24 C.F.R. § 35.1215
§ 35.1215 Activities at initial and periodic inspection. (24 CFR Part 35)
Operative Text
(a) (1) During the initial and periodic inspections, an inspector acting on behalf of the designated party and trained in visual assessment for deteriorated paint surfaces in accordance with procedures established by HUD shall conduct a visual assessment of all painted surfaces in order to identify any deteriorated paint. (2) For tenant-based rental assistance provided under the HOME program, visual assessment shall be conducted as part of the initial and periodic inspections required under § 92.209(i) of this title. (b) The owner shall stabilize each deteriorated paint surface in accordance with § 35.1330(a) and (b) before commencement of assisted occupancy. If assisted occupancy has commenced prior to a periodic inspection, such paint stabilization must be completed within 30 days of notification of the owner of the results of the visual assessment. Paint stabilization is considered complete when clearance is achieved in accordance with § 35.1340. If the owner does not complete the hazard reduction required by this section, the dwelling unit is in violation of Housing Quality Standards (HQS) until the hazard reduction is completed or the unit is no longer covered by this subpart because the unit is no longer under a housing assistance payment (HAP) contract with the housing agency. For the unit subsequently to come under a HAP contract with the housing agency for occupancy by a family with a child under age 6, paint stabilization must be completed, including clearance being achieved in accordance with § 35.1340. (c) The owner shall provide a notice to occupants in accordance with § 35.125(b)(1) and (c) describing the results of the clearance examination. (d) The designated party may grant the owner an extension of time to complete paint stabilization and clearance for reasonable cause, but such an extension shall not extend beyond 90 days after the date of notification to the owner of the results of the visual assessment.
Under 24 CFR Part 35 § 35.1215, federally assisted housing units must undergo visual assessments of all painted surfaces during initial and periodic inspections, conducted by a HUD-trained inspector. If deteriorated paint is found, the property owner is required to stabilize those surfaces before assisted occupancy begins, or within 30 days of notification if occupancy has already started. Clearance must be achieved to confirm the work is complete, and owners must notify occupants of the clearance results. Extensions of up to 90 days may be granted for reasonable cause, but failure to complete the required work puts the unit in violation of Housing Quality Standards.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 35.1215, compliant operators ensure that a HUD-trained inspector conducts visual assessments at both initial and periodic inspections and that any identified deteriorated paint surfaces are stabilized and cleared before or promptly after assisted occupancy begins. Owners who receive notification of deteriorated paint generally complete stabilization and achieve clearance within the 30-day window, and provide occupants with written notice of the clearance results as required. When circumstances prevent timely completion, operators may request an extension from the designated party, keeping in mind the 90-day outer limit set by this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 35.1215 gives tenants in federally assisted housing the right to have painted surfaces inspected by a trained inspector and to receive written notice describing the results of any clearance examination. If an owner fails to stabilize deteriorated paint within the required timeframe, the unit is considered in violation of Housing Quality Standards, which tenants may raise with the relevant housing agency. Tenants who believe this provision has not been followed can contact their local public housing authority, a HUD field office, or a tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 4, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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