Inspections, MPRs, and What Fails
VA Loan Inspection Requirements and Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)
The VA does not require a home inspection. Properties must meet VA Minimum Property Requirements for safety, soundness, and sanitation prior to guaranty of the loan (Ch. 12, Topic 1a), and a VA fee appraiser checks compliance during the appraisal. Depending on the property, the VA may also require a termite inspection, well water testing, septic documentation, or lead paint remediation.
Next step:
Check Your VA Loan Eligibility
Home Inspection
- Not required by the VA. The NOV recommends the Veteran "may wish to obtain a home inspection," but it is optional.Ch. 12, Topic 1g
- What it covers: A qualified inspector evaluates the home's physical condition, estimates the remaining useful life of the major systems, equipment, structure, and finishes, and identifies items that need repair or replacement.HUD-92564-CN
- Why it matters: An appraisal does not replace a home inspection (HUD-92564-CN). The appraiser does not perform operational checks of mechanical systems or appliances (Ch. 12, Topic 1b).HUD-92564-CN; Ch. 12, Topic 1b
- Recommend repairs, not inspections: Appraisers must recommend repairs, not inspections, for any conditions that do not appear to meet MPRs.Ch. 12, Topic 1e
VA Appraisal
- Required: An appraisal is required on cash-out refinances (Ch. 6, Topic 4). On purchases, properties must meet MPRs prior to guaranty (Ch. 12, Topic 1a), verified through the appraisal. No appraisal is required on IRRRLs (Ch. 6, Topic 4).Ch. 6, Topic 4; Ch. 12, Topic 1a
- What it does: A VA-assigned fee appraiser establishes market value and checks whether the property meets Minimum Property Requirements for safety, soundness, and sanitation.Ch. 12, Topics 1b, 1c
- What it does not do: The fee appraiser will not perform operational checks of mechanical systems or appliances.Ch. 12, Topic 1b
- Reinspection fee: $150 when the appraiser physically visits the property to verify completed repairs.VA Fee Schedule, eff. May 1, 2026
MPR Review
- Three-S standard: Every property must be safe, structurally sound, and sanitary before the VA will guarantee the loan.Ch. 12, Topic 1c
- Appraisal "subject to" repairs: The appraiser includes the contributory value of completed repairs in the estimated market value.Ch. 12, Topic 1d
- Cosmetic items exempt: The appraiser should not recommend repairs of cosmetic items, minor deferred maintenance, or normal wear and tear.Ch. 12, Topic 1f
- Waivers exist: After the NOV is issued, the Veteran may request a waiver if the lender concurs and the property remains habitable.Ch. 12, Topic 43a
Property-Dependent Inspections
- Termite/WDI: Required in areas where the Termite Infestation Probability Map shows "very heavy" or "moderate to heavy" probability. High-rise condos exempt.Ch. 12, Topics 33b, 33e
- Private well: Water quality must meet health authority requirements, tested by a disinterested third party. Results valid 90 days.Ch. 12, Topics 16a, 16b, 16f
- Septic: Health authority approval required on proposed construction, when the appraiser notes a problem, or in areas with known percolation issues.Ch. 12, Topic 17c
- Lead paint (pre-1978): Any defective paint must be presumed lead-based and remediated. Economic feasibility is not an acceptable reason for waiver.Ch. 12, Topic 32b
Top questions before you dig in
Does the VA require a home inspection?
What is the difference between a VA appraisal and a home inspection?
Can a property fail VA Minimum Property Requirements?
The Bottom Line Up Front
Properties must meet MPRs prior to guaranty of the loan (Ch. 12, Topic 1a), and the VA fee appraiser checks compliance. A home inspection is not required but is recommended (Topic 1g). The fee appraiser does not perform operational checks of mechanical systems or appliances (Topic 1b). A home inspection evaluates the home's physical condition and identifies items that need repair or replacement (HUD-92564-CN).
The VA appraisal evaluates safety, soundness, and sanitation under Chapter 12 of the VA Lender's Handbook. Depending on the property, the VA may also require a termite inspection, well water testing, septic documentation, or lead paint remediation on pre-1978 homes. Four MPR rules changed effective May 1, 2026, removing requirements for detached structures, non-vented fireplace certification, and radon Zone 1 new-construction certification.
Does the VA Require a Home Inspection?
