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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 found: Fannie Mae treats cracked window glass as a minor maintenance issue that typically results from normal wear and tear—the same category as things like worn carpet or holes in screens. Because it's considered minor, the lender doesn't have to require the borrower to fix it before the loan closes, though the lender can choose to set aside money in an escrow account to cover the repair if it wants to. The FHA guidelines, by contrast, specifically list replacement of cracked or broken glass as one of the window repair items that must be described in detail when a rehabilitation loan (203k) is being planned, including documentation of costs per window. The appraisal standards don't separately flag cracked glass as a structural or safety deficiency that would require the appraisal to be marked "subject to" repairs before the loan can be sold.
Straight from HUD/FHA Single Family Handbook 4000.1, Fannie Mae Selling Guide, and UAD 3.6/URAR — nothing added.
Here's what we found: Fannie Mae treats cracked window glass as a minor maintenance issue that typically results from normal wear and tear—the same category as things like worn carpet or holes in screens. Because it's considered minor, the lender doesn't have to require the borrower to fix it before the loan closes, though the lender can choose to set aside money in an escrow account to cover the repair if it wants to. The FHA guidelines, by contrast, specifically list replacement of cracked or broken glass as one of the window repair items that must be described in detail when a rehabilitation loan (203k) is being planned, including documentation of costs per window. The appraisal standards don't separately flag cracked glass as a structural or safety deficiency that would require the appraisal to be marked "subject to" repairs before the loan can be sold.
Straight from HUD/FHA Single Family Handbook 4000.1, Fannie Mae Selling Guide, and UAD 3.6/URAR — nothing added.
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→ HUD FHA 4000.1 Single Family Housing Policy Handbook (Chief Appraiser Document Library)
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© 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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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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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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evaluate and determine if any additional course of action is required to comply with Fannie Mae's safety, soundness, and structural integrity requirements. Minor conditions and…
Fannie Mae Selling Guide · Selling Guide - 06-03-2026.pdf · Page 565
· View at official source (selling-guide.fanniemae.com) →
evaluate and determine if any additional course of action is required to comply with Fannie Mae's safety, soundness, and structural integrity requirements. Minor conditions and deferred maintenance items include, but are not limited to, worn floor finishes or carpet, minor plumbing leaks, holes in window screens, missing handrails, or cracked window glass and are typically due to normal wear and tear. The lender is not required to ensure that the borrower has had these items repaired prior to sale of the loan to Fannie Mae when the appraisal is completed "as-is." If there are minor conditions or deferred maintenance items to be remedied or completed after closing, the lender may escrow for these items at its own discretion and still