If you’re looking to purchase a home using a VA loan, you should be aware of the VA’s minimum property requirements (MPRs). These requirements ensure borrowers are buying a safe, sound, and sanitary home, including the roof.
VA loan minimum property requirements (MPRs) include guidance about the condition of the roof in general terms. The MPRs for the roof can be found in VA Pamphlet 26-7, Chapter 12.
Rules under the section of Chapter 12 titled, “Roof Covering” are very brief, stating:
“The roof covering must prevent entrance of moisture, and provide reasonable future utility, durability, and economy of maintenance. When a defective roof with three or more layers of shingles must be replaced, all old shingles must first be removed.”
Although those are the VA’s requirements, they are certainly not the only standards that apply. MPRs do not attempt to create an exhaustive list of all defective conditions or problems that the roof covering might have. Instead, state and local building codes usually have a great deal to say about roof issues.
Borrowers who need information about code compliance issues will need to consult the local authority.
The Department of Veterans Affairs does not have a list of all the building codes that may apply. Additionally, borrowers should know that VA loan rules never take precedence over or above federal, state or local law.
VA minimum property requirements are just that — the minimum. The building code issues would apply above and beyond any VA mortgage loan standards that may apply.
If the property does not pass the VA appraisal process because of roof issues, the appraiser may recommend fixes or repairs that would make the property eligible for a VA mortgage loan. If the roof is not brought up to the VA appraisal’s standards, the loan won’t go through.
