RHODE ISLAND HOUSING
Physical Inspection Standards Incorporating HUD Uniform Physical Condition Standards / Page 1 of 12

Rhode Island Housing developments should be decent, safe, sanitary and in good repair. Owners and mortgagors of multifamily housing should maintain the housing in a manner that meets the physical condition standards set forth in this policy statement in order to be considered decent, safe, sanitary and in good repair.

These standards address the major areas of a multifamily property such as:

(a)  Site 15%

(b)  Building exterior 15%

100% - major components of a property

(c)  Building systems 20% used to calculate a score for

its physical condition

(d)  Dwelling units 35%

(e)  Common areas 15%

(f)  Health and safety considerations.

(g)  Compliance with State and local codes:

The physical inspection standards in this section do not supersede or preempt State and local codes for building and maintenance with which Rhode Island Housing developments should comply. Rhode Island Housing developments should continue to adhere to these codes.

RHODE ISLAND HOUSING
Physical Inspection Standards Incorporating HUD Uniform Physical Condition Standards / Page 2 of 12

(a)  Site

The site components, such as fencing, retaining walls, grounds, lighting, mailboxes/project signs, parking lots/driveways, play areas and equipment, refuse disposal, roads, storm drainage, walkways must be free of health and safety hazards and be in good repair. The site must not be subject to material adverse conditions, such as abandoned vehicles, dangerous walks or steps, poor drainage, septic tank back-ups, sewer hazards, excess accumulations of trash, vermin or rodent infestation or fire hazards.

Site Inspectable Items

Items to inspect for “Site” are as follows:

·  Fencing and Retaining Walls

·  Grounds

·  Lighting

·  Mailboxes/Project Signs

·  Market Appeal

·  Parking Lots/Driveways/Roads

·  Play Areas and Equipment

·  Refuse Disposal

·  Storm Drainage

·  Walkways/Steps

Damaged or Missing Gates (Fencing and Retaining Walls)

Damaged/Falling/Leaning (Fencing and Retaining Walls)

Damaged/Falling/Leaning (Retaining Walls)

Holes (Fencing and Retaining Walls)

Missing Sections (Fencing and Retaining Walls)

Erosion Areas (Grounds)

Overgrown/Penetrating Vegetation (Grounds)

Ponding/Site Drainage (Grounds)

Rutting (Grounds)

Broken Fixtures (Lighting)

Missing/Broken Bulbs (Lighting)

Mailbox Missing/Damaged (Mailbox/Project Signs)

Signs Missing/Damaged (Mailbox/Project Signs)

Graffiti (Market Appeal)

Litter (Market Appeal)

Cracks (Parking Lots/Driveways/Roads)

Ponding (Parking Lots/Driveways/Roads)

Potholes/Loose Material (Parking Lots/Driveways/Roads)

Settlement/Heaving (Parking Lots/Driveways/Roads)

Damaged/Broken Equipment (Play Areas and Equipment)

Deteriorated Play Area Surface (Play Areas and Equipment)

Broken/Damaged Enclosure (Refuse Disposal)

Inadequate Outside Storage Space (Refuse Disposal)

Damaged/Broken/Cracked (Storm Drainage

Debris/Obstruction/Sediment (Storm Drainage)

Cracks/Settlement/Heaving (Walkways/Steps)

Spalling (Walkways/Steps)

RHODE ISLAND HOUSING
Physical Inspection Standards Incorporating HUD Uniform Physical Condition Standards / Page 3 of 12

(b)  Building Exterior

Each building on the site must be structurally sound, secure, habitable and in good repair. Each building's doors, fire escapes, foundations, lighting, roofs, walls and windows, where applicable, must be free of health and safety hazards, operable and in good repair.

Building Exterior Inspectable Items

Items to inspect for “Building Exterior” are as follows:

·  Doors

·  Fire Escapes

·  Foundations

·  Lighting

·  Roofs

·  Walls

·  Windows

Broken/Missing Glazing/Glass (Doors)

Damaged Frames/Threshold/Lintels/Trim (Doors)

Damaged Hardware/Locks (Doors)

Damaged Surface (Holes/Paint/Rusting) (Doors)

Damaged/Missing Screen/Storm/Security Door (Doors)

Deteriorated/Missing Caulking/Seals (Doors)

Blocked Egress/Ladders (Fire Escapes)

Cracks/Gaps (Foundations)

Spalling/Exposed Rebar (Foundations)

Broken Fixtures (Lighting)

Missing/Broken Bulbs (Lighting)

Damaged/Clogged Drains (Roofs)

Damaged Soffits/Fascia (Roofs)

Damaged Vents (Roofs)

