Skip Navigation A Good
Place to Live The following is
information
from HUD document HUD-593-PIH(8) 1. Living
Room Having a good place
to
live is important. Through your Public Housing Agency (or PHA) the
Section
8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps you to rent a good
place. You are free to choose any house or apartment you like, as long as
it meets certain requirements for quality. Under the Section 8 Housing
Choice Voucher Program, a family may choose to rent an expensive
house or apartment and pay the extra amount. Your PHA will give you other
information about both programs and the way your part of the rent is
determined.
Housing
Quality Standards Housing quality standards help
to insure that your home will be safe, healthy, and comfortable. In the
Section
8 Housing Choice Voucher Program there are two kinds
of housing quality standards. The
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program The Section 8
Housing Choice Voucher Program allows you to choose a house or
apartment that you like. It may be where you are living now or somewhere
else.
The must have standards are very basic items that every
apartment
must have. But a home that has all of the must have standards
may
still not have everything you need or would like. With the help of the
Section
8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, you should be able
to afford a good home, so you should think about what you would like your
home to have. You may want a big kitchen or a lot of windows or a first
floor
apartment. Worn wallpaper or paint may bother you. Think of these things
as
you are looking for a home. Please take the time to read A Good Place to
Live.
If you would like to stay in your present home, use this booklet to see
if
your home meets the housing quality standards. If you want to move, use
it
each time you go to look for a new house or apartment, and good luck in
finding
your good place to live. Read each section
carefully.
After you find a place to live, you can start the Request for Lease
Approval
process. You may find a place you like that has some problems with it.
Check
with your PHA about what to do, since it may be possible to correct the
problems.
The
Requirements Every house or
apartment
must have at least a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. A one-room
efficiency
apartment with a kitchen area is all right. However, there must be a
separate
bathroom for the private use of your family. Generally there must be one
living/sleeping
room for every two family members. 1. Living
Room The Living Room must
have: Ceiling --Not acceptable are
large cracks or holes that allow drafts, severe bulging, large amounts of
loose or falling surface material such as plaster.
Walls --Not acceptable are
large cracks or holes that allow drafts, severe bulging or leaning, large
amounts of loose or falling surface material such as plaster.
Electricity Do not count table
or
floor lamps, ceiling lamps plugged into a socket, and extension cords:
they
are not permanent. --Not acceptable are
broken or frayed wiring, light fixtures hanging from wires with no other
firm
support (such as a chain), missing cover plates on switches or outlets,
badly
cracked outlets. Floor --Not acceptable are
large cracks or holes, missing or warped floor boards or covering that
could
cause someone to trip. Window --Not acceptable are
windows with badly cracked, broken or missing panes, and windows that do
not
shut or, when shut, do not keep out the weather.
Lock Paint You should also
think
about: ·
The
types of locks on windows and doors ·
The
condition of the windows. ·
The
amount of weatherization around doors and windows. ·
The
location of electric outlets and light fixtures. ·
The
condition of the paint and wallpaper ·
The
condition of the floor. 2.
Kitchen The Kitchen must
have:
Ceiling --Not acceptable are
large cracks or holes that allow drafts, severe bulging, large amounts of
loose or falling surface material such as plaster. Storage
Electricity Do not count table
or
floor lamps, ceiling lamps plugged into a socket, and extension cards;
they
are not permanent. --Not acceptable are
broken or frayed wiring, light fixtures hanging from wires with no other
firm
support (such as a chain), missing cover plates on switches or outlets,
badly
cracked outlets. Stove and
Oven Floor Not acceptable are
large
cracks or holes, missing or warped floor boards or covering that could
cause
someone to trip. Preparation
Area
Paint Window Lock Walls --Not acceptable are
large cracks or holes that allow drafts, severe bulging or leaning, large
amounts of loose or falling surface material such as plaster. Some space to serve
food. Refrigerator Sink -- A bathroom sink
will
not satisfy this requirement. You should
also
think about: ·
The
size of the kitchen. ·
The
amount, location, and condition of space to store, prepare, and serve
food.
Is it adequate for the size of your family? ·
The
size, condition, and location of the refrigerator. Is it adequate for the
size of your family? ·
The
size, condition, and location of your sink. ·
Other
appliances you would like provided. ·
Extra
outlets. 3.
