VA Loans Now Require Termite Inspections in More States — What You Need to Know

VA Home Loans termite requirement

If you’re using a VA loan to buy a home, there’s a new requirement that could impact your transaction: termite (wood-destroying insect) inspections are now mandatory in many more states.

As of this update, entire states that now require a wood-destroying insect (WDI) inspection for VA loans include:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, The District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

What This Means for VA Buyers and Sellers

If you’re purchasing a home in any of these states using a VA loan, a termite inspection is no longer optional — it’s required. Even if the home doesn’t show signs of pest damage, a qualified inspector must complete and submit a report as part of the VA appraisal process.

This helps protect VA buyers from unexpected repair costs and ensures the property is structurally sound and safe.

Only Certain Counties Require Inspections in These States

For the following states, termite inspections are only required in specific counties:

Michigan:

Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Hillsdale, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Mason, Monroe, Muskegon, Oakland, Oceana, Ottawa, St. Clair, St. Joseph, VanBuren, Washtenaw, Wayne

New Hampshire:

Cheshire, Sullivan, Merrimack, Rockingham, Belknap, Hillsborough, Strafford

New York:

Bronx, Broome, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester

Vermont:

Bennington, Windham

Wisconsin:

Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Kenosha, Lafayette, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha

Puerto Rico:

Termite inspection is required if any part of the property (including carports, terraces, etc.) is or will be constructed of wood not pressure-treated in accordance with American Wood Preservers Institute (A.W.P.I.) standards.

Who Pays for the Inspection?

In most cases, VA buyers are now allowed to pay for the termite inspection — a change from previous rules. However, depending on your lender and local regulations, the seller may still be responsible. Be sure to talk to your lender or real estate agent for guidance.

Need help navigating VA loan requirements?
Whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing with a VA loan, we’re here to help make the process smooth and stress-free. Reach out to our team today for personalized guidance!