Units carry the most weight in NSPIRE scoring, so unit prep is score prep. This checklist follows what inspectors actually cite most, ordered by damage to your score.
Life-safety first (the score killers)
- Smoke alarms: present in every required location, functional, within service life, correct type per current standards
- CO alarms: present and functional where required
- Egress: every required exit operable; no security bars without quick-release; windows open, stay open, and lock
- Electrical: no exposed conductors, missing cover plates, open breaker slots, or scorched outlets; GFCI protection functional near water
Kitchen
- Range operable, all burners; no gas odor; anti-tip bracket where applicable
- Refrigerator cooling, seals intact
- Sink drains, no active leaks below
- GFCI within required proximity to sink functional
Bathroom
- Toilet secure and functional; sink and tub/shower drain; no active leaks
- Ventilation (window or fan) functional
- GFCI protection functional
Throughout the unit
- Doors: operable, latch, no holes; fire-rated doors self-close where required
- Walls/ceilings: no large holes, water stains indicating active leaks, or peeling paint in pre-1978 properties (lead protocol)
- Floors: no trip hazards, missing sections, or exposed tack strips
- Windows: operable, weather-tight, no broken panes
- Infestation: no evidence — droppings, live pests, or bedbug indicators are scored
- Hot water at fixtures; heating functional and adequate
The 24-hour drill
Any life-threatening finding on your own walk gets corrected within 24 hours with photo documentation — practicing the clock internally is what makes the real one survivable.
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