Bathroom The Bathroom must
have:
Ceiling --Not acceptable are
large cracks or holes that allow drafts, severe bulging, large amounts of
loose or falling surface material such as plaster. Window
Lock Toilet Tub or
Shower Floor --Not acceptable are
large cracks or holes, missing or warped floor boards or covering that
could
cause someone to trip. Paint Walls --Not acceptable are
large cracks or holes that allow drafts, severe bulging or leaning, large
amounts of loose or falling surface such as plaster. At least one
permanent
overhead or wall light fixture. --Not acceptable are
broken or frayed wiring, light fixtures hanging from wires with no other
firm
support (such as a chain), missing cover plates on switches or outlets,
badly
cracked outlets. A sink with hot and
cold
running water. You should
also
think about: ·
The
size of the bathroom and the amount of privacy. ·
The
appearance of the toilet, sink, and shower or tub. ·
The
appearance of the grout and seal along the floor and where the tub meets
the
wall. ·
The
appearance of the floor and walls. ·
The
size of the hot water heater. ·
A
cabinet with a mirror. 4. Other
Rooms Other rooms that are
lived in include: bedrooms, dens, halls, and finished basements or
enclosed,
heated porches. The requirements for other rooms that are lived in are
similar
to the requirements for the living room as explained below. Other Rooms Used for
Living must have: Ceiling --Not acceptable are
large cracks or holes that allow drafts, severe bulging, large amounts of
loose or falling surface material such as plaster, Walls --Not acceptable are
large cracks or holes that allow drafts, severe bulging or leaning, large
amounts of loose or falling surface material such as plaster. Paint Electricity
in
Bedrooms In All Other Rooms
Used
for Living: There is no specific standard for electricity, but there must
be either natural illumination (a window) or an electric light fixture or
outlet. Floor --Not acceptable are
large cracks or holes, missing or warped floor boards or covering that
could
cause someone to trip. Lock Window --Not acceptable are
windows with badly cracked, broken or missing panes, and windows that do
not
shut or, when shut, do not keep out the weather. Other rooms that are
not lived in may be: a utility room for washer and dryer, basement or
porch.
These must be checked for security and electrical hazards and other
possible
dangers (such as walls or ceilings in danger of falling), since these
items
are important for the safety of your entire apartment. You should also
look
for other possible dangers such as large holes in the walls, floors, or
ceilings,
and unsafe stairways. Make sure to look for these things in all other
rooms
not lived in. You should
also
think about: ·
What
you would like to do with the other rooms. ·
The
types of locks on windows and doors. ·
The
condition of the windows. ·
The
amount of weatherization windows. ·
The
location of electric outlets and light fixtures. ·
The
condition of the paint and wallpaper ·
The
condition of the floors. 5.
Building Exterior,
Plumbing, and Heating The Building must
have:
Roof --Evidence of leaks
can
usually be seen from stains on the ceiling inside the building.
Outside
Handrails Walls Foundation Water
Supply Sewage Chimneys Paint --This includer
exterior
walls, stairs, decks, porches, railings, windows, and doors. Cooling Plumbing Water
Heater Heat --Not acceptable are
space heaters (or room heaters) that burn oil or gas and are not vented
to
a chimney. Space heaters that are vented may be acceptable if they can
provide
enough heat. You should
also
think about ·
How
well maintained the apartment is. ·
The
type of heating equipment. ·
The
amount and type of weatherization and its affect on utility costs. ·
Air
circulation or type of cooling equptment (if any). 6. Health
and Safety The Building and
Site
must have: Fire
Exits Elevators Entrance Neighborhood Garbage Lights Stairs
Pollution Rodents and
Vermin For
Manufactured
Homes: Tie Downs For
Manufactured
Homes: Smoke Detectors You should also
think
about: ·
The
type of fire exit. ·
How
safe the house or apartment is for your family. ·
Services
in the neighborhood. After you find a
good
place to live, you can begin the Request for Lease Approval
process.
When both you and the owner have signed the Request for Lease
Approval
and the PHA has received it, an official inspection will take place. The
PHA
will inform both you and the owner of the inspection results. If the house or
apartment
passed, a lease can be signed. There may still be some items that you or
the
PHA would like improved. If so, you and your PHA may be able to bargain
for
the improvements when you sign the lease. If the owner is not willing to
do
the work, perhaps you can get him or her to pay for the materials and do
it
yourself. If the house or
apartment
fails, you and/or your PHA may try to convince the owner to make the
repairs
so it will pass. The likelihood of the owner making the repairs may
depend
on how serious or costly they are. If it fails, all
repairs
must be made, and the house or apartment must be reinspected before any
lease
is signed. If the owner cannot or will not repair the house or apartment,
even if the repairs are minor, you must look for another home. Make sure
you
understand why the house or apartment failed, so that you will be more
successful
in your next search. Responsibilities
of the Public Housing Authority Responsibilities
of the tenant Responsibilities
of the owner 
titled "A Good Place to
Live."
It details the required elements a unit must have in order to pass
inspection.
The information is organized into six sections, each of which lists the
elements
a part of a unit must have, and also elements that a tenant should
consider
when looking for a unit. The six sections are:
2. Kitchen
3. Bathroom
4. Other Rooms
5. Building
Exterior, Plumbing, and Heating
6. Health
and
Safety (in the home, yard and, neighborhood)
A ceiling
that
is in good condition.
Walls that
are in good condition.
At least
two
electric outlets, or one outlet and one permanent overhead light fixture.
A floor
that
is in good condition.
At least
one
window. Every window must be in good condition.
