FHA Occupancy Rules

[Nelson M.]

Hello BP,

I've been having a small concern and thought I'd turn to BP for some insight..

I'm currently residing in NJ, working full-time in NYC, and looking to relocate to PA some time in the next few months by purchasing a multi-family property through FHA (while still keeping my job.) However, my work schedule often requires odd/late hours during the week so there would be times where I'd have to stay at a relative's house in NJ for a few nights at a time. Of course I would still spend weekends and as much time as I can at the PA property since I do not plan on renting out my unit and I'd still consider it my primary residence, after all.

So my question is, would my current work arrangement somehow conflict with FHA terms? As I said, I don't plan to rent out my unit at all so I don't feel like I'd be committing any type of bank fraud (and I certainly don't want to!) plus I assume there have been plenty of cases in the past of homeowners with similar work arrangements that required them to be away from home for days or weeks at a time.

I just want to do things right. Any advice is appreciated!

[Upen Patel]

@Nelson M. As long as it is your primary residence you should be fine with short "absences". Even if you are not renting your unit out, if you stay else where then it is not your primary residence, and could cause a problem.

Good luck.

Upen Patel

Mortgage Banker

Federal NMLS# 1374243