Housing Inspector

Detroit Housing Commission; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

The Detroit Housing Commission is seeking a Housing Inspector to conduct housing quality inspections ensuring HUD HQS and NSPIRE standards for assisted units. The role focuses on safety, decency, and compliance for program participants.

Qualifications include a high school diploma (NSPIRE cert within 3 months) and 2+ years in inspections or related fields; a driver’s license is required and applicants must complete background checks. This is an on-site position based in Detroit.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• NSPIRE certification within three months of employment.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in construction management, building inspection, housing, or related field; combination of education and work experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial, annual, special, and complaint-based inspections for HCV and PBV units in accordance with HUD HQS/NSPIRE standards and local policies.
• Identify health and safety deficiencies and determine corrective actions.
• Document inspection results accurately in the housing software system and verify repairs before reinspections.
• Communicate inspection outcomes clearly to landlords, tenants, and internal staff; coordinate access to units with residents and management agents.
• Support audit, monitoring, and quality control reviews; educate landlords and residents on inspection requirements and standards.

Skills

Inspection procedures

HUD HQS knowledge

NSPIRE standards

Report writing

Data entry

MS 365 (Office)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

NSPIRE certification within 3 months

Associate or bachelor's in construction management/building inspection/housing

Tools

MS Office

HUD software

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Housing Inspector

1 Attachments

23 days ago Requisition ID: 1032

SUMMARY

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Housing Inspector is responsible for conducting housing quality inspections to ensure assisted units meet HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and/or National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), as applicable. This position plays a critical role in ensuring safe, decent, and sanitary housing for program participants while maintaining compliance with HUD regulations.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• NSPIRE inspection certification required within three (3) months of employment.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in construction management, building inspection, housing, or a related field. A combination of education and work experience will be considered.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in housing inspections, property maintenance, construction, code enforcement, or a related field

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Musthaveavalidstatedriver’slicense
• Mustpassfederal,state,andlocalcriminalinvestigationclearances,andpassadrug screening test administered by the Commission or its designated provider
• Must be insurable under the agency’s insurance policy

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of HUD rules and regulations that apply to property management: Fair HousingLaws,MichiganRealEstateLandlord-TenantLaw,OSHAStandards,Local and State Building Codes.
• Knowledgeoforganization’sstructure,policies,andprocedures.
• Knowledgeofstandardofficeprocedures,filing,andstandardofficeequipment, including computer, fax, copier, telephone system.
• Knowledgeoftheprinciplesandpracticesofautomatedinformationsystems,anddata processing
• Knowledge of the operation of commission and HUD computer system and software
• Knowledgeofbasicofficepractices,procedures,andequipment.
• Knowledge of MS 365 Productivity Apps (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, MS Teams, OneDrive)
• Knowledge of HUD regulations and guidelines relating to Housing Quality Standards (HQS)/NSPIRE(orsuccessorprogramsandStateandLocalbuildingandoccupancy laws or regulations
• KnowledgeofHUDHCVprogram regulations,principles,andpractices
• KnowledgeofDHC’sAdministrativePlanandrelatedpoliciesandprocedures
• Knowledgeofprinciplesandpracticesofurbandevelopmentandhousingmanagement
• Knowledgeofprinciplesandpracticesofcommunityprogramsandorganizations
• KnowledgeofBusinessEnglish;punctuation,arithmetic,andspelling
• Knowledgeofmodernofficepracticesandprocedures;departmentalpoliciesand procedures
• Knowledgeofrecordkeepingmethodsandprocedures
• Knowledgeofreportpreparationtechniques

REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Actindependently
• Analyze situations
• Attendtodetails
• Verballycommunicate
• Communicateinwriting
• Concentrate
• Empathize
• Identifyproblems
• Initiate
• Managepressure
• Motivate
• Multi-task
• Organize
• Thinkcreatively
• Interpret HUD Regulations, policies, and technical guidance

