Housing Quality Standards, Inspection and Rent Reasonableness
Property owners who rent units to families who have a Housing Choice Voucher may not charge the voucher holders more rent than is charged to other tenants in the same building or for similar rental units. Additionally, the property owner may not charge more rent than other property owners charge for similar rental units in the area. GHA will determine if the rent being charged is reasonable.
HUD regulations require that all housing rented under the HCV program meet HUD’s basic standards for decency, safety and sanitation, therefore, GHA must conduct a unit inspection to determine that the rental unit meets HQS and any additional standards instituted by GHA before the family may move into the rental unit.
Important Notice: Transition to NSPIRE Inspections
Beginning October 1, 2026, Greensboro Housing Authority (GHA) will implement NSPIRE inspection standards for Continuum of Care (CoC) Supportive Housing, followed by the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program effective November 1, 2026.
The National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) is HUD's updated inspection program that will replace Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections for rental assistance programs. NSPIRE focuses on identifying and correcting conditions that directly affect the health, safety, and well-being of residents.
To help property owners and landlords prepare for this transition, please see the documents below:
