InfoBytes Blog
FHA extends Covid-19 foreclosure moratorium and other flexibilities
On December 21, FHA announced the extension of several Covid-19-related flexibilities, which were set to expire on December 31. Specifically, FHA further extended its foreclosure and eviction moratorium through February 28. The moratorium applies to homeowners with FHA-insured Title II Single Family forward and Home Equity Conversion (reverse) mortgages, excluding legally vacant or abandoned properties. Additionally, FHA extended the date by which borrowers must engage with their servicer to obtain an initial Covid-19 forbearance to February 28 (details on the Covid-19 forbearance covered by InfoBytes here), and requires that mortgage servicers provide up to 6 months of forbearance or an additional 6 month extension of the initial Covid-19 forbearance. The FHA also extended (i) the timeframe for providing an insurance endorsement on single family mortgages in forbearance through March 31; (ii) the temporary re-verification of employment guidance and exterior-only appraisal inspection option through February 28; and (iii) temporary provisions for verification of self-employment, rental income, and 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage escrow accounts through February 28.