VA Form 26-1839: Compliance Inspection Report Guide

VA Form 26-1839: Compliance Inspection Report Guide – VA Form 26-1839, officially titled the Compliance Inspection Report, is a key document used in specific VA home loan and grant processes. It allows designated compliance inspectors to document construction progress and verify that properties meet the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs).

This form plays a critical role in protecting veterans by ensuring new construction, repairs, alterations, and specially adapted homes comply with VA standards before loan guaranty or grant funds are fully disbursed.

Download VA Form 26-1839: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-26-1839-ARE.pdf

What Is VA Form 26-1839?

VA Form 26-1839 is the official Compliance Inspection Report used by VA-approved fee compliance inspectors. The current version is dated July 2023 and carries OMB Approval No. 2900-0041 (expiration 07/31/2026). It supersedes the September 2020 version.

The form records inspection findings at various stages of construction or modification. It notes whether work complies with approved plans, specifications, and VA Minimum Property Requirements, or identifies any deviations or noncompliance issues.

Purpose of the VA Compliance Inspection Report

The primary purpose of VA Form 26-1839 is to:

  • Determine, establish, or verify a dwelling’s compliance with VA Minimum Property Requirements.
  • Support eligibility for VA loan guaranty on new or proposed construction.
  • Verify stage disbursements for VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants.
  • Document corrections to previously identified issues.
  • Provide VA Valuation Officers with the information needed to approve or require reinspection.

This process helps ensure the property is safe, sound, and sanitary for the veteran borrower or grant recipient.

When Is VA Form 26-1839 Required?

This form is not used for standard existing-home VA loan purchases. Instead, it applies in these situations:

  • New or proposed construction VA loans (one-time close construction-to-permanent loans).
  • Staged inspections during building (typically First, Second, and Third/Final stages).
  • Repairs, alterations, or additions to existing properties.
  • VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant projects involving new construction or major modifications (often three inspections required).

Lenders and VA staff use the completed reports, along with other documents like VA Form 26-1852 (Description of Materials), to monitor progress and release funds appropriately.

Who Completes VA Form 26-1839?

Only VA-designated fee compliance inspectors complete this form. These professionals have no present or prospective interest in the property and must follow strict instructions, including having previous inspection reports, approved plans/specifications, and VA MPR references on hand.

Veterans, builders, or lenders do not fill out VA Form 26-1839 themselves. However, builders and veterans involved in new construction or SAH grants should understand the process to avoid delays.

After the inspector completes and signs the form, a VA Valuation Officer or designee reviews it and certifies approval (or notes any remaining issues).

Key Sections and How to Complete VA Form 26-1839

The form includes these main sections (detailed instructions appear on the form itself):

Heading / Property Identification
Includes VA case number, property address or lot/block number, builder name/address, and lender name/address. The case number and identification must be clearly posted at the job site.

Item 1: Inspection of Onsite Building Improvements
Select the inspection stage:

  • First — Excavation/footings/foundations stage (varies by locality).
  • Second — Enclosed structure with rough-in mechanicals visible.
  • Third — Final stage (all construction, utilities, grading, landscaping, etc., complete per Certificate of Reasonable Value).
  • Reinspection or Special (for repairs/alterations).

Then select the Condition of Construction:

  • A — No evidence of noncompliance observed.
  • B — Substitutions or deviations (change order required if veteran is under contract).
  • C — Noncompliance; builder will comply without delay.
  • D — Noncompliance; builder does not intend to comply.
  • E — Dwelling habitable, but some improvements delayed beyond control (estimated cost and completion date required).

List specific issues itemized by letter (B, C, D, or E) and reference relevant MPR sections when possible.

Item 2: Inspection of Offsite Improvements
Reports condition of offsite work using the same A–E codes.

Item 3: Reinspection of Previously Inspected Work
Documents follow-up on earlier findings.

Item 4: Estimated Cost of Incomplete Onsite Work (Condition E)
Required at Third inspection or later when applicable.

Item 5: Certification by Compliance Inspector
Inspector signs and dates, confirming careful inspection with no interest in the property and full reporting of variances.

Item 6: VA Review
VA Valuation Officer or designee reviews and certifies either “Prefinal Report Approved” or “All Improvements Acceptably Completed.”

Additional space is available on the back for continuation of items.

The VA Compliance Inspection Process

  1. Inspector arrives with prior reports, plans, and MPR references.
  2. Performs visual examination at the required stage.
  3. Completes VA Form 26-1839, checking appropriate boxes and describing any issues.
  4. Leaves a copy at the site if needed and distributes reports.
  5. If work is not ready or items are concealed, marks “Reinspection Required.”
  6. VA reviews the report and issues approval or requires corrections/reinspection.
  7. For SAH grants, multiple staged inspections typically occur before final disbursement.

Tips for Builders, Lenders, and Veterans

  • Post the VA case number visibly at the site.
  • Address Condition C items promptly to avoid delays.
  • Keep approved plans, specifications, and change orders (if applicable) readily available.
  • Understand that VA MPRs focus on safety, structural soundness, sanitation, and basic livability — they are separate from local building codes and a standard home inspection.
  • For new construction VA loans, coordinate early with your lender about required compliance inspections.

Veterans building a home or receiving an SAH grant should work closely with experienced VA-approved lenders and builders familiar with these requirements.

Here are trusted, current sources for VA Form 26-1839 and related information:

  • Official VA Form 26-1839 page and download —
  • Direct PDF download (current July 2023 version) —
  • VA Lender’s Handbook (Pamphlet 26-7) — Primary authority for Minimum Property Requirements and loan processes
  • VA Home Loans main site —
  • Information on VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants
  • VA Pamphlet 26-7, Chapter 12 (Minimum Property Requirements) — Available via the VA Knowledge Management portal or WARMS system

Additional related forms often used alongside 26-1839 in new construction include VA Form 26-1852 (Description of Materials) and various builder certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Form 26-1839

Is VA Form 26-1839 the same as a home inspection?
No. A standard home inspection is a buyer-paid service covering hundreds of items. VA Form 26-1839 is a specific compliance check performed by VA-designated inspectors focused on MPRs during construction stages.

Do all VA loans require this form?
No. It is primarily required for new/proposed construction and certain SAH grant projects.

What happens if noncompliance is found?
The inspector notes it under the appropriate condition (B–E). Builders must correct issues (especially Condition C or D) before final approval. Reinspections may be required.

Can I download and fill out VA Form 26-1839 myself?
The form is completed by designated compliance inspectors. Veterans and builders should obtain it through proper VA/lender channels when required.

Where can I find the current VA Minimum Property Requirements?
Refer to Chapter 12 of VA Pamphlet 26-7 (Lender’s Handbook), available through official VA channels.

For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, always consult your VA-approved lender, regional loan center, or the official VA resources linked above. Requirements can vary slightly by location and specific project type.

Download VA Form 26-1839 (PDF)

This guide is for informational purposes and is based on official VA sources current as of 2026. For personalized advice regarding your VA loan or grant, contact your lender or VA directly.