WASHINGTON, D.C. April 27, 2020 (FHFA) — FHFA is closely monitoring the coronavirus national emergency’s effect on the housing finance market and continues to update policies and guidance to ensure its regulated entities – Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac (the Enterprises), and the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) – are fulfilling their mission of providing market liquidity during this difficult time.
We have gathered resources and information below, including the latest actions by FHFA, that provide guidance for lenders, servicers and others who directly assist homeowners and renters adversely impacted by COVID-19.
As a financial regulator, FHFA is not able to offer direct assistance or field individual inquiries from renters, landlords, or borrowers. FHFA encourages anyone facing economic hardship as a result of COVID-19 to immediately contact their landlord or mortgage servicer (the company they send their mortgage payments to), to see if they qualify for payment relief.
Consumers can also visit consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus for up-to-date information and resources to protect and manage their finances.
HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS
If your ability to pay your mortgage is impacted, and your loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (use the “loan lookup” tools: https://www.knowyouroptions.com/loanlookup for Fannie Mae or https://ww3.freddiemac.com/loanlookup/ for Freddie Mac to find out), you may be eligible to delay making your monthly mortgage payments for a temporary period, during which:
— You won’t incur late fees.
— Foreclosure and other legal proceedings will be suspended
If you have trouble catching up at the end of this temporary relief period, additional assistance may be available. You can work with your servicer to resume making a mortgage payment. Or if you need additional assistance, you can work with your servicer on other foreclosure prevention options to keep your home.
Contact your mortgage servicer (the company where you send your monthly payments) as soon as possible to let them know about your current circumstances. The telephone number and mailing address of your mortgage servicer should be listed on your monthly mortgage statement.
HELP FOR RENTERS
If you are a renter and live in a rental unit financed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you have access to their respective Disaster Response Networks. These networks offer support from HUD-approved housing counselors, such as a personalized recovery assessment and action plan, financial coaching and budgeting, and ongoing check-ins. Contact your property manager to see if you are eligible. Fannie Mae’s renter hotline number is 1-877-542-9723 and Freddie Mac’s renter hotline number is 1-800-404-3097.
BEWARE OF SCAMS
During times of crisis, there is an increased risk of scams and fraud. Protect yourself by asking questions, reading the materials provided to you, and avoiding any solicitations requiring up-front cash payments. If you think you may have been a victim of a scam and your concerns with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or a Federal Home Loan Bank involve fraud, please contact the FHFA Office of Inspector General (FHFA OIG) at 800-793-7724 or visit the FHFA OIG’s website (https://www.fhfaoig.gov/ReportFraud).