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Analyzesituations,reviewavailableactions,anddeterminethebestcourseofaction
• Calculate,compute,summarizeand/ortabulatedataandinformation
• Communicateeffectivelyorallyorinwritingwithrelevantstakeholders,internaland external, from a variety of backgrounds
• Compiledataandpreparereports
• Developandmaintainrecordkeepingsystemsandprocedures
• Exercisetact,discretionanddiplomacy
• Interacteffectivelyinacomplex,dynamicenvironment
• Interactwithpublicandprivateagenciesandresidentstoaccomplishorganizational goals
• Interpretandunderstandcommunityhousingneeds as it pertains to inspections
• Investigateproblemsorissuesandresolveeffectively
• Operatestandardofficeequipment
• Maintainconfidentiality
• Managemultipleprioritiesanddemandswithinestablishedrequirements
• Masterposition-specificsoftware
• Plan,organize,completeorassignworkandspecialprojectsinordertomeet organizational goals
• Preparewrittendocuments/reportswithpropersentencestructure,grammarandoverall completeness
• Providehighlevel,qualitycustomerservicebothinternallyandexternally
• Provideinformationandfeedbackinacourteous,diplomaticmanner
• Readandunderstanddepartmentspecificdocumentation,andpoliciesandprocedures
• Researchissuesusinga varietyof sourcestoobtaindataand information
• Respondeffectivelytosensitiveinquiriesorcomplaints
• Reviewandeditdocumentsforaccuracyand completeness
• Troubleshootproblemsandapplypreventativeorcorrectivemeasures
• Understand and apply local, state and federal rules and regulations related to subsidized housing and housing quality standards

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

[Thefundamentaljobdutiestheindividualmustbeabletoperform,withorwithout accommodation; removal of these functions would fundamentally change the job]

Inspections & Compliance

• Conduct initial, annual, special, and complaint-based inspections for HCV and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units
• Perform inspections in accordance with HUD HQS and/or NSPIRE standards and local PHA policies
• Identify health and safety deficiencies and determine required corrective actions
• Document inspection results accurately and timely in the PHA’s housing software system
• Verify completion of repairs and reinspect units as required

Regulatory & Documentation Responsibilities

• Ensure inspection activities comply with HUD regulations, PIH Notices, and PHA Administrative Plan
• Maintain detailed inspection records, photographs, and reports
• Communicate inspection outcomes clearly to landlords, tenants, and internal staff
• Support audit, monitoring, and quality control reviews related to inspections
• Educate landlords and residents on inspection requirements and standards
• Respond professionally to resident’s and owner inquiries related to inspection findings
• Coordinate access to units with residents, property owners, and management agents
• De‑scalate tense situations and enforce standards consistently and respectfully

Program Support

• Collaborate with Housing Specialists, supervisors, and management to resolve inspection-related issues.
• Assist with landlord outreach and retention efforts by providing clear guidance on compliance expectations.
• Participate in training related to HUD inspection standards and regulatory updates.
• Criticalthinkingandproblem-solvingability.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS

[Thesearejobdutiestheindividualmustbeabletoperform,withorwithoutaccommodation; removal of these functions would NOT fundamentally change the job]

• All other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND DEMANDS

• Lifting
• Carrying
• Pushing
• Pulling
• Standing
• Walking
• Reaching
• Kneeling
• Crouching

EQUIPMENT

• Computer/Laptop
• Scanners
• Monitors
• CommunicationSystems
• Projectors
• HandTools

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work inhot,cold,wetsurroundings
• Workwithornearchemicals
• Confinedworkspaces
• Exposedtoelectricalhazards
• Exposedtomechanicalhazards
• Potentialexposure–communicabledisease
• Exposedtochemicals/fumes
• Exposedtocontinual,multipledistractions
• Ability to position oneself to work under or on top of objects

SOFTWARE

• Communicationsystems
• SpreadsheetSoftware
• WordProcessingSoftware
• CustomerRelationshipManagementSoftware
• Contract Management Software
• Payroll/Human Resources Software

Disclaimer
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor or manager to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. All principle duties and responsibilities of this position are essential functions of the position. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and may be revised at any time. Revisions will be communicated to employees within the classification. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment; therefore, the company may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.

EOE

The Detroit Housing Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No personnel decisions concerning any term or condition of employment shall be unlawfully based upon an individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth), national origin, age, marital status, weight, height, disability, genetic information including family medical history, military service, or misdemeanor arrest record. Additionally, DHC shall not engage in discriminatory compensation decisions or practices.

MARIJUANA

Although marijuana has been legalized under Michigan law, it is a Schedule I controlled substance and is illegal under federal law. As a federally funded agency DHC’s employees are NOT permitted to use or possess any form of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes. Any applicant for employment who tests positive for marijuana during a pre-employment drug screening shall be ineligible for employment with DHC. Any applicant for employment who advises DHC that s/he uses any form of marijuana will be ineligible for employment with DHC. DHC is unable to grant a request for a reasonable accommodation to use marijuana under any circumstance.

Attachments (1)

20262301_JobDescription_RentalAssistance_HousingChoiceVoucherInspector.docx