FHA with no scuttle still meets MPS?

[Sarge]

I know there is no requirement to cut holes to create a scuttle or any access for the attic however, lenders (at least the one's I deal with) all require a statement that the subject meet the MPS as outlined in HUD 4000.1. My question is, if there is no access to the attic, does it still meet MPS? I called FHA and did not get an answer.

 

[andrew81]

yes

 

[CANative]

Did you check to see if there is an exterior hatch or door (like under the roof pitch?

Not sure why you would call the hot line on this. It's right in the 4000.1

k. Attic Observation Requirements

The Appraiser must observe the interiors of attic spaces.



The Appraiser is not required to disturb insulation, move personal items, furniture, equipment or debris that obstructs access or visibility. If unable to view the area safely in their entirety, the Appraiser must contact the Mortgagee and reschedule a time when a complete visual observation can be performed, or complete the appraisal subject to inspection by a qualified third party. In cases where access through a scuttle is limited and the Appraiser cannot fully enter the attic, the insertion of at least the head and shoulders of the Appraiser will suffice.



If there is evidence of a deficient condition (such as a water-stained ceiling, insufficient ventilation, or smell of mold), the Appraiser must report this condition, and render the appraisal subject to inspection and repairs if necessary.



If there is no access or scuttle, the Appraiser must report the lack of accessibility to the area in the appraisal report. There is no requirement to cut open walls, ceilings or floors.



An observation performed in accordance with these guidelines is visual and is not technically exhaustive.

So if there is access go in. If access is limited, head and shoulders. If there is access but you can't get in, condition the report on reinspection at a time when access is available. No access at all, report it.

 

[Sarge]

Understand and I saw all of that. It just seems odds that it is a requirement to inspect the interiors of the attic however, if there is no access (which is unusual in this part of Texas, maybe it's common where you are) then just say so on the report, mark it as it meets MPS and move on. Then why the hell are we doing this anyways. The big question was does it meet MPS without the access. Someone could essentially just seal it and not worry about it.

 

[J Grant]

just write and describe attempts made to access and that there was no access - they should accept that. ( they did when I had that situatin this year in a property, I photographed blocked access and included photo in the report )

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

Most HUD code manufactured homes have no attic access, but they are eligible for FHA financing.

 

[CANative]

Understand and I saw all of that. It just seems odds that it is a requirement to inspect the interiors of the attic however, if there is no access (which is unusual in this part of Texas, maybe it's common where you are) then just say so on the report, mark it as it meets MPS and move on. Then why the hell are we doing this anyways. The big question was does it meet MPS without the access. Someone could essentially just seal it and not worry about it.

The thing about FHA assignments (that makes them easier than other mortgage type assignments) is that you don't have to wonder why. If that's their protocol, as published, then that's what you do.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

is that you don't have to wonder why. If that's their protocol, as published, then that's what you do.

So ours is not to wonder why,
ours is but to do or die?

No grazi.

 

[Tom D]

same thing with no access to a crawl space. mention it, the say the houses meets the requirements of handbook 4000.1. i have never used the words 'mps'. i will say that some lenders are anal about some of these items, and how you word them. if HUD says house can pass without an access to the attic, or crawl space, then house has met the mps. however, underwriting can ask for more than the minimum.
my minimum is, if you aggravate me more than 1 time, you have not meet my requirements for being a good client.

 

[CANative]

i have never used the words 'mps'.

My question is, if there is no access to the attic, does it still meet MPS?

MPS - Minimum Property Standards is for proposed or new (less than 12 months) construction and addresses regulatory requirements (this is where building codes and rules come in)

MPR - Minimum Property Requirements is for existing (more than 12 months) construction.

I believe the OP must have misspoke when asking about MPS (unless it was a new house.)