Substandard Housing

Guidance for Determining Substandard Housing

Determining whether a student is living in substandard housing can be difficult because standards for adequate housing often vary by locality. Following are questions that help to clarify whether a student’s living environment may be considered substandard and qualify them for McKinney-Vento services.

• Does the home fail to meet state and local building codes?

• Does the home have health or safety code violations?

• Does the home lack one of the fundamental utilities such as water, heat, or electricity?

• Is the home infested with vermin or mold?

• Does the home lack a basic functional part such as a working kitchen or a working toilet?

• Does the home present unreasonable dangers, such as excessive holes in the floor, rotting roof, or a damaged or outdated electrical system?

If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions the child may qualify for McKinney-Vento services. Please contact your District Homeless Liaison to ensure that the student is identified for services.

Each city, county, or State may have its own housing codes that further define substandard housing.