Damaged/Torn Membrane/Missing Ballast (Roofs)

Missing/Damaged Components from Downspout/Gutter (Roofs)

Missing/Damaged/Shingles (Roofs)

Ponding (Roofs)

Cracks/Gaps (Walls)

Damaged Chimneys (Walls)

Missing Pieces/ Holes/Spalling (Walls)

Damaged/Missing Screens (Windows)

Damaged Sills/Frames/Lintels/Trim (Windows)

Missing/Deteriorated Caulking/Glazing Compound (Windows)

Security Bars Prevent Egress (Windows)

Deteriorated/Missing Caulking/Seals (Windows)


RHODE ISLAND HOUSING
Physical Inspection Standards Incorporating HUD Uniform Physical Condition Standards / Page 4 of 12

(c)  Building Systems

Each building's domestic water, electrical system, elevators, emergency power, fire protection, HVAC and sanitary system must be free of health and safety hazards, functionally adequate, operable and in good repair.

Building Systems Inspectable Items

Items to inspect for “Building Systems” are as follows:

·  Domestic Water

·  Electrical System

·  Elevators

·  Emergency Power

·  Exhaust System

·  Fire Protection

·  HVAC

·  Sanitary System

Leaking Central Water Supply (Domestic Water)

Misaligned/ Damaged Ventilation System (Domestic Water)

Missing Pressure Relief Valve (Domestic Water)

Rust/Corrosion on Central Water Components (Domestic Water)

Rust/Corrosion on Heater Chimney (Domestic Water)

Blocked Access/Improper Storage (Electrical System)

Frayed Wiring (Electrical System)

Missing Breakers/Fuses (Electrical System)

Missing Covers (Electrical System)

Not Operable (Elevators)

Run-Up Records/Documentation Not Available (Emergency Power)

Missing Sprinkler Head (Fire Protection)

Missing/Damaged/Expired Extinguishers (Fire Protection)

Boiler/Pump Leaks (HVAC)

General Rust/Corrosion (HVAC)


RHODE ISLAND HOUSING
Physical Inspection Standards Incorporating HUD Uniform Physical Condition Standards / Page 5 of 12

(d) Dwelling Units

(1)  Each dwelling unit within a building must be structurally sound, habitable and in good repair. All

areas and aspects of the dwelling unit (for example, the unit's bathroom, call-for-aid (if applicable),

ceiling, doors, electrical systems, floors, hot water heater, HVAC (where individual units are

provided), kitchen, lighting, outlets/switches, patio/porch/balcony, smoke detectors, stairs, walls and

windows) must be free of health and safety hazards, functionally adequate, operable and in good

repair.

(2)  Where applicable, the dwelling unit must have hot and cold running water, including an adequate

source of potable water (note for example that single room occupancy units need not contain water

facilities).

(3)  If the dwelling unit includes its own sanitary facility, it must be in proper operating condition, usable

in privacy and adequate for personal hygiene and the disposal of human waste.

(4)  The dwelling unit must include at least one battery-operated or hard-wired smoke detector, in proper

working condition, on each level of the unit.

Unit Inspectable Items

Items to inspect for “Unit” are as follows:

·  Bathroom Kitchen

·  Call-for-Aid Lighting

·  Ceiling Outlets/Switches

·  Doors Patio/Porch/Balcony

·  Electrical System Smoke Detector

·  Floors Stairs

·  Hot Water Heater Walls

·  HVAC System Windows

Bathroom Cabinets - Damaged/Missing (Bathroom)

Lavatory Sink - Damaged/Missing (Bathroom)

Plumbing - Clogged Drains (Bathroom)

Plumbing - Leaking Faucet/Pipes (Bathroom)

Shower/Tub - Damaged/Missing (Bathroom)

Ventilation/Exhaust System - Inoperable (Bathroom)

Water Closet/Toilet - Damaged/Clogged/Missing (Bathroom)

Holes/Missing Tiles/Panels (Ceiling)

Needs Paint (Ceiling)

Water Stains/Water Damage/Mold/Mildew (Ceiling)

Broken/Missing Glazing/Glass (Doors)

Damaged Surface - Holes/Paint/Rusting (Doors)

Damaged Frames/Threshold/Lintels/Trim (Doors)

Damaged Hardware/Locks (Doors)

Damaged/Missing Screen/Storm/Security Door (Doors)

Deteriorated/Missing Seals (Entry Only) (Doors)

Deteriorated/Missing Caulking/Seals (Windows)

RHODE ISLAND HOUSING
Physical Inspection Standards Incorporating HUD Uniform Physical Condition Standards / Page 6 of 12

