Boarded up windows

[Tom O'Malley]

I have a rehabbed home that has a couple windows boarded up. There are new windows behind them but it was boarded for security purposes in a rougher neighborhood. Do I need to require the boards to be removed?

 

[Mr Rex]

Yep

7654321

 

[CANative]

1234567

Why?

 

[Mr Rex]

Why not?

10 9 8

 

[Michael Tipton]

Bedrooms typically offer a least two egress options in case of fire, etc. Directly thru a window to the exteroir and via door thru the dwelling. Boarded windows restrict/remove an egress option resulting in a safety issue for the subject.

 

[CANative]

Depends on how they're boarded up.

The windows that are installed (presumably) function as designed. This is America and people can enjoy they're property as they see fit. I wouldn't hestitate to include photos and report that some of the windows have boards over them. But condition the appraisal on their removal? They can just put them back up before I get out the driveway.

 

[CANative]

Why not?

10 9 8

Did you know that "why not" is the most perfect or technically correct answer to the one word sentence "why?"

 

[dobie]

I am not an FHA expert by any means. But removing the boarding might conflict with the requirements of the property insurer vis a vis vacant properties. This used to be the case (maybe not anymore).

 

[Mountain Man]

oops, wrong string.

 

[Michael Tipton]

Inadequate access/egress from bedrooms to exterior of home is the first ltem listed as a risk to the health and safety of the occupants that will require automatic repairs for existing properties per Mortgagee Letter 2005-48.