DSS Pre-Rental Inspection Qualify Form

In order to be eligible to receive guaranteed monthly rental payments through DSS or Sec8 , your property must qualify, by passing an inspection that is in conformance with the Housing Standards cited below. The following information is provided as a general guide to an inspection. While this is not a complete list, it does cover the most common conditions that cause a unit to temporarily fail a pre-rental inspection.

• The landlord or a representative of the landlord should be present for the inspection.
• The Previous tenant and his/her belongings must be moved out.
• Unit must be clean and ready to be occupied by a new tenant.
• All utilities must be on.
• Plumbing, heating and electrical systems must be in safe working order. A leak under the sink or an exposed electrical outlet would result in a temporary rejection.
• There must be a clean, working stove.
• All living areas must have adequate light and ventilation.
• Minimum size for a bedroom is 70 sq ft., 1 wall must be at least 7 ft. The minimum ceiling height is 7 ½ feet for all living areas.
• Overall living space- 150 square feet for the first person, 100 square feet for each additional person.
• Window size- min of 8% of floor area- bottom of opening should be no higher than 3.5’ above floor.
• All windows must fit properly and be in working order. They must have unbroken glass panes and screens; locks and be operable.
• The bathroom must have either a window that can be opened or a properly installed exhaust fan vented to the outside.
• The floors in the kitchen and bath must be of a material easily washable and waterproof. Carpet in the bathroom is unacceptable. In the kitchen no carpet is allowed within 3 feet of the kitchen work space.
• The kitchen must have clean, washable food preparation area and storage space of adequate size for family.
• Every room must have 2 means of egress (doors and windows).
• Unregistered motor vehicles, boats, campers, etc… may not be stored on property. Garbage and debris must be removed from the property.
• There must be a smoke detector in each hallway (or area leading to bedrooms) on every level, and each bedroom.
• One carbon monoxide detector in each hallway (or area leading to bedrooms) on every floor.
• The front door and any other entry doors must fit properly and lock securely and have a screen door.
• Bedrooms and bathrooms should have privacy locks.
• The exterior of the dwelling should be in good condition. Peeling paint is not acceptable.
• Missing sections of siding, open cesspools, unstable porches or accessory buildings, or any condition creating a health and safety hazard must be remedied.
• Stairs exceeding 3 steps require a handrail.
• All rooms must have a minimum of 2 electrical outlets/ or 1 outlet and 1 overhead fixture.
• One hour fire rated sheetrock (5/8” width minimum) installed over oil and gas fired burners and hot water heaters, located in a cellar, basement or crawlspace, 3 feet from center of each unit in each direction as allowed.
• Self closing fire rated doors At boiler rooms on a habitable level.
• Oil and gas burners installed on non-combustible surfaces.