Fillable checklist

Rental Inspection Checklist: Periodic Unit Walk (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable periodic rental unit walk for habitability, smoke and CO, locks, leaks, and pests. Print blank or save a filled PDF and CSV.

Rentals Fillable form · 9 sections · 54 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against 24 CFR 5.703, HUD NSPIRE, and WA RCW 59.18 · Last verified Sep 16, 2026

Snugage fillable checklist

Fill this on screen, then download a PDF or CSV. Download a blank copy to complete by hand. Answers stay in this tab only. The next visitor sees a blank form. This is a periodic landlord and tenant walk of an occupied rental: habitability, smoke and CO, locks, leaks, pests, and common-area access if the building has one. It is not a move-in or move-out condition inventory. Mark N/A on items the unit or building does not have.

  • 9 sections
  • 54 checks
  • Blank for each visitor

Form details

Property and walk

This is a practical template, not legal advice and not an official state or HUD inspection form. HUD NSPIRE and 24 CFR 5.703 apply to HUD housing. Private rentals follow the lease and state landlord-tenant law. Do not score a private rental with HUD-only pass or fail numbers. Washington RCW 59.18 is one state's habitability and entry rules, not federal law.

14 fields
Property and walk

On HUD Housing Choice Voucher, 24 CFR 982.405 requires a periodic inspection at least biennially during assisted occupancy (every three years for a small rural PHA), plus interim inspections after a reported deficiency. Private rentals have no federal walk schedule.

Washington RCW 59.18.150 generally requires at least two days written notice before a landlord enters, except emergency or abandonment. Notice must state the date and a time window. Other states set different notice periods. This field records what was used. It is not a warrant.

Example: kitchen, bath, two bedrooms, living, shared stair. Write N/A for a house with no shared halls.

Photos support written notes. They do not replace a Defect mark or a findings list. On HUD HCV, 24 CFR 982.405(i) lets a PHA accept photos to verify a repair. Private rentals follow the lease.

Inspection station

Smoke, CO, locks, and egress

Test alarms on this walk. Mark Defect if an alarm is missing, dead, or does not sound. Mark N/A only if the line cannot apply, such as no fire-labeled door.

8 items
Smoke, CO, locks, and egress

Smoke alarms present and they sound when tested

CPSC: every level, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. Test monthly. HUD housing also follows 24 CFR 5.703(d)(3), including within 21 feet of a bedroom door measured along the path of travel. Do not treat that 21-foot rule as a private-rental fail unless this is HUD housing.

Smoke alarms present and they sound when tested: OK, Defect, or N/A

Carbon monoxide alarms present and they sound when tested

CPSC: each level and outside sleeping areas. Do not install in an attic or basement unless it is a sleeping area. HUD housing must meet HUD CO standards at 24 CFR 5.703(d)(6). State building codes decide when a private rental must have CO alarms.

Carbon monoxide alarms present and they sound when tested: OK, Defect, or N/A

Alarm batteries or hard-wire power in working condition

CPSC: replace batteries at least yearly unless the alarm has a sealed 10-year battery. Follow the manufacturer for replacement age. Washington RCW 59.18.060(12) requires a written smoke-device notice to the tenant in that state.

Alarm batteries or hard-wire power in working condition: OK, Defect, or N/A

Entry locks, deadbolt, and keys work

Door closes and latches. Deadbolt throws. Tenant has working keys. Washington RCW 59.18.060(6) requires reasonably adequate locks and keys during the tenancy. Other states differ. NSPIRE has a Door-Entry standard for HUD housing.

Entry locks, deadbolt, and keys work: OK, Defect, or N/A

Primary exit and path out of the unit are not blocked

Unit entry door opens. Hall or stair used to leave is clear. HUD NSPIRE lists an Egress standard. For HCV, 24 CFR 5.703(a)(2) also looks at the primary and secondary means of egress from the unit door to the public way.

