FHA Requirement Cheat Sheet
Anyone that has ever worked with an FHA loan knows how frustrating it can be since there is no published text defining ALL of the requirements. The Federal Housing Administration has a guidebook and a website to reference; but often times the guidelines can be confusing. Below find a “non-official” list of common FHA requirements and issues. Hopefully, this list will give real estate agents, sellers and buyers a better understanding of how the FHA requirements affect their situations. This list is not meant to be a definitive text but more of “cheat-sheet” to help us all.
1. Distressed Paint – on homes built prior to 1978 there is a potential for lead based paint; if there is any interior or exterior paint that is not in good condition or leaves exposed wood/metal surfaces it must be scraped, prepped and painted in a professional, workmanlike manner. This includes paint that is cracked, peeling, alligatored, chipped, worn away or otherwise distressed.
2. Hand Rails – while the FHA no longer requires that handrails be installed it is up to the appraiser as to whether or not handrails will be required to eliminate a safety hazard. Handrails should be installed along open staircases, and stairwells, in accordance with local codes.
3. Railings – railings should be installed around decks, patios, porches and balconies were a person could fall off and be injured. Railings should be constructed of an appropriate material, consistent with the construction of the other elements of the deck, patio, porch, etc. They should be of a height consistent with local building codes.
4. Hot Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve – there should be an extension added to the pressure relief valve on a hot water heater that extends to...