source:
  type: guide
  id: va-m26-7-ch12-t14
  authority: VA Lenders Handbook (VA Pamphlet 26-7), Chapter 12, Topic 14 — Utilities
  description: VA Lenders Handbook (VA Pamphlet 26-7), Chapter 12, Topic 14 — Utilities.
  coverage_tier: operative
obligations:
- id: va-m26-7-ch12-t14-full
  canonical_id: va-m26-7-ch12-t14-full
  section: VA Lenders Handbook (VA Pamphlet 26-7), Chapter 12, Topic 14 — Utilities
  type: do
  tags:
  - regulator-direct
  - va
  - va-handbook
  - corpus-expansion
  - tier-operative
  primary_source:
    tier: 1
    authority: VA Lenders Handbook (VA Pamphlet 26-7), Chapter 12, Topic 14 — Utilities
    source_class: va-handbook
    source_url: https://www.benefits.va.gov/warms/pam26_7.asp
    snapshot_id: 824171a914866a59
    fetched_at: '2026-05-23T01:53:53Z'
    content_hash: sha256:71efd8bb39bb5596ad194f1b13e6f979cfa1afbf5566e897e26836fc1ab0429e
    paragraph_quote: '14. Utilities Change Date March 28, 2019 • This chapter has
      been revised in its entirety. a. Electricity Each living unit must have electricity
      for lighting and for necessary equipment. b. Appraiser Not Conducting Operational
      Checks Since the appraiser does not perform any operational checks of mechanical
      systems or appliances, the utilities are not required to be turned on when the
      appraiser visits the property. c. Electrical Wires Any visible frayed or exposed
      electrical wires must be repaired. d. Utilities for Living Units Utility services
      must be independent for each living unit, except • units in a two to four-unit
      property may share water, sewer, gas, or electricity as long as there are separate
      service shut-offs for each unit, and • units under separate ownership may share
      connections from the main to the building line when those connections are protected
      by an easement and a maintenance agreement acceptable to VA. e. Access for Maintenance
      and Repair Individual utilities serving one living unit shall not pass over,
      under, or through another living unit unless there is a legal provision for
      a permanent right of access for maintenance and repair of the utilities without
      trespass on adjoining properties. VA Pamphlet 26-7, Revised Chapter 12: Minimum
      Property Requirements 12-20'
  judgment: false