Primary exit and path out of the unit are not blocked: OK, Defect, or N/A

Fire-labeled door, if present, closes and latches

HUD NSPIRE includes a Door-Fire Labeled standard. Mark N/A if this unit or building has no fire-labeled door.

Fire-labeled door, if present, closes and latches: OK, Defect, or N/A

No unvented gas, oil, or kerosene space heater in use

24 CFR 5.703(d)(9) bans unvented fuel space heaters in HUD housing. For a private rental, record what you see. A portable electric heater is not the same as a fuel space heater.

No unvented gas, oil, or kerosene space heater in use: OK, Defect, or N/A

Hearing-impaired smoke alarm if a hearing-impaired person occupies the unit

24 CFR 5.703(d)(3)(ii) requires an alarm designed for hearing-impaired persons in HUD housing when a hearing-impaired person occupies the unit. Mark N/A if that does not apply. Do not invent a private-rental fail from this HUD line.

Hearing-impaired smoke alarm if a hearing-impaired person occupies the unit: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Kitchen habitability

This station is function, not finish grade. Mark Defect for a missing required appliance, no hot or cold water, or an active leak. Cosmetic wear belongs in Notes only if it blocks use.

8 items
Kitchen habitability

Hot and cold running water at the kitchen sink

24 CFR 5.703(d)(1) requires hot and cold running water and safe drinking water in the kitchen of HUD housing. Washington RCW 59.18.060(11) requires facilities adequate to supply heat, water, and hot water. Other states differ.

Hot and cold running water at the kitchen sink: OK, Defect, or N/A

Kitchen sink holds water and the drain flows

HUD NSPIRE has Sink and Drain standards. Look for an active leak, a clog, or a missing trap. Washington RCW 59.18.060(8) requires plumbing supplied by the landlord to be in reasonably good working order.

Kitchen sink holds water and the drain flows: OK, Defect, or N/A

Cooking appliance present and operable

24 CFR 5.703(d)(4) requires a kitchen area with a cooking appliance in HUD housing. HUD NSPIRE has a Cooking Appliance standard. Mark N/A only if the lease does not include a range and the tenant supplies it, and say so in Notes.

Cooking appliance present and operable: OK, Defect, or N/A

Refrigerator present and cold

24 CFR 5.703(d)(4) requires a refrigerator in HUD housing. HUD NSPIRE has a Refrigerator standard. Same N/A rule as the cooking appliance if the tenant owns the fridge.

Refrigerator present and cold: OK, Defect, or N/A

Food preparation area and food storage present

24 CFR 5.703(d)(4) lists a food preparation area and a food storage area as unit requirements in HUD housing. HUD NSPIRE has Food Preparation Area and Cabinet and Storage standards.

Food preparation area and food storage present: OK, Defect, or N/A

Permanently mounted light in the kitchen works

24 CFR 5.703(d)(11) requires a permanently mounted light fixture in the kitchen of HUD housing. HUD NSPIRE has a Lighting-Interior standard. A plug-in lamp is not a substitute on a HUD walk.

Permanently mounted light in the kitchen works: OK, Defect, or N/A

Outlet within reach of the kitchen water source is GFCI protected

24 CFR 5.703(d)(8) requires GFCI protection for outlets within 6 feet of a water source in HUD housing. HUD NSPIRE has an Electrical-GFCI standard. Do not fail a private rental on the 6-foot number unless a local code or this being HUD housing requires it.

Outlet within reach of the kitchen water source is GFCI protected: OK, Defect, or N/A

No active water leak at supply, sink, or dishwasher

HUD NSPIRE Leak-Water covers plumbing leaks. Washington RCW 59.18.060(8) covers plumbing in working order. Note stains versus an active drip.

No active water leak at supply, sink, or dishwasher: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Bath habitability

Walk every bath in the unit. If two baths differ, name the bath in Notes. Mark N/A on a tub line only if the unit's sanitary facility is a shower with no tub and the shower works.

