On January 13, 2021, the proposed rule for the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) was published in the Federal Register. This publication represents a significant milestone for NSPIRE and will establish the regulatory framework necessary for its implementation when final. Through the proposed rule, HUD seeks to:

  1. Use a singular set of physical inspection standards to align all of the HUD programs;
  2. Reduce administrative burden on small rural PHAs by incorporating provisions of the Economic Growth and Recovery, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act;
  3. Establish methods for the implementation of specific NSPIRE standards, scoring, and processes;
  4. Create a unified assessment of housing quality and apply a “safe, habitable dwellings” standard;
  5. For certain HUD housing, implement a new annual self-inspection and reporting requirement; and
  6. Establish an administrative process for the treatment of health and safety deficiencies.

HUD seeks public comment on all aspects of the proposed rule, which will be considered as the rule progresses from a proposed rule to a final rule within the established rulemaking process. To be considered, comments should be submitted in accordance with guidance published in the Federal Register notice.

See the proposed rule as published in the Federal Register at:  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/13/2021-00098/economic-growth-regulatory-relief-and-consumer-protection-act-implementation-of-national-standards.