Develop and implement a nationwide protocol for field offices, describing how PHA self-inspections should be reviewed, based on REAC's determination of the number and frequency of PHA self-inspections.

Status

HUD closed this recommendation in August 2024, an action which HUD OIG disagrees with.  HUD provided guidance for field office staff to send to PHAs with NSPIRE inspections that scored below 60 points.  However, HUD did not provide a protocol detailing how it would receive and review PHAs' self-inspections for compliance with HUD requirements.  Therefore, HUD has not fully addressed the gap in controls identified in the audit that hinders HUD's oversight over PHA self-inspections.  As of January 30, 2026, HUD OIG is reviewing additional information provided by HUD to address the recommendation. 

Analysis

To fully resolve this recommendation, HUD needs to provide a policy or procedure that provides guidance to the field offices on how public housing self-inspections should be reviewed for compliance with its requirements.

Implementation of this recommendation will result in public housing units that are decent, safe, and sanitary because it mandates oversight to ensure PHAs are addressing identified deficiencies.

Implement adequate policies, procedures, and controls to ensure that public housing properties will be inspected within required timeframes.

Status

As of July 2025, according to HUD, all development and enhancement of the NSPIRE software system are presently on hold pending Administrative guidance on HUD funded software system improvements. Additionally, the required software changes recommended under this finding depend on the final Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) rule, but most regulatory work has been paused for review per Executive Order from the Administration. Pending the required resources and funding approval, HUD cannot move forward at this time. According to HUD, it has planned for and proposed the needed improvements to meet this recommendation and will provide updates when available. The current final action target date is September 30, 2025.

Analysis

To fully address this recommendation, HUD must provide evidence demonstrating that it has implemented control activities that ensure public housing properties are inspected within the required timeframes.

Implementation of this recommendation will result in HUD accurately tracking the dates on which public housing properties should be inspected and that they are timely completed.

Due to the uncertainty of when software changes to NSPIRE can take place to enforce the timing of inspections, REAC cannot enforce the requirements of inspection timing.

Require the REAC in coordination with OFO to determine the number of developments and associated units that contain lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards.

Status

As of January 30, 2026, according to HUD, all development and enhancement of the NSPIRE software system is still on hold pending administrative guidance on HUD funded software system improvements.  Additionally, the required software changes recommended under this finding depend on the final Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) rule, but most regulatory work has been paused for review per Executive Order from the Administration.  HUD anticipates changes to the PHAS rule will be finalized in 2026; however, updates to the NSPIRE system requires funding.  Pending the required resources and funding approval, HUD cannot move forward at this time.  According to HUD, it has planned for and proposed the needed improvements to meet this recommendation and will provide updates when available.  The final action target date was revised to October 1, 2026.

Analysis

To fully address this recommendation, HUD must provide evidence demonstrating that it has implemented control activities that ensure public housing properties are inspected within the required timeframes.

Implementation of this recommendation will result in HUD accurately tracking the dates on which public housing properties should be inspected and that they are timely completed.

Due to the uncertainty of when software changes to NSPIRE can take place to enforce the timing of inspections, REAC cannot enforce the requirements of inspection timing.