FHA issues partial waiver of face-to-face interviews, issues FAQs on single-family housing

Federal Issues FHA Covid-19

On March 13, FHA issued a partial waiver of the face-to-face interviews with borrowers before three full monthly installments due are unpaid as required by 24 C.F.R. § 203.604.  In lieu of an in-person meeting, servicers may establish contact by phone, email, or video calling services.  The partial waiver applies for 12 months, until March 13, 2021.

FHA also issued FAQs for Single-Family Housing on March 13, noting that (i) FHA is continuing to endorse loans and process claims but there may be processing delays; (ii) if HOCs are closed, stakeholders should email the resource center at answers@hud.gov for escalated calls; (iii) the deadline for audited financial statements has been extended to April 30, 2020; (iv) CAIVRS and TOTAL Scorecard will continue to be available to lenders; (v) all on-site reviews are suspended until further notice but lender monitoring and loan reviews will continue remotely;  and (vi) occupancy inspections and appraisals must continue but no physical contact with occupants is required.