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Property Inspections
Inspections of the Commission's multifamily tax credit and tax-exempt bond properties are currently done by multiple third-party vendors.
Before the inspections:
The vendor will email the owner and property manager a notice of inspection about 2-4 weeks before the proposed inspection date - the email will include the usual information that WSHFC would provide.
Remember you must provide at least 48 hours written notice (not including weekend days) of unit inspection to all your residents prior to the inspection date!
The vendor will confirm the date a few days ahead of time by email or phone and will confirm their exact time of arrival before the inspection.
Day of inspection:
Upon arrival, the vendor will provide the property manager with the list of units to be inspected and will complete a WSHFC Property Questionnaire with the PM.
The vendor will use HUD's UPCS standards to inspect your property, writing up deficiencies and taking photos. The vendor will inspect the exterior, common areas and 10-20% of the residential units.
WSHFC follow-up after inspection:
Within 2 weeks of the inspection, WSHFC staff will email the owner and manager with a notice of the deficiencies found at the inspections and include a form which the owner can sign off on to confirm that all deficiencies are fixed.
When returning your response to WSHFC's deficiency notice, please provide the signed certification and any back-up documents (copies of maintenance work orders, vendor invoices, etc.). WSHFC is happy to accept inspection responses (including documents) via email.
Within two weeks of the inspection, you must mail in copies of the required resident packages.
After the inspection is done, your property's Portfolio Analyst will interface directly with you to ensure that all deficiencies are resolved and will issue 8823's if UPCS-related material noncompliance is found.
Apart from scheduling issues, all other inspection-related questions should continue to be directed to your property's Portfolio Analyst.
If disputes arise about reported deficiencies, either the vendor or WSHFC may do a re-inspection, depending on circumstances.
What about properties with multiple funders?
WSHFC will continue to work with our funding partners to minimize multiple inspections each year for the same property. Where we can confirm well ahead of time that another funder is inspecting a property, we will not ask our vendor to inspect the same property in the same year. If you have received confirmation from another funder that an inspection is taking place at your property, please immediately email Melissa Donahue, Asset Management & Compliance Division Manager.
TAX CREDIT PROPERTIES
Section 42 states that HUD Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) Uniform Physical Conditions Standards will be used for inspections of Tax Credit properties. Properties must be inspected a minimum of once every three years.
INSPECTION REGULATIONS
Compliance Monitoring Regulations for Section 42 (PDF) from Federal Register
UPCS Requirement (PDF) from Federal Register
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Commission notices of inspection for Tax Credit Properties includes Checklist and Explanation of Certification Requirements Rev 10/2018
QUESTIONS?
Call or email the Portfolio Analyst assigned to the property.
WEB RESOURCES FOR COMMON PROBLEMS
The following websites offer information about how to deal with some of the common deficiencies encountered during on-site inspections:
Accessibility - Fair Housing Accessibility First
Bed Bugs and Beyond Article | Bed Bugs Addendum | New York City Department of Health - Preventing and Getting Rid of Bed Bugs Safely | HUD HQ Housing Notice on Bed Bugs - Housing Notice 2011-20, Guidelines on Bed Bug Control and Prevention, provides information and references to best practices regarding the prevention and control of bed bug infestations and guidance on the rights and responsibilities of HUD, Owners and Management Agents (O/As) and tenants.
Drug Labs - WADOH Clandestine Drug Lab (CDL) Publications
Domestic Violence - Crystal Judson Family Justice Center in Tacoma
Eco-Cool Illustrated Remodel Tool from King County
Environmental Health and Safety Information by Subject from WADOH mosquitoes, ticks, & much more
Exterminator License Check - Washington State Dept of Agriculture Pesticide and SPI Licensing
King County Fair Housing Poster (PDF), Spanish: Cartel de Vivienda Justa (PDF)
Fire Safety Handbook for Apartment Managers - Seattle Fire Department
Flammable and Combustible Liquid Storage WAC 296-155-270 local codes and rules may be more restrictive
Lead-Based Paint Program Accredited Training Providers from Commerce
Mold - Resources from EPA Indoor Air
Plumbing Problems - Toiletology 101
Recycling Assistance: 1-800-RECYCLE
Safety & Construction Posters - WA State L & I
Smoke Detectors Washington Code RCW 43.44.110 local codes may be more restrictive
Smoke Free Housing - www.smokefreewashington.com | smokefreehousingnw.org is an informational resource for landlords and owners interested in learning more about going smoke-free at their multi-unit property. The site provides important information about secondhand smoke and helpful tools to make a successful transition to a “no smoking” rule.
Toxic Waste - Dept of Ecology Online Guide: What to do if you discover toxic wastes on your property
Unit Turns - Green Unit Turn website was developed in partnership with the Affordable Housing Management Association (AHMA) of Washington and the City of Seattle's Office of Housing. This information was gathered from experiences and recommendations of several affordable housing owners and managers who are engaging in cost effective green operations and maintenance practices.
OTHER INFORMATION RELATED TO SITE VISITS
Illegal Provisions in Rental Agreements - Office of the Attorney General Landlord/Tenant Law (PDF)
The Events Calendar includes maintenance certification classes and specific events to help fix or prevent inspection deficiencies. Compliance Resources offers other helpful information.
SPECIFIC INFORMATION FOR RESIDENT
Residents should contact their Apartment Manager with any maintenance or repair requests. Most properties request that residents fill out a written work request.
12/09/2019