UPCS-V

Great Plains Housing Authority and its partners will begin using a new inspection protocol in May 2018.  The inspection protocol is something being rolled out nation-wide and mandated by Congress.  As a test site, GPHA gets to use the software and training and provide direct feedback to HUD.  This is a resource area to update our clients, landlords, and other service providers on the upcoming inspection changes.

UPCS-V – HUD Information

What does this mean for Inspectors?
HQS Current Standard HQS Current Standard
Inspector Inspector
Current Role:

  • Use the HQS standard to make a pass/fail decision on inspectable items.
  • Either use paper or electronic method in order to conduct inspections.

Issues:

  • Not able to capture detailed information of the condition of the unit; only pass/fail with comment entries are being recorded.
  • Paper recording systems can slow the inspection process due to data transfer at PHA office.

Notepad

 Future Role:

  • Will use the a new standard to record the condition of the unit (L1, L2, L3, E, LT).
  • Must use an electronic handheld device (tablet/smartphone to conduct an inspection.
  • Guided decision-tree software can lead to a better conducted inspection.
  • Will be able to take photos of deficiency conditions.
  • The inspector will need training on the UPSC-V protocol and software.

Benefits:

  • A more clearly defined protocol allows for more consistent inspections.
  • An electronic inspection system allows for quicker upload and file transfer time.
  • UPCS-V inspections will be replicable by other inspectors and the subjectivity and ambiguities within the protocol will be fewer compared to HQS.
  • A deficiency driven approach is more objective compared to a static checklist.

Additional links:

UPCS-V – HUD Information