Fewer inspections, more risk? What a federal housing cut could mean for you
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A major shift in federal housing oversight is raising red flags among inspectors, advocates, and families nationwide.
A recently canceled government contract, once responsible for ensuring the safety of thousands of homes, has left many wondering what protections remain in place.
The move has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from those working to safeguard vulnerable communities. As concerns grow, the question now is whether cost-cutting has come at the expense of basic safety.
These inspections were not just paperwork—they were legal requirements meant to ensure homes had functioning smoke detectors, safe gas lines, and access to essential utilities.
Without them, many residents could be unknowingly exposed to fire hazards, gas leaks, or dangerously faulty living conditions.
Tom Feehan, a seasoned inspector impacted by the cancellation, didn't mince words: "We're not catching those [problems]. So those are not being repaired, and it's putting people at risk."
But Robin Miller, a contract manager at Project Solutions, says the real cost of the work was far less—and the impact of its loss goes far deeper.
The contract covered inspections for more than 6,200 HUD-assisted properties, including 250 "priority" buildings already flagged for serious safety issues or overdue reevaluations.
With those inspections now on pause, the risks for residents—particularly seniors, low-income families, and the disabled—are rising by the day.
Experts warn that rescheduling and reallocating inspections to other contractors will take time, potentially leaving families in dangerous conditions indefinitely.
One HUD-certified inspector from Illinois shared that a multifamily property—already flagged for significant hazards—missed its scheduled inspection in December and still hasn’t been rebooked.
"We’re helping low-income people and we’re helping senior citizens maintain a safe, livable environment," Feehan added. "And with not getting these inspections done on time, it's hurting them."
With their removal, many fear the system of accountability will erode.
Alia Trindle, co-director of political strategy at Right to the City Alliance, underscores just how vital these inspections are.
"Regular inspections... are critical to ensuring that those who are responsible for this housing stock do the bare minimum to maintain them," she said.
Without them, she warns, tenants may be left to suffer through mold, pests, or even a lack of running water or heat.
While HUD maintains that the contract didn’t meet the department’s goals for "efficiency and effectiveness," many are questioning whether the cancellation was a step too far.
Even inspectors who support budget reviews call for a more responsible approach. One told ABC News: "You have to be responsible about it… get rid of fraud and waste—but don’t sacrifice public safety."
We at The GrayVine believe that housing is a human right. When inspections disappear, so too does a layer of protection for families who need it most. Share your thoughts in the comments: Have you seen issues in your building that would’ve been caught in an inspection? Are you worried about what might be missed without proper oversight?
Know more major cuts that might affect you and your loved ones:
A recently canceled government contract, once responsible for ensuring the safety of thousands of homes, has left many wondering what protections remain in place.
The move has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from those working to safeguard vulnerable communities. As concerns grow, the question now is whether cost-cutting has come at the expense of basic safety.
A Lifeline, Cut at the Root
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), as part of a broader cost-cutting campaign under the Trump administration, has canceled a key contract for housing inspections once held by Project Solutions Inc.These inspections were not just paperwork—they were legal requirements meant to ensure homes had functioning smoke detectors, safe gas lines, and access to essential utilities.
Without them, many residents could be unknowingly exposed to fire hazards, gas leaks, or dangerously faulty living conditions.
Tom Feehan, a seasoned inspector impacted by the cancellation, didn't mince words: "We're not catching those [problems]. So those are not being repaired, and it's putting people at risk."
The Hidden Human Cost of "Efficiency"
The agency claims that ending the contract will return $285 million to taxpayers, a figure posted proudly on DOGE’s "Wall of Receipts."But Robin Miller, a contract manager at Project Solutions, says the real cost of the work was far less—and the impact of its loss goes far deeper.
The contract covered inspections for more than 6,200 HUD-assisted properties, including 250 "priority" buildings already flagged for serious safety issues or overdue reevaluations.
With those inspections now on pause, the risks for residents—particularly seniors, low-income families, and the disabled—are rising by the day.
Delayed Checks, Real Dangers
Experts warn that rescheduling and reallocating inspections to other contractors will take time, potentially leaving families in dangerous conditions indefinitely.
One HUD-certified inspector from Illinois shared that a multifamily property—already flagged for significant hazards—missed its scheduled inspection in December and still hasn’t been rebooked.
"We’re helping low-income people and we’re helping senior citizens maintain a safe, livable environment," Feehan added. "And with not getting these inspections done on time, it's hurting them."
Neglected Housing, Mounting Risk
Project Solutions was part of HUD's Real Estate Assessment Center program, created to ensure accurate and consistent oversight of federally supported housing.With their removal, many fear the system of accountability will erode.
Alia Trindle, co-director of political strategy at Right to the City Alliance, underscores just how vital these inspections are.
"Regular inspections... are critical to ensuring that those who are responsible for this housing stock do the bare minimum to maintain them," she said.
Without them, she warns, tenants may be left to suffer through mold, pests, or even a lack of running water or heat.
Budget Cuts or Broken Promises?
While HUD maintains that the contract didn’t meet the department’s goals for "efficiency and effectiveness," many are questioning whether the cancellation was a step too far.
Even inspectors who support budget reviews call for a more responsible approach. One told ABC News: "You have to be responsible about it… get rid of fraud and waste—but don’t sacrifice public safety."
Know more major cuts that might affect you and your loved ones:
