Updated Radon Standards for Fannie, Freddie Multifamily Properties
The Federal Housing Finance Agency today announced enhanced radon testing requirements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac multifamily properties with loan applications received after June 30, 2023.
The enhanced radon testing at Fannie and Freddie-backed multifamily properties, regardless of where the property is located (subject to some exceptions and deferrals), will include:
- Increasing the amount of required testing from 10% of ground floor units to 25% of ground floor units;
- Requiring an environmental professional to oversee radon testing;
- Requiring the environmental professional or property representative to notify tenants of radon testing; and
- Providing additional guidance for lenders and environmental consultants on Fannie and Freddie’s radon standards. As part of such guidance, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will reinforce the need for compliance with state and local radon laws.
In addition, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will collaborate with housing providers, radon industry stakeholders, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to encourage better radon data collection at multifamily properties.
Latest from NAHBNow
Energy | Advocacy
Sep 16, 2025
Kansas City Builder Testifies Against Energy Code MandatesThe Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (KCHBA) called on Congress today to oppose energy code mandates that raise the cost of housing and do very little to increase energy efficiency for home owners.
Economics
Sep 16, 2025
Builder Confidence Steady but Future Sales Expectations Hit Six-Month HighBuilder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 32 in September, unchanged from the August reading, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. While builder sentiment has hovered at a relatively low reading between 32 and 34 since May, builders expressed optimism that a more favorable interest rate climate could bring hesitant buyers off the sidelines in the final quarter of 2025.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Sep 16, 2025
Builder Confidence Steady but Future Sales Expectations Hit Six-Month HighBuilder sentiment levels remained unchanged in September but lower mortgage rates and expectations that the Federal Reserve will soon cut the federal funds rate led to higher future sale expectations in the coming months.
Economics
Sep 15, 2025
Shelter Inflation Continued to CoolInflation accelerated to a seven month high in August as tariff-related costs continued to pass through to consumers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) latest report. Core goods prices, which exclude volatile food and energy, rose by 1.5% in August, the fastest annual pace since May 2023.
Economics
Sep 15, 2025
Builders Stay Cautious as Single-Family Permits Extend DowntrendSingle-family housing permits slipped for the seventh month in a row, highlighting affordability headwinds and weak demand. While multifamily permits ticked up, the sector’s volatility leaves the outlook uncertain. The split underscores a housing market still under strain, with single-family softness weighing on broader growth prospects.