FHA Minimum Property Requirements pre-check

Walk the property through the MPRs from HUD Handbook 4000.1, Section II.D.3 before ordering the appraisal. The summary lists likely conditions and section references for everything flagged.

For the underlying rule text and the most common deal-killers, see the full FHA appraisal requirements guide.

Property year built

Pre-1978 properties trigger HUD's lead-based paint disclosure and stabilization rules. This affects which checklist items apply.

Structural soundness

Foundation appears free of significant cracks or settling
Hairline cracks may be acceptable; structural cracks or active settling typically trigger conditions · HUD 4000.1, Section II.D.3
Roof has at least two years of remaining life expectancy
Below the threshold, expect a roof certification or repair condition · HUD 4000.1, Section II.D.3
Roof prevents moisture penetration (no active leaks or staining)
Visible leaks or interior water staining are nearly always cited · HUD 4000.1, Section II.D.3
Site drains adequately away from the structure
Negative grading, ponding, or roof runoff toward the foundation will be cited · HUD 4000.1, Section II.D.3
No evidence of termite damage or active infestation
Active infestation almost always requires treatment + a clearance letter · HUD 4000.1, Section II.D.3

Mechanical systems

Heating system functions and can heat living areas to at least 50°F automatically
Per HUD 4000.1 Chapter 13; portable space heaters do not count · HUD 4000.1, Chapter 13
Electrical system is safe (no exposed wiring, missing covers, or overloaded panel)
Knob-and-tube and aluminum branch wiring may also trigger additional review · HUD 4000.1, Section II.D.3
Plumbing is free of leaks and has adequate water pressure
Drips under sinks and slow pressure are commonly cited · HUD 4000.1, Section II.D.3
Functional hot water supply is present
Missing or non-functional water heater is a hard fail · HUD 4000.1, Section II.D.3

Health and safety

If pre-1978: paint is in stable condition (no peeling, chipping, or deteriorating surfaces)
Stable means intact - no peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking, regardless of repaint history · HUD 4000.1, Section II.D.3 (lead-based paint)
Handrails are present on every set of stairs with more than three risers
One of the most common cited findings; cheap to fix but holds up closing · HUD 4000.1, Section II.D.3
Attic and crawl spaces have adequate ventilation
Blocked vents or absent ventilation are commonly cited · HUD 4000.1, Section II.D.3
No standing water in basement or crawl space
Standing water or waterline staining triggers further investigation · HUD 4000.1, Section II.D.3

Common deal-killers

All built-in appliances (oven, range, dishwasher) are operational
Simplest fix when one is broken: remove it entirely rather than repair · HUD 4000.1, Section II.D.3
No evidence of recent water damage or moisture intrusion (interior or exterior)
Active leaks or staining typically demand further investigation, adding time and cost · HUD 4000.1, Section II.D.3

0 of 15 items reviewed

How this tool works. The checklist is a deterministic mapping of the MPR categories (structural soundness, mechanical systems, health and safety, plus the most common deal-killers) to HUD Handbook 4000.1 Section II.D.3 and Chapter 13. It does not replace the appraiser's judgment; FHA appraisers may flag conditions outside these categories, and minor findings may be cleared with documentation rather than repair.

This tool is a pre-appraisal screen, not a substitute for the FHA appraisal itself. Use it to spot obvious red flags from listing photos, property disclosures, or prior inspection reports.

Loanwright is for organizational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Terms of Service