Housing Inspector

Houston Housing Authority•Houston, TX

About The Position

The position is responsible for a wide range of inspection duties in support of the Housing Choice Voucher program operations. The Housing Inspector may perform regular inspections, special inspections, rent reasonableness determinations and market analyses. Reports to the Inspections Manager.

Requirements

Knowledge of HUD NSPIRE, inspection procedures and Houston Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher policies and procedures.
Knowledge of laws, regulations and policies governing Houston Housing Authority’s Voucher programs.
Knowledge of basic real estate principles.
Knowledge of basic housing and building codes required for the program.
Knowledge of the function and scope of fair market rents and the principles and practices of determining and documenting rent reasonableness.
Knowledge of general office practices and procedures, business English and basic mathematics.
Skilled in basic research techniques.
Ability to plan and prioritize duties.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with residents and landlords as well as other employees.
Successful completion of HUD NSPIRE training.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Three (3) years’ experience in positions involving housing or building codes or construction. One (1) year of education experience may be substituted for the experience requirement on a one-to-one basis for up to 2 years.
Certification in Nspire required within first year of employment (training will be at the Houston Housing Authority’s expense).
Bondable.
Valid Texas driver’s license or obtain such within the first thirty (30) days of employment.
Eligibility for coverage under Houston Housing Authority fleet auto insurance.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Construction Management, Engineering or a related field preferred.
Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs and documents initial, annual, and special inspections of units in the Voucher programs for compliance with the HUD NSPIRE certification training.
Performs re-inspections when needed. Advises owners and residents on inspection results and encourages all parties to maintain their units properly.
Confirms that unit is the size noted on the contract and which utilities are provided by the owner and tenant.
Notifies owner and resident in writing of specific NSPIRE violations so deficiencies can be corrected within the time specified by HUD and Houston Housing Authority rules.
Conducts rent reasonableness comparability analyses and recommends amount of contract rent and rent increases based on comparable unassisted housing in the neighborhood.
Investigates and documents owner and resident complaints. Refers information to the Assistant Team Leader.
Determines whether the owner, resident, or both are responsible for units failing NSPIRE, based upon observable evidence, experience and HUD regulations.
When units fail the NSPIRE inspection, recommends abatement of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) or termination of housing assistance, as appropriate.
Practices good customer service skills and professional courtesy in the performance of duties.
Informs Assistant Team Leader of situations resulting in owners’ or residents’ noncompliance with HAP contract, lease or Houston Housing Authority policies.
Performs clerical duties associated with inspections such as typing, computer data entry, copying, preparing correspondence, and maintaining files for all types of inspections.
Assists Housing Specialists in obtaining signatures on leases and contracts.
Submits monthly performance reports as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.