Central AC/Heat

[melemel]

Does the subject property have to have central ac/heat in order to go FHA. It is an older home in New Orelans and there are plenty of comps with out also. It was just how they were built. In a Historic District where homes are 100+ in age. Thanks in advance.

 

[Don Clark]

I love to visit New Orleans so I will be gentle with you. But, it pays to read the handbook(4150.2 as well as the Mortgagee Letter 2005-34, all available from the HUD web site.

Chapter 3, page 14 in the Handbook:

Heating must be adequate for healthful and comfortable living.

Dwellings that use wood-burning stoves or solar systems as a primary heat source must have permanently installed conventional heating systems that can maintain a temperature of at least 50 degrees F. in areas containing plumbing systems. These systems must be installed in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.

There is more but you should read it for yourself. FHA has never required central air. In New Orleans, unless there is a time period I am unaware of when it actually gets cold, I would suggest that Electric Base Board heat, or other systems that are permanently installed. Hope this helps.

 

[melemel]

I have read it. Was just lookinging for input. Thanks.

 

[incognito]

Though I can not quote off hand the source, the heat must be permanently installed: IE Real Estate (so a plugged in space heater or window unit does not qualify) and if the fuel source is gas, it must be vented to the exterior.

 

[ZZGAMAZZ]

What if the improvements are newer, circa 1985, in a moderate climate--Southern California, for the sake of discussion--and included central HVAC that has been stolen from the REO property.

In this scenario the systems aren't absolutely necessary to maintain a reasonable year-round temperature, but they are integral to properties of this date/quality of construction.

Would this be considered as failing to meet MPS?

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

What if the improvements are newer, circa 1985, in a moderate climate--Southern California, for the sake of discussion--and included central HVAC that has been stolen from the REO property.

In this scenario the systems aren't absolutely necessary to maintain a reasonable year-round temperature, but they are integral to properties of this date/quality of construction.

Would this be considered as failing to meet MPS?

If the furnace and AC units were stolen, I don't guess they put in a wall furnace or anything. So you've got no permanent heat source. Fails any test I'd say.

 

[Mike Boyd]

What if the improvements are newer, circa 1985, in a moderate climate--Southern California, for the sake of discussion--and included central HVAC that has been stolen from the REO property.

In this scenario the systems aren't absolutely necessary to maintain a reasonable year-round temperature, but they are integral to properties of this date/quality of construction.

Would this be considered as failing to meet MPS?

Stolen equipment is preferred......but not required. LOL

There are no specific heating systems recommended as long as it is permantly installed and does the job as outlined by Don. Cooling is not required.