No. Properties must meet MPRs prior to guaranty of the loan by VA (Ch. 12, Topic 1a), and a VA fee appraiser checks compliance during the appraisal. An appraisal is required on cash-out refinances (Ch. 6, Topic 4); no appraisal is required on IRRRLs (Ch. 6, Topic 4). A home inspection is not required. After the origination appraisal is completed, the Notice of Value recommends the Veteran "may wish to obtain a home inspection" (Ch. 12, Topic 1g).Ch. 12, Topics 1a, 1g; Ch. 6, Topic 4
The appraisal is primarily about value and MPR compliance. The fee appraiser will not perform operational checks of mechanical systems or appliances (Ch. 12, Topic 1b). A home inspection evaluates the home's physical condition, estimates the remaining useful life of major systems, equipment, structure, and finishes, and identifies items that need repair or replacement (HUD-92564-CN).HUD-92564-CN; Ch. 12, Topic 1b
VA Appraisal vs. Home Inspection
The table below separates what each process covers.
| Factor | VA Appraisal | Home Inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Required | Yes; properties must meet MPRs prior to guaranty (Ch. 12, Topic 1a). Appraisal is required on cash-out refinances; no appraisal is required on IRRRLs (Ch. 6, Topic 4). | No, but the NOV recommends the Veteran "may wish to obtain a home inspection" (Ch. 12, Topic 1g) |
| Who performs it | VA-assigned fee appraiser (Ch. 12, Topic 1b) | A qualified inspector (HUD-92564-CN) |
| What it evaluates | Market value and MPR compliance; does not perform operational checks of mechanical systems or appliances (Ch. 12, Topics 1b, 22b) | Physical condition; remaining useful life of major systems, equipment, structure, and finishes (HUD-92564-CN) |
Which Inspections Can Be Required
The table below sorts every inspection the transaction may involve into three categories: required by the VA, conditionally triggered by property or location, and buyer due diligence.
| Inspection | Category | When It Applies | Ch. 12 Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA appraisal | Required | Properties must meet MPRs prior to guaranty (Ch. 12, Topic 1a); appraisal is required on cash-out refinances (Ch. 6, Topic 4); no appraisal on IRRRLs | Ch. 12, Topic 1a; Ch. 6, Topic 4 |
| Termite/WDI inspection | Conditionally triggered | "Very heavy" or "moderate to heavy" zones per Termite Infestation Probability Map; also when appraiser notes apparent infestation or damage | Topics 33a, 33b |
| Private well water quality test | Conditionally triggered | Property uses an individual water supply; tested by disinterested third party; results valid 90 days | Topics 16a, 16b, 16f |
| Shared well documentation | Conditionally triggered | Shared well requires permanent easement, recorded well-sharing agreement with cost-of-repair provisions | Topic 18a |
| Septic/health authority approval | Conditionally triggered | Proposed construction, appraiser notes a problem, or area with known percolation issues | Topic 17c |
| Lead paint remediation (pre-1978) | Conditionally triggered | Pre-1978 homes with defective paint; lead must be presumed; economic feasibility not an acceptable reason for waiver | Topic 32b |
| Home inspection | Buyer due diligence | Evaluates physical condition and remaining useful life of major systems (HUD-92564-CN); recommended (Topic 1g) | Topic 1g; HUD-92564-CN |
| Radon test | Buyer due diligence | Buyer's choice; VA removed radon requirements effective May 1, 2026 | Topic 34 (radon removed) |
2026 VA MPR Changes
Four MPR changes took effect under the revised VA Pamphlet 26-7, Chapter 12, effective May 1, 2026. Each one removes or streamlines a condition that was flagging deals unnecessarily. If the appraisal was ordered before that date, the prior rules still apply to the file.
