The presence of any of these conditions below are required to be corrected to meet a property's MPR (minimum property requirements). Most often it is a VA appraiser who will determine if a property does not meet MPRs.
This list is for reference only and does not guarantee compliance with VA Minimum
Property Requirements. Minimum Property Requirements are to ensure the health and safety of the occupants and/or the marketability of the property.
Some lenders may have in addition to this list, more restrictive rules-- called overlays-- than what VA requires. Check with your loan officer to determine.
No structural or home foundation defects with the following criteria what the VA appraiser will look for
Safety: The house should protect the health and safety of the residents.
Security: The house should protect the safety of the property.
Soundness: The property shouldn’t have any physical deficiencies or conditions affecting its structural integrity.
A list of typical MPRs follows.
Site Hazards and nuisances
Excessive noise or hazard from heavy traffic area or airport may require additional inspection.
No dwelling or improvements can be located within an easement for a high-pressure gas or petroleum line. Residential structure within 220 yards of gas or petroleum pipeline requires special statement from pipeline officials.
Dwelling may not be located within high-voltage electric line easement. Detached improvements located within easement will not receive value.
Abandoned underground fuel storage tanks must be remedied per local, state or federal requirements.
VA does not have a specific written policy on radon, mold, sinkholes, asbestos, UREA formaldehyde, toxic waste sites, radio/communication towers, billboards, earthquakes, methane gas, or paint containing mercury. VA has no legislation that prohibits guaranteeing loans on properties affected by these items. There may be cases that should be rejected because of hazardous conditions. For example, a property may be included in an area that has been declared unsafe for human habitation by the EPA.
Grading and drainage
Grading must provide drainage away from structures.
No standing water on site.
Ground cover should be stabilized to prevent erosion.
Individual water and sewage systems
Connection to public water and sewer required when feasible. (i.e., when public connection is on same side of street in front of house).
Well and septic tests typically required to determine compliance with local health authority standards.
Water treatment systems only acceptable with health department letter confirming aquifer contamination and purchaser acknowledgement.
Shared wells require permanent easements for access and maintenance as well as a recorded well-sharing agreement.
Springs and cisterns are acceptable when customary for area and purchaser acknowledges system.
Pit privies are permitted where customary with local health authority approval.
Paint
Exterior wood must be protected from elements. Exterior chipped or peeling paint must be remedied.
Chipped or peeling paint on interior or exterior of home and/or structures and improvements if home built before 1978 (Lead paint issues) must be corrected.
Roof
The roof needs to be in good enough condition to not require replacement for a minimum of 2 years.
Up to 3 layers of shingles is acceptable.
Defective roof with 3 or more layers of shingles requires removal of all shingles prior to repair.
Wood destroying insects and dry rot
Inspection is required if local jurisdiction requires it.
Inspection is required if appraiser reports evidence of current or past infestation.
Inspection is required per VA TIP map. Currently a pest inspection and clearance is mandatory in California.
Areas with dry rot must be repaired.
Private road access
Must be protected by permanent recorded easement
Must be maintained by HOA or joint maintenance agreement
Streets must have an all weather surface
Crawl space, attic and basement
Adequate access
Vented
Clear of debris
Space adequate for maintenance (recommended 18 inches)
Excessive dampness or ponding of water must be corrected.
Basements and attics should not have mold, mildew, dry rot, or suffer from pest damage or infestations. Accessing these parts of the home should also be easy, and they need adequate ventilation
Furnace Heating system
Heat – The unit must have a source of heat that provides a safe and comfortable environment. If the main source of heat is a wood-burning stove, the unit will also need to have a secondary system that can provide a minimum of 50 degrees of air temperature to circulate among the plumbing.
Non-vented heaters or fireplaces require veteran acknowledgement and HVAC contractor inspection.
Electrical system
Must be adequate, safe and operable
No exposed electrical wiring or defective outlets
Plumbing system
Must be adequate, safe and operable.
Leaks will need repair.
The unit needs to have a reliable water supply that is fresh, sanitized, and includes hot water. Solar hot water okay with conventional backup
Swimming pools must be cleaned if appraiser can’t see bottom of the pool.
Other property condition issues
Handrails required on stairs with 3 or more risers
Severe tripping hazards must be corrected (major buckling of concrete)
Pool-- Homes with swimming pools can be financed using VA loans, but they must be in good working order. If the pool presents a hazard or defects, it could risk the home meeting the minimum property requirements.
Drainage-There should not be any pooling of water around the foundations. If there isn't suitable drainage on the site, the appraiser will report this problem.
2-4 unit properties may share utilities as long as there are
separate shut-offs for each unit.
2-4 unit properties may share laundry and storage areas.
Access to unit must not require trespass through another unit.
Access to rear yard must not require trespass through another unit
Must be adequate space between buildings for exterior wall maintenance.
Broken or cracked window glass must be repaired
Check this link for any other specific state requirements