Why are HQS inspections required before occupancy and on an ongoing basis?

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HQS inspections focus on safety and quality of housing. Before a tenant moves in, the unit must meet minimum health and safety standards, including a safe structure, functioning heating, hot water, plumbing, and electrical systems, proper ventilation, working smoke detectors, and no life-threatening hazards. Conducting inspections again on an ongoing basis ensures those conditions are maintained over time, catching wear, damage, or new hazards early and ensuring continued program compliance. The other options miss the point: HQS isn’t about landlord profitability, verifying tenant income, or judging exterior appearance alone.