How HUD's Inspection System Failed NYCHA Residents

As city and state officials spar with judges over how to fix the widespread infrastructural failures of the New York City Housing Authority, some are questioning whether the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development shares part of the blame.

A recent investigation by Pro Publica and The Southern Illinoisan makes HUD's responsibility, and failure, more apparent. Records from between 2013 and 2017 show that federal inspectors were often well aware of public health hazards within NYCHA properties, and yet those buildings frequently received passing grades.

"This inspection system, we have found and according to experts, is so wrong so often," said reporter Molly Parker. "It's rarely helping HUD determine which properties are decent and which ones are persistently troubled and need intervention."

The joint investigation comes months after federal officials accused NYCHA of obscuring its decrepit conditions and misleading inspectors about the severity of the issues.

Last week, a federal judge denied the appointment of a special monitor to oversee the local housing authority. In part, Judge William Pauley said the responsibility to fix failing public housing complexes lies with the federal government, not the courts.