Dear management agents, property owners, and consultants,
On March 1, 2024, Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) sent a technical advisory announcing the Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS) inspection protocol would be replaced with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) newly established National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) protocol with full implementation on or after April 1, 2024. The inspection protocol was tested in April and May, delaying full implementation to June 2024.
Although HUD postponed full implementation of NSPIRE to October 1, 2024, and then extended this to October 1, 2025, OHCS decided to continue with full implementation this year and will begin using the new protocol for all partners effective immediately. To date, NSPIRE test applications have been free of any major complications.
Since March, OHCS has completed the following:
- Trained OHCS staff on NSPIRE protocol
- Procured and implemented NSPIRE protocol software (InspectCheck)
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Secured equipment and tools necessary to perform NSPIRE inspections
- Conducted multiple NSPIRE inspections throughout Oregon
NSPIRE inspection protocol applies to all properties monitored by OHCS regardless of funding type. Though OHCS will strictly follow the current NSPIRE protocol, please note that HUD may provide more updates to NSPIRE inspection protocols in the future. OHCS inspectors have also been instructed to document findings that might not be included within current NSPIRE inspectable areas if they feel life, health, and safety concerns are present.
Over the next few months, OHCS will create educational and training opportunities for staff, owners, management agents, and consultants. These materials will be added to OHCS’ website. Once available, an announcement will be made by technical advisory. You can also go to the HUD website to learn more about NSPIRE.
Feel free to contact OHCS’ Portfolio Section at ARH.Portfolio@hcs.oregon.gov with any questions you may have.
