What does UPCS stand for?
UPCS is an acronym for Uniform Physical Condition Standards. UPCS is a series of defect definitions that address the condition of a property’s site, each building’s exterior, each building’s system, all of the units, and all common areas. The UPCS is also the same defect definitions that are used in the HUD REAC PASS inspection. The 2.3 version has been in effect since March of 2000. The Inspection Group’s inspectors have been extensively trained and tested and are very fluent in the REAC protocols & UPCS definitions.

What does ‘Annual Inspection’ mean?
On January 11th, 2000, HUD issued a final rule requiring conversion from Housing Quality Standards (HQS) to UPCS during regular annual inspections of all public units. That means while the annual inspections are still required, they are now to be performed to the UPCS. In addition, the Executive Director must certify that the inspections were performed to the UPCS requirements. The Inspection Group’s inspections will provide all of the documentation needed to meet this requirement

What will we receive if The Inspection Group performs our annual inspections?
Together, The Inspection Group works with our clients to create a realistic inspection schedule, complete with a tenant notification program. We will inspect all areas in accordance to the UPCS. All of The Inspection Group’s clients receive at least four reports per property: The Certified Report, which documents all areas inspected (used for official documentation); The List of Deficiencies Report, which lists only the defects and their levels (which is great for work orders); The Score Report to give a REAC score as if a REAC inspection was performed (which is great for showing the relative impact each defect can have on scores); and Notification of Exigent and Fire Safety Hazards Observed, the same document provided during REAC inspections if any of the qualifying conditions are observed.

What kind of software does The Inspection Group use?
The Inspection Group uses our own proprietary software that we call: TIG (This Is Great!). We’ve compiled the experiences from over 4,500 REAC inspections to create the best software available. It is a simple program that anyone familiar with UPCS can use on hand-held computers. TIG can export the inspection data into at least 15 different data programs and numerous operating system platforms for our client’s needs such as work orders or CNAs, among others.

What will our staff learn from The Inspection Group?
The Inspection Group suggests site managers, maintenance, and other staff personnel accompany our inspectors. We can show how UPCS specifically applies to their properties. We put our REAC and UPCS inspection experience to work by offering simple solutions for numerous high-point defects. To learn more specifics about the UPCS definitions, we strongly encourage attendance to one of our UPCS Training Classes*.

How will The Inspection Group help our PHAS/REAC PASS scores?
That’s the beauty of what we offer – The Inspection Group’s inspectors are trained & tested on the REAC UPCS protocols. Our inspectors have been performing REAC inspections since the program began, over five years ago! We have inspected thousands of units throughout the country! In short, we teach our clients the UPCS Protocol, show various ways to implement it, and provide important tips to improve REAC PASS scores!

Would The Inspection Group actually inspect all of our units?
Certainly! Through our extensive inspection experience, we have been able to create a formula to determine how much time we would need to inspect various styles of properties. It doesn’t matter whether they are of high rises, town homes, scattered sites, or any kind of combination – we can do them all!

When is the best time to have The Inspection Group perform annual inspections?
The best situation would be to allow The Inspection Group to come in anywhere between 30 and 60 days prior to upcoming REAC inspections. That provides our clients plenty of time to get suggested and identified repairs made prior to the REAC Inspection.

Does The Inspection Group inspect non-public housing units?
Absolutely! For consistency reasons, we suggest one standard of inspection be used throughout an organization. The REAC UPCS has become the accepted standard of multifamily properties and IRS tax credit throughout the country. HUD will require its use in non-public housing units in the very near future.

What is The Inspection Group’s *UPCS Training Class?

The Inspection Group’s UPCS Training Class is an intense two-day class that reviews specifically the UPCS. Our instructors will teach the standards in a friendly, fun, yet informative manner. And best of all – we know what we’re talking about! We will use actual defect pictures and experiences to help students understand UPCS. They will be able to return to their organization and implement the standards immediately.

*Call our toll-free number and ask for our UPCS Training Class brochure for more details!
HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ?… GIVE US A CALL…toll free (866) PASS-REAC (727-7732)