8 items
Bath habitability

Interior flushable toilet works and is usable in privacy

24 CFR 5.703(d)(2) requires a bathroom in proper operating condition, usable in privacy, with a sink, a bathtub or shower, and an interior flushable toilet. HUD NSPIRE has a Toilet standard.

Interior flushable toilet works and is usable in privacy: OK, Defect, or N/A

Bathroom sink has hot and cold water and drains

24 CFR 5.703(d)(1) and (d)(2). Look for an active leak, no water, or a clog. Same landlord plumbing duty as the kitchen under Washington RCW 59.18.060(8).

Bathroom sink has hot and cold water and drains: OK, Defect, or N/A

Bathtub or shower can be used

24 CFR 5.703(d)(2) and HUD NSPIRE Bathtub and Shower. Privacy matters: a missing door or curtain that leaves the bath open to a hall is a Defect on a HUD walk.

Bathtub or shower can be used: OK, Defect, or N/A

Bath door or enclosure provides privacy

24 CFR 5.703(d)(2) says the sanitary facility must be usable in privacy. A latch that does not catch belongs in Notes.

Bath door or enclosure provides privacy: OK, Defect, or N/A

Permanently mounted light in each bathroom works

24 CFR 5.703(d)(11) and (b)(5) for inside common baths. HUD NSPIRE Lighting-Interior. Mark N/A only if you did not walk a second bath and said so in the header.

Permanently mounted light in each bathroom works: OK, Defect, or N/A

Bath exhaust fan or an openable window works

HUD NSPIRE Mold-Like Substance and Ventilation standards look at bathroom ventilation or dehumidification. Washington RCW 59.18.060(14) requires mold-hazard information for tenants in that state, not a specific fan model.

Bath exhaust fan or an openable window works: OK, Defect, or N/A

Outlet near the bath water source is GFCI protected

Same HUD 6-foot GFCI rule as the kitchen (24 CFR 5.703(d)(8)). Scope that distance as HUD housing or local code. If there is no outlet in the bath, mark N/A.

Outlet near the bath water source is GFCI protected: OK, Defect, or N/A

No active leak at toilet, tub, shower valve, or supply

HUD NSPIRE Leak-Water and Leak-Sewage. A running toilet, a wet floor, or a stain that is still wet is Defect. An old dry stain can stay in Notes if there is no active leak.

No active leak at toilet, tub, shower valve, or supply: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Living and sleeping rooms

Cover the living room and each bedroom. This is habitability and weathertightness, not a Good or Fair finish grade. Mark a whole line N/A only if the unit has no bedrooms (studio) and the line is bedroom-only.

8 items
Living and sleeping rooms

Living room is present and can be used

24 CFR 5.703(d)(4) requires a living room and a kitchen area in HUD housing. A room used only for storage with no path to occupy it is a Defect on that HUD walk.

Living room is present and can be used: OK, Defect, or N/A

Permanently installed heat works in habitable rooms

Washington RCW 59.18.060(11) requires facilities adequate to supply heat. 24 CFR 5.703(d)(9) requires a permanently installed heating source in climate zones HUD designates, and bans unvented fuel space heaters. Do not invent a minimum indoor temperature unless your local code states one.

Permanently installed heat works in habitable rooms: OK, Defect, or N/A

Windows open, close, lock, and keep weather out

HUD NSPIRE has a Window standard. Washington RCW 59.18.060(9) requires the dwelling to be reasonably weathertight. Broken glass, a window that will not lock, or daylight at the sash is Defect.

Windows open, close, lock, and keep weather out: OK, Defect, or N/A

Habitable rooms have working outlets or a working outlet and a permanent light

24 CFR 5.703(d)(7) requires two working outlets, or one working outlet and a permanent light, within all habitable rooms of HUD housing. HUD NSPIRE Minimum Electrical and Lighting matches that. Do not fail a private rental on the two-outlet count unless this is HUD housing or local code requires it.

