Does FHA allow flat roofs?
as I recall, FHA DID insure them - there was just an automatic roof inspection attached because the roof was un-observable. I don't think the 'automatic' part of that requirement exists any longer. Roof inspection is only required if the appraiser believes the roof may be failing.
I think the requirement which was changed was to call for inspection of flat or any unobservable roof. No longer applies
you have to word it very specifically:
THE FLAT ROOF AREA COULD NOT ADEQUATELY BE OBSERVED VISUALLY. NO LEAKS WERE NOTED INSIDE THE DWELLING.
FHA Mortgage letter dated December 19, 2005.
MORTGAGEE LETTER 2005- ML-48
FHA Repair and Inspection Requirements for existing properties and revisions to FHA Appraisal Protocol
FHA no longer mandates automatic inspections for the following items and/or conditions in existing properties:
- Flat and/or unobservable roof
...
This is an exact copy and paste of the roof covering requirement from the latest handbook released 10/31/2023. Section last updated 2015.
g. Roof Covering (09/14/2015)
The Appraiser must notify the Mortgagee of the deficiency of MPR or MPS if the roof
covering does not prevent entrance of moisture or provide reasonable future utility, durability
and economy of maintenance and does not have a remaining physical life of at least two
years.
The Appraiser must observe the roof to determine whether there are deficiencies that present
a health and safety hazard or do not allow for reasonable future utility. The Appraiser must
identify the roofing material type and the condition observed in the “Improvements” section
of the report.
The Appraiser must report if the roof has less than two years of remaining life, and make the
appraisal subject to inspection by a professional roofer.
When the Appraiser is unable to view the roof, the Appraiser must explain why the roof is
unobservable and report the results of the assessment of the underside of the roof, the attic,
and the ceilings.
