FHA Appraisal NJ: Do handrails need to be installed or not?

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

Our inspection went well and we moved on to ordering the appraisal, however, I have read some conflicting reports on whether hand rails are necessary for FHA. The article below (updated this year) says that FHA relaxed their guidelines and handrails are not something that has to be fixed before closing. We asked the sellers to fix for us and they instead gave us a credit for repairs that will come off closing, I dont want to spend money on the house if its not ours yet.

What do I do?

https://www.thebalance.com/fha-repair-requirements-and-guidelines-for-fha-loans-1798426

[NC_Mtg_Loaner]

Handrails are required if there are 3 or more steps, but i'm not an appraiser.

[JVille]

Just say no. You want it corrected. Your realtor should be going to battle for you.