Habitable rooms have working outlets or a working outlet and a permanent light: OK, Defect, or N/A

Ceilings and walls: no active moisture, holes, or unstable surface

HUD NSPIRE Ceiling, Wall-Interior, and Mold-Like Substance standards. Washington RCW 59.18.060(2) requires floors, walls, and other structural components in reasonably good repair. Note stains, soft spots, and holes.

Ceilings and walls: no active moisture, holes, or unstable surface: OK, Defect, or N/A

Floors are usable and free of obvious trip hazards

HUD NSPIRE Floor and Trip Hazard standards. Washington RCW 59.18.060(2) covers floors. A missing transition, a hole, or a loose board that can catch a foot is Defect. Ordinary carpet wear is Notes.

Floors are usable and free of obvious trip hazards: OK, Defect, or N/A

Interior stairs, handrail, and guard, if present, are secure

HUD NSPIRE has Steps and Stairs, Handrail, and Guardrail standards. 24 CFR 5.703 requires a guardrail on an elevated walking surface with a drop of 30 inches or more in HUD housing. Do not apply that 30-inch number as a private-rental fail unless this is HUD housing or local code uses it. Mark N/A if the unit has no interior stairs.

Interior stairs, handrail, and guard, if present, are secure: OK, Defect, or N/A

Visible structure: no collapsed ceiling, missing floor, or unsafe opening

24 CFR 5.703(e) lists structural soundness among health and safety concerns. HUD NSPIRE has Structural System and Ceiling standards. Washington RCW 59.18.060(2) covers roofs, floors, walls, chimneys, fireplaces, and foundations. This walk is visual only.

Visible structure: no collapsed ceiling, missing floor, or unsafe opening: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Water, heat, and electrical systems

Look for active leaks, a dead heat source, exposed conductors, and a gas smell. Do not open a panel cover that is screwed shut. Mark N/A on gas or dryer lines the unit does not have.

8 items
Water, heat, and electrical systems

Heating system supplied with the unit operates

Washington RCW 59.18.060(8) and (11): heating facilities in reasonably good working order and adequate to supply heat. HUD NSPIRE has an HVAC standard. If cooling is supplied, note whether it runs. Do not invent a seasonal Pass or Fail temperature.

Heating system supplied with the unit operates: OK, Defect, or N/A

Water heater is installed and shows no leak or scorch

HUD NSPIRE has a Water Heater standard. Washington RCW 59.18.060(11) covers hot water. Look for a wet base, a disconnected flue on a fuel heater, or a T&P discharge that soaks the floor. Mark N/A if the heater is in a locked common room you could not enter.

Water heater is installed and shows no leak or scorch: OK, Defect, or N/A

No active plumbing leak on supply or drain lines you can see

HUD NSPIRE Leak-Water. Include under-sink, in-unit washer, and visible ceiling drips. Environmental water intrusion (roof or wall) can be recorded here or on moisture in Rooms.

No active plumbing leak on supply or drain lines you can see: OK, Defect, or N/A

No sewage leak or blocked sewage in the unit

HUD NSPIRE Leak-Sewage. A backup, a wet soil stack, or a missing cleanout cap that is leaking is Defect. A dry, capped cleanout in a closet can be OK.

No sewage leak or blocked sewage in the unit: OK, Defect, or N/A

No gas or oil leak you can smell or see

HUD NSPIRE Leak-Gas or Oil. If you smell gas, leave and treat it as urgent. This line is visual and smell only. Mark N/A on an all-electric unit with no oil tank.

No gas or oil leak you can smell or see: OK, Defect, or N/A

Outlets, switches, and visible conductors: covers on, no exposed wire

HUD NSPIRE Electrical-Conductor, Outlet, and Switch, and Electrical-Service Panel. 24 CFR 5.703(e) lists electrical hazards. Do not remove a dead-front. A broken face, a missing cover, or a hanging fixture is Defect.

