HAP - Section 8 - HQS Inspection Suggestions

Section 8 Participant Information Menu

135 SW Ash Street, Portland, OR 97204 (503) 802-8300 TTY (503) 802-8554

Suggestions to Help Prepare for a HQS Inspection

The Housing Authority of Portland is pleased to be of service to you and your family. Before you move into your new unit, and once annually during your continued residency, HAP staff will conduct a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection. This inspection insures that your unit meets our goal of providing "decent, safe, and sanitary" housing to all our participants.

The following housekeeping suggestions are offered as a means of helping you get the most out of your home. By following these simple suggestions, you can insure that you are meeting the Family Obligations section of your lease.

Check your smoke alarms and replace batteries as needed. For your protection smoke detectors must be hooked-up and working properly at ALL times.
Report all maintenance items to the landlord or manager prior to the inspection. The items may be able to be repaired before the annual inspection takes place.
Thoroughly clean your cooking range, range hood and filter - inside and out - as often as necessary.
Defrost and clean your refrigerator at least once a month or as needed. Never use a knife or a sharp tool to chip off ice! A pan of hot water or fan work best in speeding up the defrosting process.
Clean both sides of all windows regularly, as you are able.
Thoroughly clean and sanitize the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, tub and toilet, and remove hard-water stains on a regular basis.
Wash and clean walls and all painted woodwork on a regular basis.
Vacuum or sweep, and mop all floors on a regular basis.
To help prevent infestation by cockroaches, fleas, mice, rats and other disease-carriers, remove all boxes, paper, garbage and other rubbish to proper garbage and recycling containers on a regular basis. Also remember to properly dispose of discarded furniture, appliances, bulky rubbish and junked automobiles.
Maintain all sidewalks, lawns, shrubbery, and grounds (front, sides, flowerbeds and rear of the house/apartment) in a decent clean condition by keeping the lawn mowed, shrubbery trimmed, and free of garbage and debris.
Be certain that all rooms are accessible to the inspector.
Please have your pet contained/restrained for the time period of your inspection.

Don't jeopardize your Section 8 assistance by violating the Family Obligations section of your lease. Serious violations lead to termination from the program. Read our page on Standards for Wear and Tear Serious Violations.

If you have any questions about the above information or would like any additional information regarding HQS inspections, please call the Inspections Team at 503.802.8333, Option 4.