Martin Lara Reyes, an occupancy specialist with the Scottsdale Housing Agency, told the agency's governing board about the scope and procedures of Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) inspections and the enforcement steps when units fail inspection.

Lara Reyes said the HCV inspector’s primary purpose “is to ensure that all housing units meet HUD's INSPIRE standard,” the Department of Housing and Urban Development protocol used nationally for physical inspections. He said his office inspects units before move-in and annually thereafter to confirm they remain safe and habitable.

The inspector described his caseload and follow-up work: “On average, I do over 600 inspections a year, approximately 40 annual inspections a month, and initials average about 15 a month,” he said. He also conducts special inspections triggered by complaints and provides education to landlords and tenants about INSPIRE requirements.

Agency staff provided last year’s compliance numbers in response to a commissioner question. Staff said Martin conducted inspections last year and 161 of those failed, roughly 28 percent of the inspections for that period. Staff said the high failure rate followed implementation of the INSPIRE protocol and a return from biannual to annual inspections; they added they do not expect the same failure rate going forward now that the new protocol and inspection cadence are established.

Commissioners asked about enforcement when a unit is found uninhabitable. Agency staff described the reinspection timeline and options: minor items may be corrected and verified by photo or video; emergencies can trigger a 24‑hour reinspection. If a unit fails and is not brought into compliance within required timeframes, the agency places the unit into abatement and withholds Housing Assistance Payments. If the landlord still does not correct the deficiencies, staff said the agency will terminate the HAP contract and the tenant must relocate to a suitable unit.

The inspector and staff also described operational supports: mobile inspection tools and tablets to streamline reporting, continuing training for inspectors, and backup coverage so inspections are completed if the inspector is sick or on leave.

Board members praised the inspector’s outreach work; Lara Reyes said he attends landlord-connection events and aims to build stronger relationships with owners while supporting tenant safety and dignity in housing.