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Property Standards The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations set forth basic Housing Quality Standards (HQS), which all homes must meet before federal assistance can be provided. THE HQS INSPECTION DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR A PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTION NOR DOES THIS INSPECTION GUARANTEE THE CONDITION OF THE HOME. The HQS Inspection includes the following, but is not limited to: All Rooms: • No peeling, chipping, flaking or chalking paint on the inside or outside of the home nor on any detached structures; • No mold; • No holes or cracks (of any size) that result in drafts, severe buckling, or deterioration in walls, ceilings or floors; • No broken windows; • All windows must have locks if they are below 6’ from the ground or can in some way be reached from the outside of the home; • All electrical outlets must have faceplates; • No broken, frayed or exposed wiring; • No roaches or mice; and • Space heaters must be vented or have manufacturers label affixed to the heater. Living Room, Bedrooms (must have): • At least one window that opens, basement bedroom windows must be to code; and • At least one light and one electrical outlet or two electrical outlets. Kitchen (must have): • At least one permanent light fixture, one electrical outlet and enough room and space to prepare food; • Sink with hot and cold running water (separate from the bathroom sink). Bathroom (must have): • A window that opens or a working ventilation unit; • One permanent light fixture; • A working flushable toilet; • Tub or shower unit with hot and cold running water; and • Sink with hot and cold running water (separate from the kitchen sink). Miscellaneous (must have): • Smoke detectors in each bedroom and each hallway; • Roof and foundation that does not leak; • Handrails if the porch is over 30’’ high or has four or more steps to enter the home; • Approvable water and sewer services; • Plumbing that does not leak; • Water heater with downward pipe on the pressure relief valve, at least to from the floor; • Water heater must be enclosed if it is located in a living area of the home; and • At least two exits from the home in case of fire and a private entrance.