| Rule | Before May 1, 2026 | After May 1, 2026 | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-1978 peeling paint (Topic 32) | Appraisers could flag defective paint on any home and require repair | Defective paint on a dwelling built in 1978 or later is normally considered cosmetic (Topic 32a) | No automatic repair condition for peeling paint on post-1978 homes. Pre-1978 lead-based paint rules are unchanged. |
| Detached structures (Topic 1) | Detached garages, sheds, and outbuildings had to meet MPRs to be included in appraised value | Subtopics on detached improvements removed. Detached non-habitable structures no longer trigger MPR conditions unless they present a hazard to the main dwelling (Topic 20) | Appraisers no longer flag shed roofing, garage wiring, or detached-structure deficiencies that have no bearing on the home itself. |
| Non-vented fireplace certification (Topic 23) | Oxygen-depletion-sensor certification and Veteran acknowledgment form required | Non-vented heater subtopic removed entirely | No certification or acknowledgment form needed for non-vented fireplaces and gas logs. |
| Radon (Topic 34) | Builders had to certify radon-resistant construction in Radon Zone 1 areas on new construction | Radon subtopic removed from Topic 34 | No VA-required radon certification on new construction. Buyers can still order independent radon testing. |
Regulatory review: VA Pamphlet 26-7 Chapter 12, requirements effective May 1, 2026; verified September 21, 2026.KnowVA Article 554400000314692
Complete VA MPR Checklist
Every requirement below is sourced to a specific Chapter 12 topic.
| Requirement | What VA Requires | What Commonly Fails | Fixable? | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe, sound, sanitary | Property must be safe, structurally sound, and sanitary | Any condition impairing safety, soundness, or sanitation | Varies | 1c |
| Marketable entity | Single, readily marketable real estate entity | Non-contiguous parcels, unmarketable title | Sometimes | 2 |
| Living space | Sufficient space for living, sleeping, cooking/dining, sanitary facilities | Non-standard construction without local code compliance | Rarely | 3 |
| Access | Safe, adequate access from a public or private street with an all-weather surface | Private roads without permanent easement or maintenance agreement | Yes (documentation) | 4 |
| Encroachments | Appraiser must report apparent encroachments | Dwelling or garage encroaching on adjacent property or easement | Sometimes | 5 |
| Drainage/grading | Positive, rapid drainage away from perimeter walls; no ponding on site | Negative grading directing water toward foundation; standing water | Yes | 6 |
| Soil/sinkholes | Report observable soil conditions; report imminent danger of subsidence | Foundation cracking, significant settlement, unstable fill | Sometimes | 7 |
| Flood zones | SFHA properties require flood insurance; regular flooding = ineligible | SFHA without available flood insurance | No (ineligible) | 8 |
| CBRS areas | Properties in Coastal Barrier Resources System areas are ineligible | N/A | No | 9 |
| Lava zones | Zones 1 and 2 ineligible; other zones require appraiser comment | Property in USGS Zone 1 or 2 | No | 10 |
| Mixed use | Primarily residential; no more than one business unit; legal non-conforming accepted | Property that is primarily commercial | Rarely | 11 |
| Zoning | Must comply with zoning or be legal non-conforming accepted by local authority | Unpermitted improvements | Sometimes | 12, 13 |
| Utilities | Electricity for lighting and equipment; independent service per unit; exposed wiring repaired | Frayed or exposed wiring; utilities passing through another unit without easement | Yes | 14 |
| Water/sewer | Continuous safe potable water, hot water, sanitary facilities, safe sewage disposal | No potable water supply; failing sewage system | Yes | 15 |
| Individual wells | Water quality must meet health authority requirements; third-party testing required; results valid 90 days | Water test fails health authority standards | Varies | 16 |
| Septic | Must adequately dispose of domestic waste; health authority approval required on proposed construction, noted problems, or known percolation issues | Failing system; no health authority approval where required | Yes (costly) | 17 |
| Shared wells | Must serve all properties simultaneously; permanent easement; recorded well-sharing agreement with repair provisions | No recorded agreement; insufficient supply | Yes (documentation) | 18 |
| Community water/sewer | Health authority approval required; adequate capacity | Unapproved system; deficient operation | Varies | 19 |
| Hazards | Property must be free of hazards affecting health, safety, structural soundness, or use | Any condition constituting a hazard | Varies | 20 |
| Defective conditions | Conditions impairing safety, sanitation, or soundness require repair; envelope integrity maintained | Defective construction, continuing settlement, excessive dampness, leakage, decay, termites | Yes | 21 |
| Mechanical systems | Safe to operate and protected from destructive elements; appraiser not required to test operation | Unsafe equipment; appraiser recommends apparent repairs | Yes | 22 |
