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VA announces new reporting code for Covid-19 forbearance requests
On April 29, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced a new reason for default which will assist the VA in identifying borrowers impacted by Covid-19. The VA replaced the reason “Energy/Environmental Cost” with “National Emergency Declaration” in the Electronic Default Notice (EDN). Servicers should use this new reason for default when reporting the EDN. Effective June 1, 2020, this new reason for default will be accepted prior to the 61st day of delinquency.
NCUA to seek information about emerging credit risks
On April 29, the National Credit Union Administration announced that it expanded its Covid-19 outreach to federally-insured credit unions to identify emerging credit risks. The NCUA notified regulated entities that examiners will contact them between May 4 and May 18 to discuss a list of questions concerning operating status, status of cash reserves and withdrawals, liquidity status, loans in forbearance, and balance of loans with outstanding balances.
CFPB issues TRID interpretive rule, ECOA FAQ
On April 29, the CFPB issued an interpretive rule (IR) “clarifying that consumers can exercise their rights to modify or waive certain required waiting periods” in order to allow borrowers impacted by Covid-19 to access mortgage credit faster. The IR states that if, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, a mortgage borrower determines that a mortgage transaction must be completed prior to the end of the waiting period for either the TRID Rule or the Regulation Z right of rescission rule, the borrower may waive the waiting period. Further, the IR asserts that the Covid-19 pandemic qualifies as a “changed circumstance” for purposes of certain TRID Rule provisions, permitting the use of revised estimates of settlement charges. In addition, the Bureau issued a frequently asked question that addresses the Equal Credit Opportunity Act Valuations Rule, which states that a first-lien loan borrower may also waive the requirement that a lender provide the borrower with appraisals and valuations at or before settlement of the loan.
Rhode Island regulator extends guidance for lenders
On April 28, the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Banking Division, amended previous guidance (previously covered here) issued to mortgage loan originators, lenders, loan brokers and exempt company registrants. The previous guidance permitted working at home, even if the home is located outside of Rhode Island or is not a licensed branch. The department extended this guidance until June 30, 2020.
Pennsylvania State Department revises guidance for real estate industry
On April 28, the Pennsylvania Department of State issued revised guidance for real estate professionals, appraisers, notaries, title companies, and home inspectors in light of the Covid-19-related closures of non-essential businesses. The revised guidance limits in-person residential real estate activities to transactions related to existing homes under contract prior to March 18, 2020, new construction homes under a contract calling for closing or delivery on or after March 18, 2020, where a buyer can demonstrate that they had entered into an agreement for sale of their prior residence prior to March 18, 2020 or where a property subject to sale, home equity loan or home equity refinancing is located in certain regions of Pennsylvania.
South Carolina regulator issues guidance to mortgage brokers
On April 28, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs issued interim guidance to mortgage brokers on working remotely from unlicensed locations and extended the deadline for submitting the 2019 mortgage log. The department clarified that, until May 31, 2020, licensed mortgage loan originators are permitted to work from home, whether in South Carolina or another state, even if the home is not a licensed branch. The department also reported that it has deferred the filing deadline for the 2019 mortgage log required of mortgage broker companies until June 1, 2020.
Washington insurance commissioner issues order regarding reporting requirements for collecting withheld depreciation payments
On April 27, the Washington insurance commissioner issued Executive Order 20-05 to insurers authorized to transact property and casualty insurance business and all entities regulated by the insurance commissioner. The order extends the deadline for policyholders of property and casualty insurance to report completed repairs in order to claim withheld depreciation payments until at least 60 days after June 26 or the expiration of the governor’s stay at home order, whichever is first.
CFPB guidance provides clarity to mortgage servicing transfers
On April 24, the CFPB outlined new guidance to help facilitate compliance with mortgage servicing rules when transferring mortgage servicing rights to a servicer or a sub-servicer. According to the CFPB, after significant changes were made to Regulation X (RESPA) that took effect in 2014, the Bureau found weaknesses in the management of mortgage transfers. The new guidance provides “a roadmap for servicers that will prevent consumer harm,” and notes that when transferring a loan, “servicers should have policies and procedures reasonably designed to transfer all of the information and documents in their possession or control relating to a transferred mortgage loan, such as, a unique identifier for each loan, the terms of the loan, current unpaid principal balance as of a specific date, information concerning any escrow, and copies of any loss mitigation applications submitted by a borrower and of any loss mitigation agreements agreed to with a borrower.” According to the Bureau’s press release, servicers should also consider: (i) developing a servicing transfer plan, including an escalation plan for potential problems; (ii) engaging in quality control work to validate data; (iii) determining servicing responsibilities for legacy accounts; (iv) conducting post-transfer reviews to determine the effectiveness of a transfer plan; (v) monitoring consumer complaints and loss mitigation performance metrics; and (vi) identifying defaulted loans, active foreclosures, bankruptcies, or any forbearance agreements entered into with a borrower, and including loss mitigation activity for each loan where applicable.
The Bureau recognizes that entities may face particular challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and states it intends to consider such challenges, including operational and time constraints related to the transfer, and will “be sensitive to good-faith efforts demonstrably designed to transfer the servicing without adverse impact to consumers.”
Illinois issues executive order regarding evictions
On April 23, the Illinois governor issued an executive order prohibiting residential evictions, with certain limited exceptions. Law enforcement officers in Illinois are also instructed to cease enforcement of orders of eviction for certain non-residential premises. The executive order does not relieve an individual or entity of an obligation to pay rent or comply with any other obligation in the lease or rental agreement. The executive order will remain in effect for the duration of the gubernatorial disaster proclamations.
New Jersey regulator extends license application deadlines
On April 23, the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance extended the deadline for license and registration applications under New Jersey’s Mortgage Servicers Licensing Act to June 12, 2020. Persons required to seek licensure under the act include entities that are in the business of servicing residential mortgage loans, and which are not already licensed as residential mortgage lenders and entities licensed as residential mortgage lenders or correspondent residential mortgage lenders conducting business in New Jersey.