FHA requires properties meet minimum standards for safety, security, and soundness. These requirements protect both buyers and lenders by ensuring homes are habitable and maintain value.
Foundation must be solid without major cracks or settlement. Walls, floors, and ceilings structurally sound. No sagging rooflines or visible structural damage.
Nevada-Specific:
Desert settlement common in Las Vegas – minor cracks okay, major structural issues fail appraisal
Roof must have minimum 3 years remaining life. No missing shingles, holes, or water damage. Properly installed flashing around vents and chimneys.
Nevada-Specific:
Intense sun exposure degrades roofs faster – expect stricter scrutiny on older roofs in Las Vegas/Reno
All plumbing functional with no leaks. Hot water heater operational and properly installed. Adequate water pressure throughout home. Septic systems must be certified if applicable.
Nevada-Specific:
Hard water issues common – ensure water heater shows no major corrosion or failure signs
Wiring must be safe and functional. Electrical panel properly labeled. GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, garages. No exposed wiring or fire hazards.
Nevada-Specific:
Older Las Vegas homes may have aluminum wiring – may require inspection or remediation
Heating and cooling systems must be operational. Adequate for home size and climate. Properly maintained with filters accessible. Evaporative coolers acceptable if functional.
Nevada-Specific:
Working AC essential in Las Vegas/Henderson – non-functional AC in summer heat may fail FHA appraisal
Homes built before 1978: peeling or chipping paint must be remediated. Lead paint disclosure required. Testing may be required if deteriorating paint present.
Nevada-Specific:
Many older Vegas/Reno homes pre-1978 – inspect carefully for peeling exterior paint
Safe access to and from all rooms. Bedrooms require proper egress windows. Stairs with handrails. No trip hazards or unsafe conditions blocking exits.
Common Issue:
Converted garages without proper egress windows fail FHA – must add window or remove bedroom designation
No exposed hazards like broken glass, protruding nails, missing stair treads. Pools must be fenced properly. Handrails on stairs. Smoke detectors functional.
Nevada-Specific:
Pool fencing mandatory – common issue in Las Vegas homes with pools lacking proper barriers
Proper grading directing water away from foundation. Functioning gutters and downspouts. No standing water or drainage issues causing foundation problems.
Nevada-Specific:
Flash floods in valley areas – ensure drainage prevents water pooling near foundation
FHA appraisal determines property value and ensures minimum property standards are met (required by lender). Home inspection is optional but recommended – provides detailed assessment of property condition for buyer's knowledge. Appraisers examine MPRs; inspectors examine everything in detail.
FHA Appraisal
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These issues frequently appear in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno FHA appraisals. Addressing them before appraisal prevents delays.
Non-Functional HVAC Systems
In Nevada's extreme heat, broken air conditioning fails FHA appraisal. Must be operational and adequately cool home. Repair or replacement required before closing.
Peeling Exterior Paint (Pre-1978 Homes)
Lead paint hazard on older homes. Peeling, chipping, or flaking paint on exterior surfaces must be scraped and repainted. Common in sun-damaged Vegas properties.
Roof Damage or Short Remaining Life
Roofs with less than 3 years life, missing shingles, or visible damage fail. Nevada's intense sun degrades roofs faster – older roofs scrutinized heavily.
Unfenced Pools
Nevada law requires pool barriers. FHA demands compliant fencing with self-closing/latching gates. Very common issue in Las Vegas/Henderson homes with pools.
Water Heater Issues
Corroded, leaking, or improperly installed water heaters fail. Must be strapped to wall (earthquake safety). Hard water in Nevada causes premature water heater failure.
Garage Conversions Without Permits
Unpermitted conversions to living space fail FHA. Must either legalize with permits or remove improvements. Common in older Las Vegas neighborhoods.
Pre-Appraisal Home Inspection
Order inspection before appraisal to identify issues. Fix problems proactively. Prevents appraisal delays and seller negotiation leverage.
Test All Systems
Run AC, heating, check water pressure, test electrical outlets. Ensure everything functional before appraiser arrives. Replace burnt bulbs, fix leaky faucets.