| Heating | Permanently installed; must maintain 50°F minimum in areas with plumbing; AC not required but must work if installed | No permanent heating; portable/space heaters; non-functional AC | Yes | 23 |
| Leased equipment | No value to leased mechanical systems or equipment (including solar PPAs) | Leased solar panels or propane tanks encumbering title | Varies | 24 |
| Roof covering | Must prevent entrance of moisture and provide reasonable future utility, durability, and economy of maintenance | Active leaks; roof failing to prevent moisture entry | Yes | 26 |
| Attics | Appraiser views accessible attic; deficient conditions require repair | Water-stained ceiling; inadequate ventilation | Yes | 27 |
| Crawl space | Adequate access, clear of debris, properly vented; excessive dampness or ponding corrected | Ponding water; inadequate ventilation; debris | Yes | 28 |
| Basements | Report dampness or structural problems; sump pump must be properly wired | Active dampness; improperly wired sump pump | Yes | 29 |
| Swimming pools | Structural defects must be repaired or pool filled; must be secured per local requirements | Structural defects; unsecured pool | Yes | 30 |
| Burglar bars | At least one window per bedroom must have quick-release mechanism or exterior door | No quick-release; blocked egress | Yes | 31 |
| Lead-based paint | Pre-1978: defective paint must be remediated (scrape, repaint with two coats nonleaded paint). Post-1978: normally cosmetic. | Any peeling, chipping, or flaking paint on pre-1978 homes | Yes | 32 |
| WDI/termites | Required in "very heavy" and "moderate to heavy" zones per Termite Infestation Probability Map; high-rise condos exempt | Active infestation; structural damage from wood-destroying insects | Yes | 33 |
| Environmental | Appraiser reports apparent environmental problems; appraisal subject to correction | Underground storage tanks, chemical contamination, oil/gas wells | Varies | 34 |
| Storage tanks | Report if within 300 feet of stationary tank with 1,000+ gallon capacity containing flammable material | Property within 300 ft of qualifying tank | No (acknowledgment) | 35 |
| Transmission lines | No structure in easement; comment required if within 100 feet of nearest easement boundary | Structure in transmission line easement | No (ineligible) | 37 |
| Pipelines | No structure in pipeline easement; comment required if within 100 feet of nearest easement boundary | Structure in pipeline easement | No (ineligible) | 38 |
| Airports | Proposed construction in Clear Zone ineligible; existing requires Veteran acknowledgment | Proposed construction in Runway Protection Zone | No (ineligible for proposed) | 39 |
| Manufactured homes | All MPRs plus permanent foundation, HUD standards, min 400 sq ft (singlewide) or 700 sq ft (doublewide) | No permanent foundation; missing HUD labels | Sometimes | 40 |
| Modular homes | Must meet state/local codes; on-frame requires running gear removed, vapor barrier, vented skirting, permanent foundation | Running gear not removed; no permanent foundation | Yes | 41 |
| MPR waivers | Veteran requests, lender concurs, property must remain habitable; VA may amend NOV and adjust value | N/A | Yes | 43 |
What Fails a VA Appraisal and What Does Not
Items below reflect conditions that generate (or do not generate) appraisal repair requirements under Chapter 12.
| Generates a Condition (Likely Fails) | Does Not Fail on Its Own (Likely Passes) |
|---|---|
| Active roof leak or roof failing to prevent moisture entry (Topic 26a) | Old-but-serviceable roof with no active leaks or moisture entry (Topic 26a) |
| Defective paint on pre-1978 home (Topic 32b) | Chipped or peeling paint on post-1978 home (Topic 32a) |
| Exposed or frayed electrical wiring (Topic 14c) | Dated but functional electrical panel (Topic 22a) |
| No potable water supply (Topic 15a) | Older plumbing fixtures that function properly |
| Failing septic system (Topic 17a) | Properly functioning septic without recent problems |
| No permanent heating system (Topic 23a) | No air conditioning (not required, Topic 23c) |
| Crawlspace ponding or excessive dampness (Topic 28d) | Crawlspace with proper venting and no moisture issues |
| Severe foundation settlement or structural cracking (Topic 7) | Minor hairline cracks common in the market area |
| Active termite damage in required zone (Topic 33a) | Prior termite treatment with no active infestation |
| Blocked egress from burglar bars without quick-release (Topic 31a) | Burglar bars with working quick-release mechanisms |
| Unsafe mechanical equipment (Topic 22a) | Cosmetic wear on appliances (appraiser does not test appliances, Topic 1b) |
| Negative grading directing water toward foundation (Topic 6a) | Minor yard drainage issues not affecting the dwelling |
| Private road without easement or maintenance agreement (Topic 4b) | Private road with recorded easement and maintenance agreement |
VA Rule vs. Myth
Several claims about VA MPRs circulate in real estate communities that do not match the actual Chapter 12 requirements.
