VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) for 2026
VA MPRs are the baseline habitability standards a home must meet to close with a VA loan. The VA appraisal checks for safety, sanitation, and structural soundness—not cosmetic perfection. If you’re new to the program rules, start with VA loan requirements.
Most common VA appraisal MPR fails
If you’re trying to predict “what will fail,” start here—then run the checklist.
- Peeling/chipping paint (especially pre‑1978)
- Roof leaks or obvious moisture intrusion
- No continuous potable running water
- Unsafe sewage/septic (non‑functioning disposal)
- Exposed/frayed wiring or unsafe electrical
- Missing handrails / broken steps / major trip hazards
- Evidence of wood‑destroying insects / dry rot / fungus
- Nonfunctional or unsafe permanent heat
Interactive MPR decision checklist
Select what’s true for the home. The tool highlights items that typically trigger “repair required” or “needs more review.”
VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) guide
What VA’s appraisal checks, what commonly triggers repairs, and how to avoid closing delays.
VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) are the baseline habitability standards a home must meet to close with a VA-backed loan. The appraisal checks for safety, sanitation, and structural soundness—not cosmetic perfection. In 2026, the core standards remain consistent, but the way you prepare often determines whether you close on time or slip due to repairs and reinspections.
What the VA appraisal must confirm
- The property must be safe, sanitary, and structurally sound, with no conditions that prevent immediate occupancy at closing.
- Key systems must function safely, including electrical, plumbing, heating, and water and sewage, with hazards corrected before funding.
- Access and livability matter: all-weather entry, adequate living spaces, and basic safety items like handrails must be present.
- Obvious issues like roof leaks, peeling paint, exposed wiring, or active pests can trigger required repairs and a reinspection.
Fast ways to prevent MPR-related delays
- Pre-screen homes before offering, focusing on roof condition, utilities, steps and railings, and signs of water damage.
- Ensure utilities are on for the appraisal appointment, because many functional checks cannot be completed without power, water, and heat.
- Use clear contract language for repairs so the seller’s scope, deadlines, and documentation requirements are not ambiguous.
What are the VA Minimum Property Requirements in 2026?
VA MPRs require the home to be safe, sanitary, and structurally sound at closing. If a defect blocks safe occupancy, it must be corrected before funding. The VA is not asking for upgrades, new finishes, or a perfect inspection report. It’s verifying that a borrower can move in safely without immediate hazards.
- Structure: foundation and load-bearing elements show no major settlement, dry rot, or active wood-destroying organism damage.
- Roof: prevents water intrusion and has reasonable expected service life.
- Mechanical systems: operate safely (heating, electrical, plumbing) with no exposed wiring or unsafe hazards.
- Water, sanitation, access: potable water, adequate sewage method, all-weather access.
What repairs do VA appraisers commonly require for MPR compliance?
VA-required repairs are typically safety, sanitation, or habitability items that must be corrected before closing. Cosmetic issues usually do not matter unless they reveal a deeper defect.
- Peeling or deteriorated paint (especially pre‑1978) often triggers repair.
- Missing handrails, unstable steps, and trip hazards are frequent calls.
- Roof and water issues are high priority: active leaks, visible staining, bad drainage patterns.
- Electrical/mechanical hazards are common: exposed wiring, unsafe panels, nonfunctional heating.
How MPR repairs affect closing, negotiations, and liability
If an item is truly an MPR condition, it typically must be corrected before funding. Repairs can compress timelines because reinspection scheduling, contractor availability, and documentation review all add steps. Treat safety repairs like “real work”: qualified pros + receipts + photos.
- Prioritize schedule-risk items first: roof, electrical, heating, plumbing hazards.
- Negotiate repairs with a written scope and deadline.
- Collect proof as work is done (photos, invoices, notes) so conditions clear fast.
- Do a final walkthrough to confirm repairs match scope before reinspection.
Related VA loan resources
Repairability matrix
Typical patterns: “Repair required”, “Conditional / further review”, or “Usually OK”. Not a guarantee.
| Issue | Category | Typical outcome | Why it matters | Typical fix / next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defective exterior paint (chipping/peeling/cracking) | Paint / Lead | Repair required | Protects surfaces; pre‑1978 is treated as lead‑based paint. | Scrape, prime, repaint using lead‑safe practices where applicable. |
| Defective interior paint | Paint / Lead | Conditional / further review | Often cosmetic post‑1978; safety issue pre‑1978. | Remediate where hazardous, especially in pre‑1978 homes. |
| No continuous potable running water | Water & Sewer | Repair required | Continuous safe water is fundamental to sanitation. | Restore service; correct contamination; follow health‑authority guidance. |
| Unsafe or non‑functioning sewage disposal | Water & Sewer | Repair required | Failing sewer/septic is a direct sanitation problem. | Repair systems, connect to public where required, obtain approvals. |
| No electricity for lighting/basic equipment | Utilities & Mechanical | Repair required | Each living unit must have electrical service. | Restore power, remedy unsafe conditions. |
| Frayed or exposed electrical wiring | Utilities & Mechanical | Repair required | Clear shock/fire hazard. | Licensed electrician repairs, replaces or covers conductors. |
| Heating system not permanently installed or non‑functional | Utilities & Mechanical | Repair required | Nonfunctional or unsafe heating commonly requires repair. | Repair/replace system, verify coverage and safe operation. |
| Roof leaks / active moisture intrusion | Roof & Structure | Repair required | Roof must prevent moisture and have reasonable life. | Repair/replace covering; address flashing and interior damage. |
| Evidence of structural instability | Roof & Structure | Conditional / further review | Core safety/soundness issue; severity drives outcome. | Engineer evaluation and corrective work as needed. |
| Obvious safety hazards (stairs/rails/guards/trip hazards) | Safety | Repair required | MPR repairs focus on defects that impair safe use. | Repair or replace unsafe elements; ensure safe egress. |
| Wood‑destroying insects / fungus / dry rot | Pests | Repair required | Can damage structural components. | Treatment + repair damaged wood; reports where required. |
| Purely cosmetic wear (worn carpet, scuffs, minor chips) | Safety | Usually OK | VA discourages conditions for cosmetic items alone. | No repair unless the issue becomes a safety hazard. |
Repair cost estimator (rough order‑of‑magnitude)
This is a sanity‑check, not a bid. Numbers are generic “ballpark” assumptions only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short, direct answers to common VA MPR questions.
What are VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)?
Is the VA appraisal a home inspection?
Will peeling paint fail a VA appraisal?
Can repairs be escrowed and done after closing?
What issues most often trigger “subject to repairs” for VA loans?
Do cosmetic issues fail VA MPRs?
Does VA require a permanently installed heating system?
Can a home with a roof leak pass VA appraisal?
Who decides repairs: the VA appraiser or the lender?
How should I use this checklist during a real purchase?
Official references
Primary sources for VA appraisal / MPR standards.
