Lesson 36 — Handling “No Access,” “Unsafe to Approach,” and Barrier Situations

(Final Safety Review)**

Some properties cannot be safely accessed due to dogs, gates, hazards, weather, structural issues, or occupant situations. This lesson explains exactly how to handle No Access, Unsafe to Approach, and Barrier situations in full NMFS compliance.

Your safety comes first — always.

1. What Counts as “No Access”

 

 

“No Access” means you could not safely reach the front door to perform the contact attempt.

Common causes:

  • Loose aggressive dogs

  • Locked gates

  • Collapsed porches or steps

  • Flooding or deep water

  • Fallen tree or large debris

  • Hazardous materials

  • Active crime scene or emergency presence

  • Structural instability

If it puts you at risk, do not proceed.

2. What Counts as “Unsafe to Approach”

“Unsafe to Approach” means you reached the property but approaching further would put you in danger.

Examples:

  • Porch sagging or collapsing

  • Exposed electrical wiring

  • Strong chemical/gas smells

  • Large wasp/beehive near door

  • Animal activity (snakes, raccoons, aggressive dogs)

  • Visible criminal activity

  • Squatters confronting you

  • Fight or disturbance indoors

Your safety overrides all inspection requirements.

3. What Counts as a “Barrier”

A barrier is anything that physically or legally blocks access to the front door.

Examples:

  • Locked perimeter gates

  • Fenced yards with no open entry

  • Construction fencing

  • Snow piles blocking walkway

  • Vegetation so thick that access is unsafe

  • Vehicles blocking walkway

  • Guard dog chained near entrance

  • Barricades or city closure notices

You do not go around, over, under, or through barriers — ever.

4. What You MUST Do When Unable to Approach

If you cannot safely get to the front door:

A. Take Photos Showing the Barrier

You must provide:

  • Wide shot

  • Close-up shot

  • Any visible safety concerns

These photos must clearly show why you could not approach.

B. Do NOT Attempt Contact

If unsafe, you are not required — and not allowed — to knock.

C. Do NOT Leave an Envelope

If you cannot reach the door safely, do not leave anything behind.

D. Write Detailed Notes

Notes must describe:

  • What prevented access

  • Where the barrier was

  • Why it was unsafe

  • How far you approached

Example note:

“Unable to approach front door due to two aggressive dogs loose in the yard. Attempted approach from driveway; dogs growling and blocking path. Photos provided.”

5. What You MUST Not Do

Never:

  • Enter fenced yards

  • Open gates

  • Squeeze through openings

  • Walk behind the home

  • “Try to get a better angle” by entering unsafe spaces

  • Approach aggressive animals

  • Cross caution tape

  • Enter unstable porches or steps

  • Confront hostile individuals

NMFS will always support a “No Access” result when safety is involved.

6. How to Document “No Access” Correctly

 

You must include:

1. Wide shot showing barrier or hazard

Example: Entire yard with aggressive dog visible.

2. Close-up of the barrier

Example: Locked gate, large debris, collapsed steps, etc.

3. Notes describing the situation clearly

Notes should answer:

  • What blocked access?

  • Where was it?

  • Why was it unsafe?

  • How far did you get?

4. Occupancy indicators (from safe distance)

Document anything visible:

  • Vehicles

  • Lights

  • Packages

  • Trash cans

  • Yard conditions

Even without door access, occupancy clues matter.

7. Examples of Correct No-Access Notes

Aggressive Dogs

“Two large aggressive dogs loose in yard. Approached only to sidewalk. Dogs moved aggressively toward inspector. Photos included. Unable to reach front door for contact attempt.”

Locked Gate

“Locked 6-foot gate prevents access to front door. No safe public vantage point to bypass. Photos of locked gate included.”

Flooding

“Standing water approximately 1–2 ft deep covering walkway. Unsafe to approach front door. Photos attached.”

Collapsed Steps

“Front steps collapsed, creating fall hazard. Unable to safely reach door. Wide and close-up photos included.”

Suspicious Activity

“Observed individuals engaged in confrontation near porch. Unsafe to approach or attempt contact. Photos from safe distance.”

8. When You CAN Still Complete Parts of the Inspection

Even if you cannot reach the door, you can still complete:

  • Exterior photos

  • Occupancy indicators

  • Yard condition

  • Meter views (if safe & visible)

  • Street views

  • Hazard reporting

You complete everything you can safely.

9. When You Should Leave Immediately

Leave immediately if you see:

  • Hostile or aggressive persons

  • Drug activity

  • Firearm activity

  • Police activity

  • Active domestic disputes

  • Immediate animal danger

  • Strong chemical or gas smells

  • Structural collapse

  • Any situation giving you a “danger signal”

Document from a safe distance once you’re secure.

10. Notes for “Partial Occupied” Situations

The only situation you would choose Partial Occupied for is if it is a duplex, triplex, or larger, and some units are occupied and some are vacant. That is partially occupied.

Partially occupied does not mean they moved out half their property and left the rest.  People occupy properties, not their things.

Example:

“Able to walk driveway but porch unstable. Unable to reach door safely. Exterior photos and occupancy indicators taken from safe distance.”

Partial access is acceptable as long as you explain it clearly.

Summary

To handle No Access, Unsafe to Approach, and Barrier situations:

  1. Safety ALWAYS comes first

  2. Do not force access or take risks

  3. Take wide and close-up photos of the barrier

  4. Never go behind fences or into unsafe areas

  5. Do not leave envelopes if you can’t reach the door

  6. Provide clear, professional notes

  7. Complete everything you safely can from visible areas

When documented correctly, these inspections will not be rejected.

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