| Claim | Verdict | What Chapter 12 Actually Says |
|---|---|---|
| VA requires a roof with at least two years of remaining life | Myth. | The roof covering must "prevent entrance of moisture" and "provide reasonable future utility, durability, and economy of maintenance" (Topic 26a). No specific remaining-life threshold is stated. |
| Every septic system needs an inspection | Myth. | Health authority approval is required on proposed construction, when the appraiser notes a problem, or in areas with known percolation problems (Topic 17c). It is not a blanket requirement. |
| All peeling paint fails the appraisal | Pre-1978 only. | Defective paint on a dwelling built in 1978 or later is normally considered cosmetic (Topic 32a). Pre-1978 paint must be remediated (Topic 32b). |
| The seller must pay for MPR repairs | Myth. | Chapter 12 does not dictate who pays. Either party can fund repairs. |
| The VA appraisal is a home inspection | Myth. | The appraiser does not perform operational checks of mechanical systems or appliances (Topic 1b). A home inspection is recommended after the appraisal (Topic 1g). |
| VA requires radon testing on new construction | Removed. | The radon subtopic was removed from Topic 34 effective May 1, 2026. No VA-required radon certification exists. |
Common Problem Areas
Structural Soundness: Roof, Foundation, Attic, and Crawlspace
The roof covering must prevent entrance of moisture and provide reasonable future utility, durability, and economy of maintenance (Ch. 12, Topic 26a). There is no remaining-life threshold such as "two years." A roof that shows active leaks or fails to prevent moisture entry gets flagged. The appraiser is not required to climb onto the roof but must explain how the condition was determined if the roof is not visible (Topic 26d).Ch. 12, Topic 26a, 26d
Significant settling, horizontal cracking, or water intrusion through the foundation wall trigger conditions. Minor hairline cracks due to expansion or normal settlement that are common in the market area do not typically require repair (Ch. 12, Topic 7).Ch. 12, Topic 7
Attics must be viewed where readily accessible. Deficient conditions such as water-stained ceilings or insufficient ventilation require repair (Ch. 12, Topic 27b). Crawl spaces must have adequate access, be clear of debris, and be properly vented. Any excessive dampness or ponding of water must be corrected (Ch. 12, Topic 28d).Ch. 12, Topics 27b, 28d
Mechanical and Utilities: Heat, Electrical, Water, and Sewer
Heating must be permanently installed and maintain a temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit in areas with plumbing (Ch. 12, Topic 23a). Space heaters and portable units do not count. Air conditioning is not required, but if installed, must be operational (Topic 23c).Ch. 12, Topic 23a, 23c
Any visible frayed or exposed electrical wires must be repaired (Ch. 12, Topic 14c).Ch. 12, Topic 14c
Lead-Based Paint (Pre-1978)
If the dwelling was built before 1978, the presence of lead-based paint must be presumed. Any defective lead-based paint is a safety hazard that must be remediated (Ch. 12, Topic 32b). The fix is scraping, cleaning, and repainting the affected area with two coats of a suitable nonleaded paint (Topic 32c). The completion of repairs must be certified by the VA-assigned appraiser (Topic 32d). Economic feasibility is not an acceptable reason for waiver of a repair involving lead-based paint (Topic 32b).Ch. 12, Topics 32b, 32c, 32d
For homes built in 1978 or later, defective paint is normally considered cosmetic (Ch. 12, Topic 32a).Ch. 12, Topic 32a
Wood-Destroying Insects: What Is Required and Where
Wood-destroying insect inspections are required on VA loans only in areas designated on the Termite Infestation Probability Map where the probability of termite infestation is "very heavy" or "moderate to heavy" (Ch. 12, Topic 33b). The map is based on USDA Forest Service Home and Garden Bulletin 64.Ch. 12, Topic 33b
If any infestation or damage is apparent regardless of zone, the appraisal must be prepared subject to a wood-destroying insect inspection and all damage must be repaired (Topic 33a). A termite inspection is not required on units in high-rise condominiums where units are stacked vertically. For villa and townhome style condominiums where units are side by side, the inspection is required in designated zones unless the homeowners association provides evidence of treatment (Topic 33e).Ch. 12, Topics 33a, 33e