Outlets, switches, and visible conductors: covers on, no exposed wire: OK, Defect, or N/A

Clothes dryer exhaust, if a dryer is present, is connected and not crushed

HUD NSPIRE Clothes Dryer Exhaust Ventilation. CPSC: do not run a dryer without a lint filter, and keep the exhaust pipe clear. Mark N/A if the unit has no dryer.

Clothes dryer exhaust, if a dryer is present, is connected and not crushed: OK, Defect, or N/A

Other landlord-supplied appliances in the unit operate

Washington RCW 59.18.060(8) requires electrical, plumbing, heating, and other facilities and appliances supplied by the landlord to be in reasonably good working order. Name the appliance in Notes. Mark N/A if none besides kitchen and heat.

Other landlord-supplied appliances in the unit operate: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Pests, mold, and refuse

Record evidence you can see: droppings, live insects, chewed food, or mold-like growth. Do not invent a count-based fail from HUD infestation severity tables unless this walk is a HUD NSPIRE inspection.

6 items
Pests, mold, and refuse

No evidence of cockroaches

HUD NSPIRE Infestation standard lists cockroaches. Washington RCW 59.18.060(4) requires a reasonable pest-control program at the start of tenancy and, except in a single-family residence, control during tenancy unless the tenant caused the infestation.

No evidence of cockroaches: OK, Defect, or N/A

No evidence of mice or rats

HUD NSPIRE Infestation lists mice and rats. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and gaps at pipes. Same Washington pest-control duty as the cockroach line.

No evidence of mice or rats: OK, Defect, or N/A

No evidence of bedbugs

HUD NSPIRE Infestation lists bedbugs. Look at mattress seams and baseboards only with tenant consent. Do not tear furnishings. Mark N/A if the tenant declined that look and say so in Notes.

No evidence of bedbugs: OK, Defect, or N/A

No evidence of other pests (ants, fleas, or similar)

HUD NSPIRE Infestation includes other pests. Name the pest in Notes. Ordinary outdoor ants at a slab edge can be Notes if they are not in food areas.

No evidence of other pests (ants, fleas, or similar): OK, Defect, or N/A

No mold-like substance on walls, ceilings, or baths

HUD NSPIRE Mold-Like Substance. Washington RCW 59.18.060(14) requires the landlord to give tenants Department of Health mold information in that state. This line is what you see, not a lab result.

No mold-like substance on walls, ceilings, or baths: OK, Defect, or N/A

Refuse path is usable: in-unit cans or common receptacles as the building provides

Washington RCW 59.18.060(10) requires common-area receptacles and regular removal except in a single-family residence. HUD NSPIRE has Litter and Trash Chute standards. 24 CFR 5.703(e) lists garbage and debris. Mark N/A on a house where the tenant rolls a private cart to the curb.

Refuse path is usable: in-unit cans or common receptacles as the building provides: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Common areas and exterior access

Walk shared halls, stairs, laundry, and the path from the unit door to the street if this is a multi-unit building. Mark the common-area lines N/A on a single-family house, but still walk the exterior weathertight and entry lines.

8 items
Common areas and exterior access

Path from the unit door to the public way is open and usable

For HCV, PBV, and Moderate Rehabilitation, 24 CFR 5.703(a)(2) covers items in the primary and secondary means of egress from the unit door to the public way. HUD NSPIRE Egress. On a private house, this is the walk to the sidewalk or driveway.

Path from the unit door to the public way is open and usable: OK, Defect, or N/A

Shared halls, stairs, and landings are reasonably clean and safe

Washington RCW 59.18.060(3) requires shared or common areas reasonably clean, sanitary, and safe from fire or accident hazards. HUD Inside area includes halls, corridors, and stairs. Mark N/A on a single-family house.

Shared halls, stairs, and landings are reasonably clean and safe: OK, Defect, or N/A

Permanently installed lighting in shared halls or stairs works

HUD NSPIRE Lighting-Interior and Lighting-Exterior. 24 CFR 5.703(b) lists halls and corridors as inside common areas. Mark N/A if there is no shared hall.

