FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1, Part II — m. Environmental and Safety Hazards (01/24/2022)

FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1, Part II — m. Environmental and Safety Hazards (01/24/2022)

m. Environmental and Safety Hazards (01/24/2022) The Appraiser must report known environmental and safety hazards and adverse conditions that may affect the health and safety of the occupants, the Property’s ability to serve as collateral, and the structural soundness of the improvements. Environmental and safety hazards may include defective lead-based paint, mold, toxic chemicals, radioactive materials, other pollution, hazardous activities, and potential damage to the Structure from soil or other differential ground movements, subsidence, flood, and other hazards. i. Lead-Based Paint (A) Improvements Built Before 1978 The Appraiser must note the condition and location of all defective paint and require repair in compliance with 24 CFR § 200.810(c) and any applicable EPA requirements. The Appraiser must observe all interior and exterior surfaces, including common areas, stairs, deck, porch, railings, windows and doors, for defective paint (cracking, scaling, chipping, peeling, or loose). Exterior surfaces include those surfaces on fences, detached garages, storage sheds, and other outbuildings and appurtenant Structures. (B) Condominium Units Built Before 1978 The Appraiser must observe the interior of the unit, common unit and exterior surfaces and appurtenant Structures of the specific unit being appraised; and address the overall condition, maintenance and appearance of the Condominium Project. The Appraiser must note the condition and location of all defective paint in the unit, common area and exterior, and require repair in compliance with 24 CFR § 200.810(c) and any applicable EPA requirements. ii. Methamphetamine Contaminated Property If the Mortgagee notifies the Appraiser or the Appraiser has evidence that a Property is contaminated by the presence of methamphetamine (meth), either by its manufacture or by consumption, the Appraiser must render the appraisal subject to the Property being certified safe for habitation. If the effective date of the appraisal is prior to certification that the Property (site and dwelling) is safe for habitation, the Appraiser will complete the appraisal subject to certification that the Property is safe for habitation. If the effective date of the appraisal is after certification that the Property (site and dwelling) is safe for habitation, and the Mortgagee has provided a copy of the certification by the certified hygienist, the Appraiser must include a copy of the certification in the appraisal report. II. ORIGINATION THROUGH POST-CLOSING/ENDORSEMENT D. Appraiser and Property Requirements for Title II Forward and Reverse Mortgages 3. Acceptable Reporting Forms and Protocols (04/10/2025) Handbook 4000.1 835 Last Revised: 11/26/2025 The Appraiser must analyze and report any long-term stigma caused by the Property’s contamination by meth and the impact on value or marketability. iii. Wood Destroying Insects/Organisms/Termites The Appraiser must observe the foundation and perimeter of the buildings for evidence of wood destroying pests. The Appraiser’s observation is not required to be at the same level as a qualified pest control specialist. If there is evidence or notification of infestation, including a prior treatment, the Appraiser must mark the evidence of infestation box in the “Improvements” section of the appraisal and make the appraisal subject to inspection by a qualified pest control specialist.

Source: FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1, Part II — m. Environmental and Safety Hazards (01/24/2022) · source URL · snapshot 8c03836f77f317e1