Housing Quality Standards (HQS)

There are two kinds of Housing Quality Standards (HQS):

1. Things that a home must have in order to be approved by the HAMC.
2. Additional things that you should think about for the special needs of your family.

The following lists, separated by section, include what a home must have in order to be approved by the HAMC.

Living Room

• Ceiling, Walls, and Floors in good condition
• At least two electrical outlets
• At least one window in good condition with locks
• Fire escape methods
• Minimal peeling or chipping paint

Kitchen

• Ceiling, Floors, and Walls must be in good condition
• Some storage space for food
• At least one electrical outlet and one permanent light fixture
• Stove and refrigerator that works
• A sink with hot and cold running water

Bathroom

• Ceiling, Floors, and Walls must be in good condition
• Window that opens or a working exhaust fan
• A flush toilet that works
• A tub or shower with hot and cold running water
• A sink with hot and cold running water. 

Other Rooms

• Ceiling, Floors, and Walls must be in good condition
• Minimal peeling or chipping paint
• At least two working electrical outlets
• At least one window that is openable with locks

Building Exterior, Plumbing, and Heating

• Roof, Walls, Foundation, and Chimneys in good condition.
• Secure handrails on any extended length of stairs (generally four steps high or more)
• No leaks in plumbing
• Enough heat to warm the unit
• A plumbing system that is connected to a private approved system or public

Health & Safety

• At least one working smoke detector in each level of the house.
• Must provide fire exits
• Lights that work in all areas of the unit
• No sign of rats or large numbers of mice or vermin (like roaches)