(d)  Dwelling Units

Unit Inspectable Items

Missing Door (Door)

Blocked Access to Electric Panel (Electrical System)

Frayed Wiring (Electrical System)

GFI - Inoperable (Electrical System)

Floor Covering Damage (Floors)

Missing Flooring Tiles (Floors)

Needs Paint (Floors)

Rot/Deteriorated Subfloor (Floors

Water Stains/Water Damage/Mold/Mildew (Floors)

Gas Fired Unit - Missing/Misaligned Chimney (Hot Water Heater)

Pressure Relief Valve Missing (Hot Water Heater)

Rust/Corrosion (Hot Water Heater)

Gas Fired Unit - Missing/Misaligned Chimney (HVAC)

Inoperable (HVAC)

Noisy/Vibrating/Leaking (HVAC)

Convection/Radiant Heat System Covers Missing/Damaged (HVAC)

Rust/Corrosion (HVAC)

Cabinets - Missing/Damaged (Kitchen)


RHODE ISLAND HOUSING
Physical Inspection Standards Incorporating HUD Uniform Physical Condition Standards / Page 7 of 12

(e)  Common areas

The common areas must be structurally sound, secure and functionally adequate for the purposes intended. The basement/garage/carport, restrooms, closets, utility, mechanical, community rooms, day care, halls/corridors, stairs, kitchens, laundry rooms, office, porch, patio, balcony and trash collection areas, if applicable, must be free of health and safety hazards, operable and in good repair. All common area ceilings, doors, floors, HVAC, lighting, outlets/switches, smoke detectors, stairs, walls and windows, to the extent applicable, must be free of health and safety hazards, operable and in good repair. These standards for common areas apply, to a varying extent, to all multifamily housing, but will be particularly relevant to congregate housing, independent group homes/residences and single room occupancy units, in which the individual dwelling units (sleeping areas) do not contain kitchen and/or bathroom facilities.

Items to inspect for “Common Areas” are as follows:

·  Basement/Garage/Carport Office

·  Closet/Utility/Mechanical Other Community Spaces

·  Community Room Patio/Porch/Balcony

·  Day Care Pools and Related Structures

·  Halls/Corridors/Stairs Restrooms/Pool Structures

·  Kitchen Storage

·  Laundry Room Trash Collection Areas

·  Lobby

Blocked Access/Improper Storage (Electrical System)

Electrical - Frayed Wiring (Common Areas)

Electrical - Missing Covers (Common Areas)

Ceiling - Holes/Missing Tiles/Panels/Cracks (Common Areas)

Ceiling - Needs Paint (Common Areas)

Ceiling - Water Stains/Water Damage/Mold/Mildew (Common Areas)

Doors - Broken/Missing Glazing/Glass (Common Areas)

Doors - Damaged Surface (Holes/Paint/Rusting) (Common Areas)

Doors - Damaged Frames/Threshold/Lintels/Trim (Common Areas)

Doors - Damaged Hardware/Locks (Common Areas)

Doors - Deteriorated/Missing Seals (Common Areas)

Floors - Floor Covering Damaged (Common Areas)

Floors - Missing Flooring (Common Areas)

Floors - Needs Paint (Common Areas)

Floors - Rot/Deteriorated Subfloor (Common Areas)

Floors - Water Stains/Water Damage/Mold/Mildew (Common Areas)

Lighting Missing/Damaged/Inoperable Fixture (Common Areas)

Outlets/Switches/Cover Plates - Missing/Broken (Common Areas)

Smoke Detector – Missing/Inoperable (Common Areas)

Stairs - Broken/Damaged/Missing Steps (Halls/Corridors/Stairs)

Pedestrian/Wheelchair Ramp (Halls/Corridors/Stairs)

Mailbox Missing/Damaged (Halls/Corridors/Stairs)

Graffiti (Halls/Corridors/Stairs)

Walls - Damaged/Deteriorated Trim (Common Areas)

RHODE ISLAND HOUSING
Physical Inspection Standards Incorporating HUD Uniform Physical Condition Standards / Page 8 of 12

(e) Common Areas

Walls – Damaged (Common Areas)

Walls – Needs Paint (Common Areas)

Walls - Water Stains/Water Damage/Mold/Mildew (Common Areas)

Windows - Cracked/Broken/Missing Panes (Common Areas)

Windows - Damaged Window Sill (Common Areas)

Windows - Security Bars Prevent Egress (Common Areas)

HVAC - Missing/Misaligned Chimney (Common Areas)

HVAC – Inoperable (Common Areas)

HVAC - Noisy/Vibrating/Leaking (Common Areas)

Convection/Radiant Heat System Covers Missing/Damaged (Common Areas)

