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Mastering NSPIRE - How to Pass 2026 HUD Inspections With Confidence and Zero Costly Setbacks

January 22, 2026 11:30 AM EST 60 Minutes

Presented By: Keith Warwick

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Description

This powerful session delivers a deep dive into the evolving federal inspection landscape and equips housing professionals with the knowledge needed to achieve seamless HUD Compliance in 2026 and beyond. With the transition from traditional REAC Inspection protocols to the more rigorous NSPIRE Standards, property owners, PHAs, inspectors, and housing professionals must adapt to new requirements designed to enhance safety, health, and livability across all HUD-supported housing.

Since the late 1990s, the Real Estate Assessment Center has conducted HUD Inspection reviews to evaluate the physical conditions and maintenance needs of low-income housing. NSPIRE, HUD’s new consolidated framework, merges HQS and UPCS into one updated program focused on the conditions that directly affect residents’ well-being. The strengthened inspection system increases scrutiny of issues such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, HVAC performance, mold, pest control, electrical safety (including GFCI access), and overall habitability.

Under NSPIRE, deficiencies are categorized as life-threatening, severe, moderate, or low risk—each with strict repair timelines ranging from 24 hours to 60 days. The updated scoring system begins with 100 points, subtracting values for each deficiency found. Properties scoring below 60 fail, and those falling under 30 may trigger HUD Audit actions. These firm requirements emphasize the need for ongoing upkeep rather than reactive fixes.

NSPIRE also expands tenant involvement by allowing residents to request non-routine inspections when they observe safety concerns. This process helps PHAs, HUD Inspectors, and property owners respond more efficiently and maintain stronger Property Compliance. Investors and Section 8 landlords should be prepared for the financial impact of required repairs, vacancy risks, and the importance of routine self-inspections to avoid rental interruptions.

In addition, the session covers key updates to the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA). Initially passed in 2016, HOTMA streamlines income and asset calculations, reduces administrative burdens, and modernizes the Affordable Housing HUD programs. Although originally scheduled for 2024 implementation, the final adoption date has been extended to January 1, 2026. Understanding these adjustments is essential as both NSPIRE and HOTMA reshape compliance expectations and operational workflows.

Areas Covered:-

  • How NSPIRE elevates health and safety benchmarks for residents
  • Newly added inspection elements and their enforcement
  • Who is financially responsible for post-inspection repairs
  • How tenants participate in unit evaluations
  • The changing expectations for HUD Inspectors, PHAs, and private owners
  • Why is consistent maintenance critical for passing inspections
  • Scoring rules, repair urgency timelines, and enforcement thresholds
  • HOTMA’s implementation status and major program updates
  • Expert Inspection Prep strategies for avoiding costly failures

Learning Objectives:-

Participants will be able to:

  • Explain how NSPIRE enhances living standards
  • Distinguish between legacy REAC and new NSPIRE protocols
  • Identify required maintenance and repair actions
  • Understand new tenant rights and responsibilities
  • Navigate the NSPIRE scoring and ranking systems
  • Prepare properties for successful annual inspections.

Why Should You Attend?

This training prepares attendees to navigate the expanded regulatory environment, understand inspection expectations, and ensure year-round readiness rather than last-minute reaction. You’ll gain clarity on the evolving responsibilities of PHAs, owners, inspectors, and tenants—and the real-world implications these changes will bring to properties nationwide.

Who Should Attend?

Ideal for professionals responsible for the safety, compliance, and operational performance of HUD-regulated housing, including:

  • Architects 
  • Building Inspectors 
  • Engineers 
  • Firefighters 
  • Health Departments 
  • Maintenance Staff 
  • PHAs 
  • Real Estate Investors 
  • Lenders 
  • Social Service Agencies 
  • Hazardous Waste Managers 
  • General Contractors 
  • Brokers 
  • Tenants Rights Attorneys 
  • OSHA Offices 
  • Municipal Agencies

Keith Warwick

Know Your Presenter

EDUCATION: - Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, University of California at Davis LICENSES: • California: Professional Civil Engineer • Illinois: Professional Engineer • New York: Professional Engineer ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE: • Owner, WARWICK EDUCATION AND TRAINING (2025–present) o Webinars o Writing • Owner, PATTY & KEITH INC. (2011–2023) o Civil engineering o Real estate due diligence o Site assessments • Civil Engineer, Federal Government (1988–2011) o Structural evaluations o Environmental, safety, and health o Civil engineering INSTRUCTOR EXPERIENCE: • Oakton and Kankakee Colleges: Civil Engineering (2025–present) • LORMAN: Civil Engineering (2019–present) • Edumind/School of P.E.: Exam preparation (2015–present) • University of Washington: Construction Management (2017) • Yuba College: Civil Engineering (2015–2016)