Permanently installed lighting in shared halls or stairs works: OK, Defect, or N/A

Smoke alarm on each level of the shared building, if applicable

24 CFR 5.703(b)(1) requires at least one working battery or hard-wired smoke detector on each level of the inside area of HUD housing. Mark N/A on a single-family house with no shared inside area.

Smoke alarm on each level of the shared building, if applicable: OK, Defect, or N/A

Shared laundry, trash room, or mail room used by this unit is accessible

24 CFR 5.703(a)(2) and (b) list laundry rooms, mail rooms, and trash collection among common features related to residential use. HUD NSPIRE inspectable Inside area. Mark N/A if the tenant does not use a shared room.

Shared laundry, trash room, or mail room used by this unit is accessible: OK, Defect, or N/A

Guards or rails on shared stairs or elevated walks, if present, are secure

24 CFR 5.703(b)(4) and (c)(2) require a guardrail on an elevated walking surface with a 30-inch or greater drop in HUD housing. Scope that number as HUD housing. Mark N/A if there is no elevated common walk.

Guards or rails on shared stairs or elevated walks, if present, are secure: OK, Defect, or N/A

Exterior envelope you can see is reasonably weathertight

Washington RCW 59.18.060(9) weathertight duty. HUD Outside area includes walls, roof, doors, and windows. Look for missing siding, an open hole, or a door that will not close to weather. This is not a roof inspection.

Exterior envelope you can see is reasonably weathertight: OK, Defect, or N/A

Walkway or steps used to reach the unit are usable

HUD NSPIRE Sidewalk, Walkway, and Ramp, and Steps and Stairs, apply to Outside. 24 CFR 5.703(c) lists walkways. A broken step on the only path in is Defect. Mark N/A if you did not leave the unit and say so in Notes.

Walkway or steps used to reach the unit are usable: OK, Defect, or N/A

Form details

Findings and sign-off

List every Defect line. HUD HCV repair clocks in 24 CFR 982.405 apply only to assisted units after the PHA confirms a deficiency. Private rentals follow the lease and state law.

10 fields
Findings and sign-off

Leave blank if no repairs were promised. On HUD HCV, 24 CFR 982.405 gives 24 hours for a confirmed life-threatening deficiency and 30 days for other confirmed items (or a PHA-approved extension). Do not copy those clocks onto a private rental.

Optional. Use after repairs. On HUD HCV, 24 CFR 982.405(i) allows photo or other reliable evidence instead of another site visit.

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

Leave blank if only the landlord and tenant signed.

Done with this walkaround?

Download a filled or blank PDF, or a CSV. Answers stay in this tab. The next visitor sees a blank form.

References

  1. National standards for the condition of HUD housing, unit, inside, and outside habitability - 24 CFR 5.703
  2. NSPIRE inspectable standards list (smoke, CO, leaks, infestation, doors, egress, mold) - HUD REAC
  3. NSPIRE inspectable areas: Unit, Inside common areas, and Outside - HUD REAC
  4. PHA periodic and interim unit inspections for Housing Choice Voucher - 24 CFR 982.405
  5. Landlord duty to keep premises fit for human habitation during the tenancy - Washington RCW 59.18.060
  6. Landlord entry for inspection, two days written notice in Washington - RCW 59.18.150
  7. Smoke alarm locations and carbon monoxide alarm locations for homes - CPSC CO Alarms
  8. Test smoke and CO alarms monthly; replace batteries yearly unless sealed 10-year - CPSC News Release 23-143

Printable checklist PDF and image

Blank printable PDF and a preview image of this checklist.

Rental Inspection Checklist: Periodic Unit Walk blank checklist
Blank checklist PDF Download PDF
Rental Inspection Checklist: Periodic Unit Walk blank checklist
Checklist image Download image

These checklists are provided for general reference only. Always verify the steps against local codes, a licensed inspector or a qualified contractor before relying on them, especially for safety-critical work.