HVAC - General Rust/Corrosion (HVAC)

Countertops - Missing/Damaged (Kitchen)

Cabinets - Missing/Damaged (Kitchen)

GFI - Inoperable (Kitchen) (Restrooms/Pool Structures)

Pool - Not Operational (Pools and Related Structures)

Lavatory Sink - Damaged/Missing (Restrooms/Pool Structures)

Plumbing - Clogged Drains (Kitchen) (Restrooms/Pool Structures)

Plumbing - Leaking Faucet/Pipes (Kitchen) (Restrooms/Pool Structures)

Range/Stove - Missing/Damaged/Inoperable (Kitchen)

Refrigerator - Missing/Damaged/Inoperable (Kitchen)

Sink - Damaged/Missing (Kitchen)

Restroom Cabinet - Damaged/Missing (Restrooms/Pool Structures)

Shower/Tub - Damaged/Missing (Restrooms/Pool Structures)

Ventilation/Exhaust System - Inoperable (Restrooms/Pool Structure)

Water Closet/Toilet - Damaged/Clogged/Missing (Restrooms/Pool Structures)

Chutes Damaged/Missing Components (Trash Collection Areas)


RHODE ISLAND HOUSING
Physical Inspection Standards Incorporating HUD Uniform Physical Condition Standards / Page 9 of 12

(f)  Health and safety concerns.

All areas and components of the housing must be free of health and safety hazards. These areas include, but are not limited to, air quality, electrical hazards, elevators, emergency/fire exits, flammable materials, garbage and debris, handrail hazards, infestation and lead-based paint. For example, the buildings must have fire exits that are not blocked and have handrails that are undamaged and have no other observable deficiencies. The housing must have no evidence of infestation by rats, mice, or other vermin, or of garbage and debris. The housing must have no evidence of electrical hazards, natural hazards, or fire hazards. The dwelling units and common areas must have proper ventilation and be free of mold, odor (e.g., propane, natural gas, methane gas), or other observable deficiencies. The housing must comply with all requirements related to the evaluation and reduction of lead-based paint hazards and have available proper certifications of such (see 24 CFR Part 35).

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RHODE ISLAND HOUSING AND MORTGAGE FINANCE CORPORATION
Physical Inspection Standards Incorporating HUD Uniform Physical Condition Standards / Page 10 of 12
Unit Inspection Checklist
Good / Acceptable / Requires action / Immediate action required
Entire Unit
Smoke detectors
Doors and locks
Windows/screens
Heating/air conditioning
Ventilation/air quality
Access to fire escape
Free of vermin/rodents
Other
Hazards? / YES / NO
Living Room
Wall/interior doors
Ceiling
Floors
Electric fixtures/outlets
Other
Hazards? / YES / NO
Dining area
Wall/interior doors
Ceiling
Floors
Electric fixtures/outlets
Other
Hazards? / YES / NO
Bathroom
Wall/interior doors
Ceiling
Floors
Electric fixtures/outlets
Working toilet
Lavatory(hot/cold water)
Tub/Shower (hot/cold water)
Other
Hazards? / YES / NO
RHODE ISLAND HOUSING AND MORTGAGE FINANCE CORPORATION
Physical Inspection Standards Incorporating HUD Uniform Physical Condition Standards / Page 11 of 12
Unit Inspection Checklist
Good / Acceptable / Requires action / Immediate action required
Kitchen
Wall/interior doors
Ceiling
Floors
Electric fixtures/outlets
Stove
Refrigerator
Sink
Disposal/Trash Container
Cabinets
Countertops
Other
Hazards? / YES / NO
Room ID______
Wall/interior doors
Ceiling
Floors
Electric fixtures/outlets
Other
Hazards? / YES / NO
Room ID______
Wall/interior doors
Ceiling
Floors
Electric fixtures/outlets
Other
Hazards? / YES / NO
Room ID______
Wall/interior doors
Ceiling
Floors
Electric fixtures/outlets
Other
Hazards? / YES / NO
RHODE ISLAND HOUSING AND MORTGAGE FINANCE CORPORATION
Physical Inspection Standards Incorporating HUD Uniform Physical Condition Standards / Page 12 of 12
Unit Inspection Checklist
Good / Acceptable / Requires action / Immediate action required
Room ID______
Wall/interior doors
Ceiling
Floors
Electric fixtures/outlets
Other
Hazards? / YES / NO
Room ID______
Wall/interior doors
Ceiling
Floors
Electric fixtures/outlets
Other
Hazards? / YES / NO
Room ID______
Wall/interior doors
Ceiling
Floors
Electric fixtures/outlets
Other
Hazards? / YES / NO

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