HUD's Definition of Substandard Housing

HUD defines substandard housing if it:

1. is dilapidated. A housing unit is dilatidated if it:
   • does not provide safe and adequate shelter AND meets the criteria oin either paragraphs 2, 3 or 4
   • endangers the health, safety or well being of a family in its present condition
   • has one or more crtical defects; OR
   • has a combination of intermediate defects in sufficient number or extent to require considerable repair or rebuilding. (The defects may involve original construction, or they may result from continued neglect or lack of repair or rebuilding).
2. does not have operable indoor plumbing;
3. does not have a usable flush toilet, bathtub or shower inside the unit for the exclusive use of a family;
4. does not have electricity or has inadequate or unsafe elctrical service;
5. does not have safe or adequate source of heat;
6. should, but does not, have a kitchen;
7. OR, has been declared unfit for the habitation by an agency or unit of government.

NOTE: "Single room occupancy" housing is NOT substandard solely because it does not contain sanitary or food preparation facilities (or both). "Single room occupancy" is a unit which contains no sanitary facilities or food preparation facilities, or which contains one but not both types of facilities and which contains one but not both types of facilities and which is suitable for occupancy by a single eligible individual capable of independent living. (24CRF 882.102)