A lock
that
works on all windows and doors that can be reached from the outside, a
common
public hallway, a fire escape, porch or other outside place that cannot
be
reached from the ground. A window that cannot be opened is acceptable.
No peeling
or chipping paint if you have children under the age of seven and the
house
or apartment was built before 1978.
-- Are they safe and secure?
-- Have windows that you might like to open been nailed shut?
-- Are there small cracks in the panes?
-- Are there storm windows?
-- Is there weatherstripping? If you pay your own utilities, this may be
important.
-- Are they worn, faded, or dirty?
-- Is it scratched and worn?
A ceiling that is in good condition.
Some space to store food.
At least one electric outlet and ons permanent light fixture.
A stove (or range) and oven that works (This can be supplied by the
tenant)
A floor that is in good condition.
Some space to prepare food.
No peeling or chipping paint if you have children under the age of seven
and
the house or apartment was built before 1978.
If there is a window, it must be in good condition.
A lock that works on all windows and doors that can be reached from the
outside,
a common public hallway, a fire escape, porch or other outside place that
can be reached from the ground. A window that cannot be opened is
acceptable.
Walls that are in good condition.
-- A separate dining room or dining area in the living room is all right.
A refrigerator that keeps temperatures low enough so that food does not
spoil.
(This can be supplied by the tenant.)
A sink with hot and cold running water.
A ceiling that is in good condition.
A window that opens or a working exhaust fan.
A lock that works on all windows and doors that can be reached from the
outside,
a common public hallway, a fire escape, porch or other outside place that
can be reached from the ground.
A flush toilet that works.
A tub or shower with hot and cold running water.
A floor that is in good condition.
No chipping or peeling paint if you have children under the age of seven
and
the house or apartment was built before 1978.
Walls that are in good condition.
-- A kitchen sink will not satisfy this requirement.
A ceiling that is in good condition.
Walls that are in good condition.
No chipping or peeling paint if you have children under the age of seven
and
the house or apanment was built before 1978.
Same requirement as for living room.
A floor that is in good condition.
A lock that works on all windows and doors that can be reached from the
outside,
a common public hallway, a fire escape, porch or other outside place that
can be reached from the ground.
At least one window, which must be openable if it was designed to be
opened,
in every rooms used for sleeping. Every window must be in good condition.
-- Can you use them the way you want to?
-- Are they safe and secure?
-- Have windows that you might like to open been nailed shut?
-- Are there small cracks in the panes?
-- Are there storm windows?
-- Is there weatherstripping? If you pay your own utilities, this may be
important.
-- Are they worn, faded, or dirty?
-- Are they scratched and worn?
A roof in good condition that does not leak, with gutters and downspouts,
if present, in good condition and securely attached to the building.
Secure handrails on any extended length of stairs (e.g. generally four or
more steps) and any porches, balconies, or decks which are 30 inches or
more
above the ground.
Exterior walls that are in good condition, with no large holes or cracks
that
would let a great amount of air get inside.
A foundation in good condition that has no serious leaks.
A plumbing system that is served by an approvable public or private water
supply system. Ask the manager or owner.
A plumbing system that in connected to an approvable public or private
sewage
disposal system. Ask the manager or owner.
No serious leaning or defects (such as big cracks or many missing bricks)
in any chimneys.
No cracking, peeling, or chipping paint if you have children under the
age
of seven and the house or apartment was built before 1978.
Some windows that open, or some working ventilation or cooling equipment
that
can provide air circulation during warm months.
Pipes that are in good condition, with no leaks and no serious rust that
causes
the water to be discolored.
A water heater located, equipped, and installed in a safe manner. Ask the
manager.
Enough heating equipment so that the unit can be made comfortably warm
during
cold months.
--Will it be able to supply enough heat for you in the winter, to all
rooms
used for living?
-- Is there insulation?
-- Are there storm windows?
-- Is there weatherstripping around the windows and doors?
-- Will the unit be cool enough for you in the summer?
The building must provide an alternate means of exit in care of fire
(such
as fire stairs or exit through windows, with the use of a ladder if
windows
are above the second floor).
Make sure the elevators are safe and work properly.
An entrance from the outside or from a public hall, so that it is not
necessary
to go through anyone else's private apanment to get into the unit.
No dangerous places, spaces, or things in the neighborhood such
as:
No large piles of trash and garbage inside or outside the unit, or in
common
areas such as hallways. There must be a space to store garbage (until
pickup)
that is covered tightly so that rats and other animals cannot get into
it.
Trash should be picked up regularly.
Lights that work in all common interior stairs.
Interior stairs with railings, and common hallways that are safe and in
good
condition
No serious air pollution, such as exhaust fumes or sewer gas.
No sign of rats or large numbers of mice or vermin (like roaches).
Manufactured homes must be place on the site in a stable manner and be
free
from hazards such as sliding or wind damage.
At least one smoke detector in every manufactured home.
--Is it suitable for your family?
--Are there stores nearby?
--Are there schools nearby?
--Are there hospitals nearby?
--Is there transportation nearby?