Ensuring safe and unobstructed egress pathways is a critical aspect of HUD’s NSPIRE inspections. Proper egress ensures that residents have a clear escape route in the event of an emergency while also providing access for rescue personnel. Failing to meet HUD’s blocked egress standards can result in significant inspection point deductions, potentially impacting a property’s compliance status and funding eligibility.
This guide will walk you through how to properly inspect egresses for REAC inspections under NSPIRE and highlight common issues to look for, including how HUD now handles resident-owned items blocking egress in bedrooms.
Understanding the Blocked Egress Under NSPIRE
An egress refers to a safe, continuous, and unobstructed path of travel from any point within a building or unit to a public way (a sidewalk, street, or other public exit). Proper egress includes doorways, hallways, stairwells, and windows that serve as emergency escape routes. A blocked egress constitutes a safety hazard for the building.
Key Components of an Egress Inspection
During a REAC inspection, HUD inspectors assess egress conditions throughout the property, focusing on:
- Pathway Clearance: All exit routes must be free of obstructions to allow residents to leave safely.
- Doorway & Window Accessibility: Exit doors and designated escape windows must open properly and fully.
- Signage & Lighting: Exit signs must be clearly visible, and egress pathways should be adequately lit.
- Fire Escapes & Stairwells: These must be structurally sound, accessible, and not blocked by stored items.
- Emergency Exit Doors: Must not be locked from the inside in a way that prevents easy exit.
Step-by-Step Guide to Inspecting Egresses for REAC Compliance
1. Verify Clear Exit Paths
All hallways, corridors, stairwells, and doorways must be free of clutter and provide a clear passageway. Look for furniture, storage boxes, trash bins, or personal belongings that may be blocking exit routes.
2. Check Door and Window Operation
Every designated emergency exit door and window used for rescue and escape must be fully functional. Doors should open without excessive force, and windows should not be sealed shut or blocked by security bars without quick-release mechanisms.
3. Ensure Exit Signs and Lighting Are Working
Exit signs must be clearly visible and illuminated, particularly in hallways, stairwells, and common areas. Emergency lighting should function properly in case of a power outage.
4. Inspect Fire Escapes and Exterior Egress Routes
For buildings requiring fire escapes, ensure they are secure, structurally sound, and not blocked. Exterior stairwells and walkways leading to public ways should be kept clear of debris and hazards.
5. Confirm Compliance with HUD’s Updated Blocked-Egress Standards
NSPIRE made a significant change to Blocked-Egress defects in bedrooms. Under previous inspection protocols, a resident’s personal belongings (such as a dresser, bed, or desk) obstructing an egress opening in a sleeping room could result in a deficiency.
Under NSPIRE:
- Resident-owned items (such as headboards, dressers, or desks) blocking a bedroom egress opening will NOT be cited as a HUD defect.
- This change applies only to rooms used for sleeping and does not affect egress pathways in hallways, common areas, or non-bedroom spaces.
Why You Should Still Enforce Unblocked Egress Openings
Even though HUD no longer cites resident-owned items blocking egress in bedrooms, this does not mean property managers should ignore these hazards. Blocking a rescue window or exit door in any room—especially a bedroom—can pose a serious safety risk in an emergency.
For Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and Property Management Companies, we strongly recommend enforcing a policy requiring residents to keep all emergency escape openings clear. Encouraging residents to maintain unobstructed egress routes could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.
Common Egress Deficiencies Under NSPIRE
1. Blocked Emergency Exits
- Pathways, doors, or windows obstructed by furniture, storage, or debris
- Security bars on windows without a quick-release mechanism
2. Malfunctioning Exit Doors and Windows
- Doors that stick, won’t open, or require excessive force
- Windows painted shut, missing hardware, or otherwise inoperable
3. Missing or Inadequate Lighting
- Burnt-out or missing emergency lighting
- Broken or obscured exit signs
4. Fire Escapes or Stairwells in Poor Condition
- Rust, structural damage, or missing components on fire escapes
- Stairwells cluttered with debris or personal belongings
5. Locked or Inaccessible Emergency Doors
- Doors that require a key or special tool to open from the inside
- Faulty push bars or malfunctioning automatic doors
How The Inspection Group Can Help
Navigating NSPIRE egress inspection requirements can be overwhelming, but The Inspection Group is here to help. Our pre-REAC inspections, compliance training, and consulting services ensure that property owners and managers meet HUD’s standards while keeping residents safe.
📩 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your egress pathways are fully compliant before your next NSPIRE inspection!
By following these best practices and staying proactive with blocked egress inspections, property managers can avoid NSPIRE scoring deductions, maintain safe and accessible pathways, and protect both their tenants and their properties.
