i. The Certification

The veteran certifies that the occupancy requirement is met by checking the appropriate occupancy block and signing:

·   VA Form 26-1802a, Addendum to the Uniform Residential Loan Application, at the time of loan application (prior approval loans only), and

·   VA Form 26-1820, Report and Certification of Loan Disbursement, at the time of loan closing (all loans). 

This satisfies the lender’s obligation to obtain the veteran’s occupancy certification.

The lender may accept the occupancy certification at face value unless there is specific information indicating the veteran will not occupy the property as a home or does not intend to so-occupy within a reasonable time after loan closing.

Where doubt exists, the test is whether a reasonable basis exists for concluding that the veteran can and will occupy the property as certified.  Contact the appropriate VA office if the lender cannot resolve issues involving the veteran’s intent by applying this test.