Are straps required for hot water heaters for FHA?

[65076507]

The AMC (not even the lender) tells me there are no straps on the hot water heater and therefore does not meet FHA/HUD requirements.

the subject is a 1997 colonial with market value of $550,000. Nice house in nice area. Unless this is a new requirement, I am unaware of the hot water heater needing straps per FHA/HUD. I do not see this even being a health/safety issue. how should I respond to the stip? I know straps are used to prevent the heave hwh from falling over and hurting someone or possibly snapping a gas line. i get it. but I do not think it is a FHA/HUD issue. any thoughts?

 

[Mike Kennedy]

1. HUD FHA HOC Reference Guide Water Heaters
   
   
   portal.HUD.gov/hudportal/HUD/program_offices/housing/sfh/... CachedWater Heaters. Chapter 1 Appraisal & Property Requirements Page 1-27. ... Federal Housing Administration . Insuring More Than 40 Million Mortgages Since 1934:
   
2. quick water heater strap question- FHA/HUD and VA ...
   
   
   appraisersforum.com/showthread.php?p=1963597 Cached... FHA/HUD and VA. Talk about quick water heater strap question ... Water Heaters Chapter 1 Appraisal ... I found out all about straps on water heaters while ...
   

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Ask them to provide the documentation from FHA/HUD

 

[RSW]

Water heaters are to be up to code. Straps are required only if code requires them. Look in the HOC reference guide for water heaters.

 

[Bob Ipock]

Only cold water heaters need straps.....hot water heaters go strapless.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Are earthquakes a big problem in Maryland?

 

[CANative]

HUD/FHA = MPS or MPR. If something is not in the MPS/MPR then it is not specifically required. You can find the complete list of MPS/MPR at www.HUD.gov - see handbooks 4150.2, 4910.1 or 4905.1.

Water heater straps are not an MPS or MPR. Some states or municipalities DO have this requirement. It is the appraisers responsibility to know the local laws.

 

[Restrain]

This is primarily a CA issue due to earthquake regs. Had a CA UW come back about HWH straps here in Texas, explained that the only straps were on HWHs in mfg homes during transit.

 

[Atlanta CG]

USPAP - Thank you for starting my day with a laugh. Better than the first cup of coffee.

 

[Mountain Man]

It's not a MPR, it's a local code issue and mostly a CA thing because of earthquakes.
However, I do understand that hot water heaters cost more than the standard water heaters. So be sure to include the additional cost in the cost approach.