InfoBytes Blog
CFPB eases Covid-19 loss mitigation rules
On June 23, the CFPB issued an interim final rule that provides relief to mortgage servicers from certain Regulation X requirements when offering Covid-19 related loss mitigation options. Among other things, the interim final rule amends Regulation X to temporarily permit servicers to offer eligible loss mitigation options without obtaining a complete loss mitigation application from borrowers who have experienced a financial hardship due to Covid-19. In order to qualify for the exception, the loss mitigation option must satisfy certain criteria, including that (i) it must permit the borrower to delay paying certain amounts until liquidation, refinance, maturity, or, for a mortgage insured by FHA, the mortgage insurance terminates; (ii) the servicer cannot charge interest on delayed payment amounts, cannot charge fees in connection with the option, and must waive all existing penalties and fees upon acceptance; and (iii) the borrower’s acceptance must resolve any prior delinquency. The interim final rule is effective on July 1.