Servicers with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac must delay the foreclosure process for up to 60 days
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced today that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) will require servicers to suspend foreclosure activities for up to 60 days if the servicer has been notified that a borrower has applied for assistance under the Department of the Treasury’s Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF).
“FHFA is committed to sustainable homeownership. Today’s action will provide borrowers who need temporary mortgage assistance with additional time to be evaluated for relief through their state’s approved Homeownership Assistance Fund,” said FHFA Acting Director Sandra L. Thompson.
This action is the latest step FHFA has taken to benefit homeowners and the mortgage market during the pandemic. FHFA continues to monitor the effect of the COVID-19 servicing policies on borrowers, the Enterprises and their counterparties, and the mortgage market. Homeowners can visit consumerfinance.gov/housing for up-to-date information on their relief options, protections, and key deadlines.
About the Homeowner Assistance Fund
The purpose of the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) is to prevent mortgage delinquencies and defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacement of homeowners experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020. Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, HAF provides up to $9.96 billion for states, territories, and tribal entities to provide financial relief for homeowners. HAF is administered by the Department of the Treasury.