Windows on Older Homes: Do They Meet FHA Requirements?
When it comes to purchasing an older home with an FHA loan, certain property requirements need to be met for the loan to be approved. A question that recently crossed my mind during an appraisal for an FHA loan was whether windows in older homes need to be operable to meet FHA standards. After all, older homes often come with a charming, yet aged set of windows, which may be difficult to open or, in some cases, may not open at all. So, do windows need to be able to open to qualify for an FHA loan? Here's what I found.
The FHA Loan Window Question
The house in question was built nearly 100 years ago, and while the structure had been updated, the windows remained, possibly the original wooden windows. Some of them required extra effort to open, while others were completely inoperable. As I observed this, I couldn't help but wonder: Is it a requirement for windows to open to meet FHA standards for a loan?
Of course, when I don't know the answer, I go straight to the source. The FHA Guidelines Handbook 4000.1 was my first stop, but I didn’t find any specific guidance on this issue. When that happens, my next step is always to reach out directly to the FHA.
Calling FHA for Clarity
I called the FHA Resource Center at their official number: (800) 225-5342. If you've never used this number, it's easy to remember: 800-CALL-FHA. More often than not, the person on the line will try to provide an answer right away, but when the information isn't readily available, they will ask for your contact details and promise to get back to you within two business days.
In this case, I didn’t have to wait long. Less than 24 hours later, I received a response.
The FHA Response
The response from the FHA was clear:
"A window that will not open is not the result of normal wear and tear and would present a health and safety issue if an occupant could not escape out of the window. In addition, it is an inoperable and damaged component of the dwelling and therefore does not meet HUD requirements as a cosmetic repair and would be a required repair to meet HUD Minimum Property Requirements (MPR) for existing dwellings and HUD Minimum Property Standards (MPS) for new construction.
If the window is designed to open but can't or won't open, then it would be a required repair to meet HUD Minimum Property Requirements."
What This Means for Homebuyers
The bottom line is this: Windows must be operable for an FHA loan. If a window is meant to open but can't or won’t, it doesn’t meet the FHA's minimum property requirements. This is considered a health and safety issue, as a window that cannot open could potentially prevent someone from escaping during an emergency.
It's important to note that the FHA considers this type of repair necessary—not simply a cosmetic fix. If you're looking to purchase an older home with windows that are not operable, you should be prepared for the possibility of required repairs before securing your loan.
A Final Thought
In the world of real estate, it's easy to overlook small details, especially when dealing with homes that have stood the test of time. But in the case of older windows, it's clear that FHA guidelines prioritize safety above all else. Whether you're buying or selling, knowing these requirements upfront can save time and avoid confusion down the road.
Thank you to the FHA Resource Center for providing clarity on this issue. It's always great to have direct access to answers when it comes to understanding the finer details of FHA loan guidelines.
So, next time you're dealing with an older home and its windows, remember: if they don’t open, they may need to be fixed before that loan can be finalized!
Disclaimer: FHA requirements can vary from zip code to zip codes. Please check local guidelines for clarification.
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