Recovery Housing Pre-Inspection Checklist

Below are the questions the RICares Inspectors will be asking when they review your homes/site. Make sure your home is fully prepared prior to the inspection date.

Health Review

Every place in the home/site must be clean, well maintained and free of pest infestation. Piles of newspaper, clothes or other stored materials could create a fire hazard. Below are the principal items to look for:

1. Any signs of roach or other pest infestation problems?
2. Kitchen and appliances are clean and well maintained? At least, 1 refrigerator for every 6 residents.
3. Is adequate and clean food storage space provided?
4. Are any piles of newspaper, clothes or other stored materials creating a fire or safety hazard?
5. Are bathrooms clean and orderly? Is there one bathroom for every 6 residents?
6. Are the furniture and furnishings clean and of reasonable quality?
7. Do all sleeping rooms provide residents with the required square footage?

Safety Review

Home must meet basic safety requirements. These are the principal items:

1. Are there smoke detectors in every sleeping room, hallway, and outside of kitchen?
2. Are there functioning fire extinguishers in plain sight and clearly marked locations?
3. Are carbon monoxide detectors installed in appropriate places (if you have gas appliances or heat)?
4. Are there at least two properly identified exits in case of emergencies?
5. Is the property address on the front of the house clearly visible from the street?
6. Are the home/site address, emergency and utility phone numbers and evacuation maps posted in conspicuous locations?
7. Is smoking prohibited in areas that could be considered a fire hazard or a problem for neighbors?
8. Do smoking areas have approved safety disposal containers for smoking materials?
9. Are there any electric outlets or extension cords that could be considered a fire hazard?
10. Are water heaters strapped and is there a key wrench to shut off gas at the meter? (Recommendation only)
11. Does the home and any other permanent structure meet local building and safety codes (Indicate management verification or visual appearance as observed by the inspector)
12. Are the house/site and grounds well-kept and consistent with the quality of the neighborhood?
13. Is Naloxone (Narcan) available and accessible? Is there evidence that staff and residents are oriented in its use?

Management and Document Review

Is the staff/house manager trained or credentialed appropriate to their level and does he/she have the basic skills to manage?

1. Is there a clear and concise description of the operation of the home/site?
2. Are there clear acceptance criteria for all applicants?
3. Is there a Personal Data Information Sheet for each applicant and resident?
4. Is there a resident, lodging or household member agreement?
5. Do the residents have input over house issues? Are the rules clear and easy to understand?
6. Do the residents have a significant role in the functioning of the home?
7. Is the recovery home grievance policy with the contact information posted in a location where residents can see and read it?
8. Does management provide daily recovery programming at the house? (If applicable)
9. Does the home have General Liability coverage appropriate to their level of support (taking into account factors such as size, location, permitted activities on the premises, are members of the public invited onto the property, etc.)?
10. Have all management and house leaders signed the Code of Ethics?