Visual Assessment Training

Identify Deteriorated Paint

The first step in conducting a visual assessment is to identify deteriorated paint. Below is a list of steps in this process.

	Define deteriorated paint
	Identify deteriorated paint
	De minimis levels
	Identify surfaces where deteriorated paint is commonly found
	Practical Exercise

Define "deteriorated paint"

The HUD regulation defines deteriorated paint as:

"Any interior or exterior paint or other coating that is peeling, chipping, chalking or cracking, or any paint or coating located on an interior or exterior surface or fixture that is otherwise damaged or separated from the substrate."

How to identify deteriorated paint

To identify deteriorated paint, you will need to answer this question

Is the paint peeling, chipping, chalking or cracking?

If the answer to this question is yes, then the paint should be considered deteriorated.

De minimis levels

When performing a visual assessment, you will not be asked to identify tack or nail holes, small hairline cracks or other surface imperfections that are stable since the paint will most likely not be damaged.

However, if the size is larger than a nail hole or hairline crack, you should consider the paint to be deteriorated.

How small is too small?

HUD has identified size thresholds for how the repairs must be made, these thresholds are known as de minimis levels.

It is important to note that de minimis levels control how a repair must be made, not whether the repair is made. As always, if deteriorated paint is identified, it must be repaired.

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