Certifications and Inspections
Certifications
JCHA obtains updated information at least annually from each family participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program to determine if they remain eligible to receive rental assistance.
After the updated information has been verified, JCHA will mail out rent change letters to the owner/landlord and the family. The rent change letter will outline the new Housing Assistance Payment as well as the family's rent amount obligation.
If the family fails to participate in the certification process, JCHA will initiate termination of the family's assistance. When the rental assistance is terminated, the family and owner/landlord will be notified thirty days prior to the cancellation date. If the family remains in the unit after the cancellation date, they will be responsible for the full rent amount to owner.
NSPIRE Inspections
In accordance with HUD regulations, JCHA conducts annual inspections using NSPIRE (National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate) to ensure that assisted units are safe, habitable, and meet HUD's minimum inspection standards. Inspections may occur more frequently if needed.
NSPIRE inspections evaluate the health, safety, and functional condition of the unit. If deficiencies are identified, the owner/landlord is responsible for completing all required repairs within the timeframe established by HUD and JCHA.
Life-threatening deficiencies must generally be corrected within 24 hours, while non-life-threatening deficiencies must be corrected within the timeframe specified by JCHA based on HUD requirements. JCHA may conduct a reinspection or require documentation to verify that repairs have been completed.
If required repairs are not completed within the applicable timeframe, JCHA may take enforcement action, including the abatement (suspension) of Housing Assistance Payments (HAP), in accordance with HUD regulations. Owners are not entitled to receive HAP for any period during which payments are abated because of noncompliance with NSPIRE standards.
During an abatement period, the family remains responsible for paying only their required portion of the rent. The owner may not collect the suspended HAP amount from the family.
If the owner fails to correct cited deficiencies within the required timeframe, JCHA may terminate the Housing Assistance Payments contract. When appropriate, the assisted family may be issued a voucher to relocate to another eligible unit.
Rent Adjustments
The owner/landlord may not increase the rent during the first twelve months of the HAP contract. Thereafter the owners may request an increase by submitting a written Contract Rent Increase Request to JCHA , as well as to the family, 60 days prior to the date of the requested increase.
The adjustment to the contract rent MUST meet rent reasonableness and be approved by JCHA. If approved, JCHA will provide a written notice to both the owner/landlord and the family informing them of any adjustments to the HAP or the family's portion of rent.
The owner/landlord may not collect a higher rent from the resident if JCHA denies the rent increase request.
To help your unit pass inspection, please ensure the following:
- All exterior doors lock securely and operate properly.
- Windows intended to open function properly and have intact glazing that does not create a safety hazard or allow water intrusion.
- Smoke alarms are installed and functioning in locations required by HUD and applicable building codes.
- Carbon monoxide alarms are installed and functioning where required.
- All utilities (electric, gas, and water) are on and operating safely.
- Bathrooms have adequate ventilation through an exhaust fan or operable window.
- Stairways with four or more steps have secure handrails.
- Floors, stairs, porches, and walkways are free of tripping hazards and other safety hazards.
- Electrical systems are safe and in good working condition, with no exposed wiring, missing cover plates, or damaged fixtures.
- Plumbing fixtures operate properly with no active leaks or sewage backups.
- Heating equipment operates safely and provides adequate heat.
- Water heaters are properly equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve and discharge pipe.
- The unit is free from significant mold, moisture intrusion, and conditions that contribute to mold growth.
- There are no active roof leaks or conditions that allow water intrusion.
- The unit and surrounding property are free of excessive garbage, debris, and other health or safety hazards.
- Owner-supplied appliances must be present and functioning properly.
- Deteriorated paint in pre-1978 housing must comply with HUD lead-based paint requirements.
Please note: This list highlights common inspection items but is not a complete list of NSPIRE requirements. Additional deficiencies may be cited if conditions affecting the health or safety of residents are observed.