Rural Properties: Wells, Septic, and Private Roads
- Private well: Water quality must meet health authority requirements; all testing by a disinterested third party; results valid 90 days (Topics 16a, 16b, 16f).Ch. 12, Topic 16
- Shared well: Must serve all properties simultaneously; requires permanent easement and recorded well-sharing agreement with cost-of-repair provisions (Topic 18a).Ch. 12, Topic 18a
- Dug wells, cisterns, springs, rainwater catchment: Allowed, but the appraiser must comment and the Veteran must acknowledge in writing (Topic 16c).Ch. 12, Topic 16c
- Septic: Must adequately dispose of domestic waste. Health authority approval required on proposed construction, when the appraiser notes a problem, or in areas with known percolation problems (Topic 17a, 17c).Ch. 12, Topic 17
- Access: Safe and adequate access from a public or private street with an all-weather surface (Topic 4a). Private roads need a permanent easement and maintenance agreement (Topic 4b).Ch. 12, Topic 4
Property-Specific Requirements
Condominiums
Condominiums require VA pre-approval or a waiver before the loan can be guaranteed. The property must meet all standard MPRs. Termite inspections are not required on high-rise units where units are stacked vertically but are required on side-by-side villa/townhome style condos in required zones unless the HOA provides evidence of treatment (Ch. 12, Topic 33e). Private street maintenance covered in condo organizational documents satisfies the access requirement without additional documentation (Topic 4e).Ch. 12, Topics 33e, 4e
2 to 4 Unit Properties
Multi-unit properties must meet all MPRs. Utility services must be independent for each unit, though units may share water, sewer, gas, or electricity as long as there are separate service shut-offs for each unit (Ch. 12, Topic 14d).Ch. 12, Topic 14d
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes must meet all standard MPRs plus (Ch. 12, Topic 40):Ch. 12, Topic 40
- Placed on a permanent foundation meeting state and local requirements (Topic 40c)
- Built to HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (Topic 40d)
- Minimum floor area of 400 square feet for a singlewide or 700 square feet for a doublewide (Topic 40e)
- Classified as real estate under state law and meeting local zoning (Topic 40b)
Modular Homes
Modular homes must meet all state and local building codes (Ch. 12, Topic 41a). On-frame modular housing requires all running gear removed, crawl space covered by a vapor barrier with vented permanent masonry skirting with an access hatch, and the home secured to a permanent foundation (Topic 41c).Ch. 12, Topic 41
What Happens When the Appraiser Flags a Problem
When the appraiser flags an MPR deficiency, the path to closing follows an ordered sequence.
- Appraiser observes a deficiency and prepares the appraisal "subject to" the completion of repairs, including the contributory value of completed repairs in the estimated market value (Ch. 12, Topic 1d).Ch. 12, Topic 1d
- Notice of Value issued with conditions. The NOV lists the required repairs. The loan cannot close until conditions are cleared.
- Seller or buyer completes repairs. Chapter 12 does not dictate who pays. Contract terms and negotiation determine responsibility.Ch. 12 (no payment assignment)
- MPR waiver (alternative path). After the NOV is issued, the Veteran may request a waiver. The lender must concur, and the property must remain habitable. These requests should not allow the Veteran to waive MPRs that could result in safety issues (Ch. 12, Topic 43a). If approved, VA staff amend the NOV and may reduce the appraised value by the contributory value of the waived repairs (Topic 43c).Ch. 12, Topics 43a, 43c
- Escrow holdback (alternative path). Lenders may hold funds in escrow for repairs to be completed after closing. However, all repairs must be completed and escrowed funds distributed before the loan may be guaranteed by VA (Ch. 12, Topic 43e).Ch. 12, Topic 43e
- Appraiser verifies completion. The reinspection fee is $150 when the appraiser physically visits the property (VA fee schedule, effective May 1, 2026). For lead-based paint, the VA-assigned appraiser must certify completion (Topic 32d).VA Fee Schedule; Ch. 12, Topic 32d
- Condition cleared. The loan proceeds to final approval.
