Yes, either the LL or 18+ year old tenant must be present for the inspector.
What happens if the issues cited are not fixed in the allotted time frame?
An extension request can be submitted to CHA if there is good cause for the delay in fixing the cited issues in the apartment. For example, if it is a historical building and a window needs to be replaced but the historical department has delayed the approval process then the LL could submit a written request (which is sent with … Read More
Why did McCright and Associates only give me 24 hours to fix this issue?
The LL will only receive a 24 hour time frame to fix things that are considered critical if the issue creates an immediate life threatening circumstance. For example, the fire alarm not working or there being no heat in winter.
What does the LL/ tenant do if the apartment fails the inspection?
Both parties would be notified in writing of the failed inspection and why the apartment failed. The LL or tenant would make the repairs listed by the inspector based on who is the responsible party. Once the repairs are complete the responsible party would call McCright and Associates to come back for a second inspection. McCright and Associates’s contact information … Read More
What are common things that the inspector is looking for?
To see further guidance on preparing for the inspection/what the inspector looks for, click here.
What does the LL need to do for an initial inspection?
The LL needs to help the tenant fill out the RFTA (request for tenancy approval) and then prepare the apartment. Ensure the utilities are on for the inspection. Once prepared for the inspection, ensure access to the apartment for the inspector. Once the apartment has passed inspection the LL and tenant can sign a lease and submit to CHA.
How does the Landlord (LL) know when an inspection is going to happen?
Generally, the landlord and tenant are both notified of the inspection via mail 30 days in advance of the inspection (for regular annual/biennial inspections). Additionally, a call will be placed to the phone number of file the day before the inspection to provide a time window for the inspection. For initial inspections, McCright and Associates will reach out to the … Read More
Who is McCright and Associates?
McCright and Associates is a third-party inspection company that CHA currently contracts with to complete HQS inspections on CHA’s behalf.
What are Housing Quality Inspections (HQS) and why are they necessary for units I have under contract with CHA?
HQS inspections are required by HUD to ensure minimum housing quality standards are met in units subsidized under HUD voucher programs. There are several different types of inspections: The “initial inspection” must occur and pass before CHA can approve a tenant for move-in and enter into a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract with an owner. A “special Inspection” or “complaint … Read More
What is the Payment Standard and how may it affect the rent increase process?
The payment standard is the maximum subsidy CHA can pay on behalf of a family. Each year, CHA establishes payment standards based on the HUD-established Fair Market Rents (FMR) for the area. CHA’s current payment standards are listed here: https://cambridge-housing.org/iam/voucherholders/rates.asp. The payment standards are set according to zip code and the unit size or voucher size (whichever is lower). If … Read More