A straightforward breakdown of roles, processes, and tips for landlords participating in Houston's Section 8 program.
January 30, 2026 — If you're a landlord renting to Section 8 tenants in Houston, understanding Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections is key to avoiding delays, abatements, and headaches. While HUD sets the standards, local housing authorities handle the execution. Here's a practical guide to who does what, based on our experience managing Section 8 rentals across Houston.
The local Public Housing Authority (PHA) is responsible for scheduling and performing the initial HQS inspection before a voucher holder can move in. In Houston:
The PHA inspector checks for compliance with HUD's 13 key areas, focusing on safety and habitability (e.g., working smoke detectors, no leaks, secure windows/doors).
Landlord role: Prepare the unit, be present if possible, and provide access. You don't conduct the inspection yourself.
Annual (or biennial for some programs) re-inspections are also managed by the PHA. They schedule these around the lease anniversary and notify both landlord and tenant in advance.
Tenant role: Tenants must allow access and may be responsible for certain fails (e.g., tenant-caused damage), but the PHA communicates primarily with the landlord.
Landlords are ultimately responsible for ensuring the unit passes. Common fixes include:
If a fail is due to tenant damage, you can charge the tenant—but the PHA expects the landlord to complete repairs and pass re-inspection before rent payments resume.
Pro tip: Do a self-inspection using HUD's HQS checklist before the official one. Focus on life-safety items to avoid re-inspections.
HUD is phasing in NSPIRE standards, which emphasize health/safety over cosmetics. Houston PHAs are adopting this, meaning fewer fails for minor issues but stricter enforcement on hazards.
Who handles it? Still the PHA, but expect updated checklists and possibly more digital reporting.
The local PHA (e.g., HHA or Harris County) schedules and performs inspections using their staff or contracted inspectors.
PHAs don't typically charge for the first re-inspection, but repeated fails or no-shows may incur fees. Landlords cover repair costs.
You can hold the tenant accountable via the lease, but the PHA requires the landlord to fix it and pass re-inspection to avoid rent abatement.
Yes—managers like Pro Plus Realtors can prep the unit, attend inspections, coordinate repairs, and communicate with the PHA.
We handle prep, coordination, repairs, and PHA communication to keep your rentals compliant and cash-flowing.