VA proposes amendments to IRRRL requirements

Agency Rule-Making & Guidance Federal Issues Department of Veterans Affairs IRRRL Compliance

On November 1, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register, which would amend the agency’s rules on VA-backed interest rate reduction refinancing loans (IRRRLs). Specifically, the proposed amendments would update existing VA IRRRL regulations to meet current statutory requirements for determining whether the agency can guarantee or insure a refinance loan. The amendments would modify current regulations to reflect requirements related to, among other things, net tangible benefit, recoupment, and seasoning standards. Additionally, due to confusion among program participants, VA is proposing clarifications to minimize the risk of lender noncompliance, thereby safeguarding veterans, easing lender concerns, reducing potential instability in the secondary loan market, and insulating taxpayers from unnecessary financial risk. Comments on the proposed rule are due January 3, 2023.