VA Local Requirements by State (Termite/WDI)
This page answers one question fast: Does the VA require a wood‑destroying insect (WDI/termite) inspection in your area? Use the lookup tool to check your state (and county when applicable), then download the dataset for citations, spreadsheets, or tools. For the official source, see the VA’s Local Requirements page and the VA Lender’s Handbook.
Lookup tool (state + county when applicable)
Select a state. If the VA requires WDI only in certain counties, enter your county to confirm coverage.
If the VA requires a pest/WDI inspection as a condition of the NOV, VA policy allows the Veteran to pay that inspection fee. Fees and repairs can also be negotiated in the contract like any other closing cost item. See Circular 26‑22‑11.
50‑state overview (plus DC & territories)
States not listed by the VA as requiring WDI are treated as “not required unless noted” (appraisers can still call for inspection when there’s evidence of infestation or damage).
| State / Territory | Code | Requirement status | Scope | Details |
|---|
“Required statewide” means the VA list includes the entire state/territory. “Required in some counties” means the VA list names specific counties only. “Not required” means the VA list does not include that state—inspection may still be required if the appraisal observes issues.
County lists (where the VA requirement is county‑specific)
These county lists come directly from the VA Local Requirements page. Use the lookup tool above for fast checks.
How this works (clear rules, no myths)
What borrowers and agents should understand before the VA Notice of Value (NOV) is issued.
1) The VA publishes a coverage list (states + a few county exceptions)
2) Some states are county‑specific
3) The NOV is the final authority for your file
4) Not required does not mean “never”
5) Who pays (inspection fee + repairs) depends on the deal
Downloads (CSV) + cite this dataset
Reuse the official coverage list in spreadsheets, research, or internal tools.
VA Loan Network. “VA Local Requirements by State (Termite/WDI Lookup).” Verified Dec 7, 2026 (unchanged for 2026). https://valoannetwork.com/va-loans/entitlement/local-requirements/
References
Official resources used for the coverage list and the fee policy note.
- VA — Local Requirements (WDI coverage by state/county).
Open VA page - VA Lender’s Handbook / Pamphlet 26‑7 — Chapter 12 (Minimum Property Requirements; includes WDI section references).
Open PDF - VA Circular 26‑22‑11 — Pest inspection fees and repairs policy note.
Open PDF
Coverage and policy can change. This page mirrors the VA’s published list and links directly to the VA documents so users (and reviewers) can verify the source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short, direct answers based on VA published guidance.
Is a termite (WDI) inspection required for every VA loan?
What if my state isn’t listed on the VA coverage list?
Which states are county‑specific for VA WDI requirements?
Who pays for the termite/pest inspection on a VA loan?
Can the appraiser require a WDI inspection even if it’s not required statewide?
Does the VA require repairs for termite damage?
Do condos have different termite/WDI rules?
Does new construction need a termite inspection?
How often does the VA update local requirements?
Where does your state/county data come from?