Walk Property Exterior
Check for peeling paint, broken windows, damaged siding. Ensure gutters attached, downspouts functional. Remove debris, fix obvious safety hazards.
Document Recent Repairs
Gather receipts for roof replacement, HVAC service, water heater, etc. Provide to appraiser showing maintenance and improvements made.
Clean & Accessible
Ensure appraiser can access attic, crawl space, electrical panel, water heater. Clear clutter. Clean property makes better impression.
Review Comparable Sales
Research recent sales in neighborhood. Provide list of quality comps to appraiser (especially if concerned about value). Support higher value if needed.
Failed appraisal doesn't kill the deal – it creates required repairs. Appraiser lists deficiencies in "subject to" conditions. Repairs must be completed and re-inspected before FHA loan can close.
Negotiate Repairs
Request seller complete repairs or reduce price. Common with older Nevada homes needing updates.
Complete Repairs
Seller or buyer arranges repairs. Contractor provides completion certification and receipts to lender.
Re-Inspection
Appraiser returns (or reviews photos) confirming repairs completed. Clears conditions, loan proceeds to closing.
Have questions about FHA appraisal requirements?
Talk to an FHA SpecialistFHA appraisers evaluate properties against strict safety, security, and soundness standards. Here's what they look for in Nevada homes.
Foundation must be sound with no major cracks, settling, or structural damage. Walls, floors, ceilings structurally stable.
Roof must have at least 2-3 years of remaining life. No missing shingles, leaks, or structural damage.
Heating and cooling systems must be operational and adequate for Nevada climate (critical in Las Vegas heat).
Electrical system must be safe, grounded, and adequate for property. No exposed wiring or hazards.
All plumbing must function properly with hot/cold running water, working drains, and no major leaks.
Property must have safe entry/exit paths. Bedrooms require proper egress windows for fire safety.
Nevada's desert climate presents unique challenges FHA appraisers evaluate closely. Las Vegas and Reno homes face extreme heat, requiring functional AC year-round. Desert landscaping and pool maintenance affect property condition. Older Las Vegas homes (1980s-90s) may have outdated electrical/plumbing requiring updates.
🌡️ Working AC Required
Non-functional AC in Nevada summer = failed appraisal
🏊 Pool Safety
Pools must have proper fencing/barriers per NV code
🌵 Desert Landscaping
Yard must be maintained, no excessive weeds/hazards
🏠 HOA Approval
Condo/townhome projects need FHA approval status
Understanding FHA appraisal requirements prevents Nevada home purchase delays. Learn Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs), what FHA appraisers examine, common issues in Las Vegas and Reno homes, and how to prepare your property.
Safety Standards
MPR Compliance
Repair Options
What Appraisers Examine
Edited and reviewed by CEO Vatche Saatdjian — 30+ years of experience — Expert on FHA appraisal requirements
FHA appraisers aren't looking for dream homes—they're verifying the property is safe, sound, and sanitary for Nevada buyers. Most homes pass. Here's what they actually check and how to prepare.
Desert climate issues: AC functionality (required in Nevada), pool safety barriers, desert landscaping drainage, and HOA approval for common FHA purchases.
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Nevada Minimum Property Requirements
Safe & Sound Structure
Roof, foundation, walls intact
Working Systems
HVAC, plumbing, electrical functional
Safe Access
No hazards, proper egress routes
Clean & Sanitary
No health hazards or contamination
Market Value Supported
Comparable sales justify price
Complete guide to FHA appraisal requirements and Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) for Nevada homes. Learn what FHA appraisers look for, common issues that fail FHA appraisal, how to prepare your Las Vegas or Reno property, and what happens if repairs are needed.
Safety Standards
Property Value
Repair Guidance
FHA Minimum Property Requirements
Complete guide to FHA appraisal requirements and Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) for Nevada homes. Learn what FHA appraisers look for, common issues that fail FHA appraisal, how to prepare your Las Vegas or Reno property, and what happens if repairs are needed.
Property Safety
MPR Standards
Repair Process
FHA Appraisal Standards