VA Rules on Minimum Property Requirements

In the past, we have discussed situations where the Department of Veterans Affairs might waive its minimum property requirements. But some requirements cannot be waived because they directly affect the health or safety of anyone who might live in the home.

House hunters applying for a VA home loan won’t be approved for a loan on any property that doesn’t meet basic VA minimum property requirements in these areas.

According to the VA rules, properties evaluated by a VA appraiser must be free of hazards and defects. Any issue that could effect the health of the future owners must be addressed. Below are some of the most common issues that potential home owners may not consider to be factors of minimum property requirements, the issues aren’t as obvious as you might think.

Foundation
Foundation problems are a deciding factor when considering minimum property requirements. Foundation issues can be common in states like Texas, and violate the VA’s minimum property requirements.

Dampness
Excessive dampness is another issue. In Louisiana, some dampness might be expected based on humidity factors and other issues. But too much dampness is a potential structural hazard and won’t pass VA requirements.

Drainage
VA rules state that in order to be approved for a VA home loan, a property must be properly graded so the home has, “positive, rapid drainage away from the perimeter walls of the dwelling, and prevents ponding of water on the site.”

All these areas directly affect the future value of the property as well as the health and safety of the occupants. VA rules are designed to protect the investment, but they are also set up to protect the buyer from unsafe or unsanitary conditions they shouldn’t have to deal with in a new home.