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Reading the actual guideline text below — never a general AI guess
What the Guidelines Say About Cracked Windows
Here's what we're seeing in these guidelines: Fannie Mae classifies cracked window glass as a minor condition that typically results from normal wear and tear, meaning the lender doesn't have to require the borrower to fix it before the loan closes. Meanwhile, HUD/FHA's 203(k) program (used for rehab loans) specifically lists replacement of cracked or broken glass as one of the window repairs that should be described in detail when planning renovation work. So the key difference is context—a cracked window in an "as-is" appraisal is considered minor maintenance, but if you're doing a 203(k) rehab project, that crack should be documented as part of the repair scope and cost estimate.
Straight from HUD/FHA Single Family Handbook 4000.1 and Fannie Mae Selling Guide — nothing added.
Here's what we're seeing in these guidelines: Fannie Mae classifies cracked window glass as a minor condition that typically results from normal wear and tear, meaning the lender doesn't have to require the borrower to fix it before the loan closes. Meanwhile, HUD/FHA's 203(k) program (used for rehab loans) specifically lists replacement of cracked or broken glass as one of the window repairs that should be described in detail when planning renovation work. So the key difference is context—a cracked window in an "as-is" appraisal is considered minor maintenance, but if you're doing a 203(k) rehab project, that crack should be documented as part of the repair scope and cost estimate.
Straight from HUD/FHA Single Family Handbook 4000.1 and Fannie Mae Selling Guide — nothing added.
Read the actual document:
→ Handbook 4000.1 - Defective Paint Section (official agency copy)
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See the full HUD/FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1 (full handbook) →
© Copyright Notice: © 2026 Fannie Mae. Excerpts shown for research and reference only. Full document available at selling-guide.fanniemae.com. Reproduction restricted to Fannie Mae-approved lenders.
© Copyright Notice: © Fannie Mae. UAD 3.6 / URAR reference materials shown for research and reference only. Full documents available at fanniemae.com/uad. Reproduction restricted per Fannie Mae copyright policy.
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II. ORIGINATION THROUGH POST-CLOSING/ENDORSEMENT A. Title II Insured Housing Programs Forward Mortgages 9. 203(k) Consultant Requirements Handbook 4000.1 502 Effective Date:…
HUD/FHA Single Family Handbook 4000.1 · Handbook_4000.1_-_Defective_Paint_Section.pdf · Page 519
· View at official source (HUD.gov — SFH Handbook 4000.1) →
· Last verified: 2026-10-11
II. ORIGINATION THROUGH POST-CLOSING/ENDORSEMENT A. Title II Insured Housing Programs Forward Mortgages 9. 203(k) Consultant Requirements Handbook 4000.1 502 Effective Date: 09/14/2015 | Last Revised: 08/14/2019 *Refer to the online version of SF Handbook 4000.1 for specific sections’ effective dates 13. Windows. Describe window work to be performed, such as: installation of new metal replacement windows; replacement of rotted or defective sash; replacement of rotted sills at exterior; replacement of basement windows; replacement of cracked/broken glass; replacement of missing glazing putty; repair or replacement of screens; etc. If a particular manufactured window is used, then the Work Write-Up should specify to justify the cost of the windows. Most estimates must be based on per window projections. 14. Weather-stripping. Describe weather-stripping
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A. Title II Insured Housing Programs Forward Mortgages 9. 203(k) Consultant Requirements Handbook 4000.1 526 Last Revised: 8/12/2026 13. Windows. Describe window work to be…
HUD/FHA Single Family Handbook 4000.1 · HUD_FHA_4000.1.pdf · Page 551
· View at official source (HUD.gov — SFH Handbook 4000.1) →
· Last verified: 2026-10-10
A. Title II Insured Housing Programs Forward Mortgages 9. 203(k) Consultant Requirements Handbook 4000.1 526 Last Revised: 8/12/2026 13. Windows. Describe window work to be performed, such as: installation of new metal replacement windows; replacement of rotted or defective sash; replacement of rotted sills at exterior; replacement of basement windows; replacement of cracked/broken glass; replacement of missing glazing putty; repair or replacement of screens; etc. If a particular manufactured window is used, then the Work Write-Up should specify to justify the cost of the windows. Most estimates must be based on per window projections. 14. Weather-stripping. Describe weather-stripping to be performed, such as: installation of new weather-stripping at all exterior doors; weather-strip all windows; install metal interlocking thresholds at exterior
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Minimum Property Requirements 12-38 31. Burglar Bars Change Date March 28, 2019 • This chapter has been revised in its entirety. a. Requirement If a property has burglar bars, at…
VA Lenders Handbook (Pamphlet 26-7) · VA-Lender-Handbook.pdf · Page 449
· View at official source (VA.gov — Appraisers/Staff Appraisal Reviewer) →
Minimum Property Requirements 12-38 31. Burglar Bars Change Date March 28, 2019 • This chapter has been revised in its entirety. a. Requirement If a property has burglar bars, at least one window per bedroom must have a quick-release mechanism, unless there is an exterior door from the bedroom providing rapid egress. b. Removal of Burglar Bars If the appraiser is not able to confirm that quick release mechanisms are in good working order, the appraiser should prepare the appraisal subject to removal of the burglar bars as a safety consideration.