If the appraised value comes in below the contract price, separate value-challenge mechanisms exist: the Tidewater procedure (before the appraisal is finalized) and a Reconsideration of Value (after the NOV is issued). For details on both, see Understanding the VA Home Appraisal.
How We Researched This Page
Every "VA requires" statement on this page is sourced to a specific topic in VA Pamphlet 26-7, Chapter 12 (effective May 1, 2026), accessed September 29, 2026, via the VA's KnowVA Knowledge Base (Article ID 554400000314692). Fee schedule data is from the VA Appraisal Fees and Timeliness Table (effective May 1, 2026). The article consolidates content previously published across three separate pages to provide a single, sourced reference for VA inspection requirements and Minimum Property Requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About VA Inspections and MPRs
What Does the VA Appraiser Check During the Appraisal?
The appraiser evaluates whether the property meets Minimum Property Requirements for safety, structural soundness, and sanitation (Ch. 12, Topic 1c). The appraiser does not perform operational checks of mechanical systems or appliances (Topic 1b). If a condition does not appear to meet MPRs, the appraiser must recommend repairs, not inspections (Topic 1e).
Can You Waive VA Minimum Property Requirements?
Some MPR repairs can be waived. After the NOV is issued, the Veteran may request a waiver if the lender concurs and the property remains habitable from the standpoint of safety, structural soundness, and sanitation (Ch. 12, Topic 43a). Waivers should not allow the Veteran to waive conditions that could result in safety issues. VA staff decide the waiver and may reduce the appraised value by the contributory value of the waived repairs (Topic 43c).
Does VA Require a Termite Inspection?
Only in areas where the Termite Infestation Probability Map shows "very heavy" or "moderate to heavy" probability (Ch. 12, Topic 33b). High-rise condo units are exempt. Side-by-side condo/townhome units in required zones need an inspection unless the HOA provides evidence of treatment (Topic 33e). If the appraiser notes apparent infestation or damage, the inspection is required regardless of zone (Topic 33a).
Will an Old Roof Pass a VA Appraisal?
An old roof can pass if it prevents entrance of moisture and provides reasonable future utility, durability, and economy of maintenance (Ch. 12, Topic 26a). There is no specific remaining-life threshold such as "two years." A roof that shows active leaks, allows moisture entry, or visibly fails the standard gets flagged regardless of age.
Do VA Loans Require a Well Water Test?
If the property uses an individual well, water quality must meet the requirements of the health authority having jurisdiction. All testing must be performed by a disinterested third party, and results are valid for 90 days (Ch. 12, Topics 16a, 16b, 16f). Shared wells require a recorded well-sharing agreement and water quality documentation (Topic 18a).
Do VA Loans Require a Septic Inspection?
Not universally. Health authority approval of the septic system is required on proposed construction, when the appraiser notes a problem, or if the area is known to have soil percolation problems (Ch. 12, Topic 17c). A properly functioning system without documented issues does not require a separate inspection.
Can the Buyer Pay for MPR Repairs?
Yes. Chapter 12 does not dictate who pays for MPR repairs. The buyer, seller, or any third party can fund the work. Lenders may also hold funds in escrow for post-closing repairs, but all repairs must be completed and escrowed funds distributed before VA guarantees the loan (Ch. 12, Topic 43e).
Does VA Require Air Conditioning?
Air conditioning is not required (Ch. 12, Topic 23c). However, if air conditioning is installed and needs repair, the appraiser must prepare the appraisal subject to repair by a licensed HVAC contractor. In mild climates, heating itself may not be required (Topic 23b).
Does VA Require Appliances?
VA does not require specific appliances. The appraiser does not perform operational checks of mechanical systems or appliances (Ch. 12, Topic 1b). However, the property must have permanently installed heating (Topic 23a) and a continuous supply of safe potable water including hot water (Topic 15a).
Can a VA Loan Buy a Fixer-Upper?
A VA loan can finance a property that needs work, but the property must meet MPRs before the VA will guarantee the loan. If the appraiser flags conditions, they must be repaired before closing or handled through a waiver (Topic 43) or escrow holdback (Topic 43e). Properties with extensive deficiencies that cannot be resolved before closing may not be feasible with VA financing.