Inspections
COVID-19 Temporary Inspection Procedures Update
Due to the current health crisis the BHA Inspection Dept has made a number of temporary operational changes:
Annual inspections where violations were cited may now be self-certified. You may click here to find a form to complete to confirm cited repairs have been made. In addition to the signed form please include pictures of repaired items and any receipts/supporting documents such as extermination reports, replaced appliances, or work orders, etc. please send the forms and photos to the inspector who was assigned the follow up inspection to the inspector via email (click here for a list of inspector email addresses) or fax to his/her attention at 617-524-9134.
All other annual inspections will be rescheduled. We will send notifications with new inspection dates when we resume normal operations.
New unit (vacant) inspections will continue as normal for first visit with follow up inspections typically self certified . If you prefer to set up a lockbox we will access the unit without any member of your staff (provided they are vacant). For more information on this process, please review the Coronavirus Related Owner Instructions for Initial Inspections.
Thank you for working with us as we weather this storm.
Initial Inspection Process
After you return the completed Request for Tenancy Approval, a Boston Housing Authority (BHA) inspector will visit the apartment to determine whether it is in good condition. The inspection criteria are based on the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code and HUD Housing Quality Standards.
The inspector ensures that the apartment has windows, lights, electrical outlets, is well ventilated, has enough space for the people who will be living there, has two exits and is in safe and sanitary condition. If the apartment does not meet these standards, it will fail inspection.
If a failed inspection is due to needed repairs, the owner has the option to complete the repairs and scheduled another inspections.
If the apartment fails the inspection, it is up to you to look for a new apartment as soon as possible. Remember – after the voucher is received, you are allowed only 120 days to find an approved apartment. A failed inspection will slow down the process. You might want to look for another apartment rather than wait for that apartment to pass inspection. The owner does not have to complete the repairs, if they choose not to participate in the program.
Yearly Inspection Process
In addition to the initial inspection, BHA is required to inspect each Housing Choice Voucher Program apartment every year. BHA will notify the tenant and landlord when the inspection will occur. If the apartment passes inspection, no action is taken. If the apartment fails inspection, the owner and tenant are notified, and the owner is required to make repairs. Once the repairs are made, the apartment will be re-inspected. Some emergency repairs (for example, no heat during cold weather) must be completed within 24 hours, but most repairs are required to be completed within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to many inspections questions here.
Contact Information
General Telephone Number
(617) 522-0048
Fax Number
(617) 524-9134
Inspection Dispatchers
North of Boston – Rita Tan – (617) 988-5308, or email
West of Boston – Sonia Oyola – (617) 988-5313, or email
South of Boston – Janette Myers – (617) 988-5349, or email
Supervisory Staff
Director of Inspections – Joshua Uftring (617) 988-5276, or email
Inspection Manager – Franklin Bostic (617) 988-4576, or email
Inspection Manager - Patricia McKellick (617) 988-5325, or email
Rent Increase Inquiries
Market and Financial Specialist - Daniel Sweeney 617-988-4602 or email