaged outlets, or switches. GFCI required in wet areas. Burn marks or arcing = NSPIRE Hazard.

Egress

Windows must open, doors must latch, no blocked exits.

2. Health & Sanitation (NSPIRE Priority 2)

Moisture & Mold-Like Substances

Stains, leaks, or mold-like growth must be corrected. Active leaks = NSPIRE Health Hazard.

Pests

Evidence of infestation triggers required corrective action.

Ventilation

Bathroom exhaust fan must operate, OR window must open.

3. Structural Integrity (NSPIRE Priority 2)

Inspectors check:

  • Walls, ceilings, floors for cracks, sagging, holes
  • Doors and windows for proper operation
  • Foundation or balcony issues = High-severity NSPIRE deficiency

4. Electrical Systems (NSPIRE Priority 1)

Inspectors verify:

  • All outlets function
  • Light fixtures operate
  • No missing covers
  • No unsafe panels (Zinsco / Federal Pacific)

5. Plumbing Systems (NSPIRE Priority 2)

Inspectors check:

  • Hot/cold water availability
  • Proper drainage
  • No leaks at faucets, traps, or supply lines
  • Toilets flush and refill properly

6. HVAC & Appliances (NSPIRE Priority 2)

Inspectors confirm:

  • Heating meets local code temperature requirements
  • Cooling operates where provided
  • Thermostat functions
  • Appliances included in the lease operate safely

7. Cleanliness & Resident Condition (NSPIRE Priority 3)

Inspectors look for:

  • Excessive clutter blocking exits
  • Sanitation issues
  • Damage beyond normal wear and tear
  • Flooring, walls, ceilings in acceptable condition

Tips for Passing an NSPIRE Inspection

Declutter and clean
Replace smoke alarm batteries
Fix minor issues (bulbs, loose knobs)
Report leaks immediately
Document unit condition with photos
Know your lease responsibilities
Cooperate with inspectors

Final NSPIRE Inspection Checklist

Life Safety

  • Smoke alarms working
  • CO alarms working
  • No exposed wiring
  • All exits accessible
  • GFCI outlets functional

Health & Sanitation

  • No leaks
  • No mold-like substances
  • No pests
  • Bathroom ventilation works

Function & Operability

  • Doors/windows open and lock
  • Outlets and lights work
  • Plumbing fixtures operate
  • HVAC heats/cools properly
  • Appliances function

Resident Condition

  • Unit clean
  • No excessive clutter
  • No major damage
  • Floors/walls/ceilings intact

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Professional NSPIRE inspections for public, affordable housing, and buyer inspections nationwide