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Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issues guidance to mortgage servicers
On March 30, the Illinois Department of Financial Regulation, Division of Banking and Division of Financial Institutions (Department), issued guidance to Illinois-licensed mortgage servicers and exempt mortgage servicers urging support for borrowers impacted by Covid-19. The Department urges all servicers of nonconforming and private mortgages to implement policies at least as helpful to borrowers as those offered for conforming loans, including, among others: (i) forbearing mortgage payments for at least 90 days without incurring additional interest or fees; (ii) refraining from reporting late payments to credit rating agencies and, when payments are deferred or modified, coding those payments as deferred with the applicable disaster order; (iii) offering loss mitigation options to borrowers; and (iv) waiving late payment fees and online payments fees; and (v) postponing foreclosures and evictions for at least 90 days. Prudent actions taken during this period will be considered to be consistent with safe and sound banking practices and will not be subject to examiner criticism.
Montana governor issues executive order prohibiting evictions, foreclosures, and utility and internet cancellation
On March 30, Montana Governor Steve Bullock issued an executive order prohibiting residential foreclosures, evictions, and utility and internet service cancellations. In addition, no borrower may be reported to a credit bureau for failure to pay for the duration of the directive. Citing the requirement for residents to stay at home, Bullock provided that having habitable homes that possess the ability to communicate externally via phone and internet services are paramount to public health and human safety. The directive went into effect immediately and limits the foregoing actions through April 10.
Arizona governor announces cooperation program with state banks to provide foreclosure and eviction protection
On March 30, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced a cooperative agreement with state banks to protect small businesses and families that have been impacted by the Covid-19 crisis from evictions and foreclosure. Under the initiative, banks and mortgage servicers are suspending evictions and foreclosures for up to 60 days, which may be extended longer to overlap with the declared state of emergency. Under the program, banks and servicers have established payment forbearance programs for mortgages, and also have established payment deferral programs for specific (non-mortgage) consumer loans and for small businesses. The announcement also noted that state banks are working to lend Paycheck Protection Program loans as provided by the Small Business Administration through the CARES Act.
Maryland governor authorizes remote notarization; encourages remote closings
On March 30, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan issued an executive order permitting remote notarization under certain circumstances. Maryland-licensed mortgage lenders are strongly encouraged to use the flexibility provided by the order to conduct loan closings remotely. In conjunction with the order, the Office of the Secretary of State provided guidance on how to conduct remote notarizations. The order remains in effect until termination by the governor.
Nevada imposes moratorium on foreclosures and evictions
On March 29, the governor of Nevada issued an emergency directive suspending evictions and foreclosures based on mortgagee or tenant default on both residential and commercial real estate. The suspension took effect on March 29, and lasts until Nevada terminates its Covid-19-related state of emergency. The declaration contains exceptions for cases of criminal activity and property damage, among other things.
New Jersey regulator announces residential mortgage relief initiative
On March 28, the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance announced that it is working with more than 40 banks, credit unions and servicers to provide relief to New Jersey homeowners. Under the new initiative, residents of New Jersey impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic may be eligible for a 90-day forbearance from mortgage payments and relief from fees and charges upon contacting their financial institutions. Cooperating institutions have also agreed not to start any foreclosure sales or evictions for 60 days.
Nevada regulator asks mortgage servicers to assist troubled borrowers
On March 27, the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, Division of Mortgage Lending issued guidance to state-regulated mortgage servicers and mortgage companies encouraging them to assist borrowers adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The division requested these entities provide 60 days mortgage payment forbearance, waive late payment and transactional fees for 60 days, ensure security of consumer data, and refrain from foreclosures for 60 days, among other things.
Washington governor issues real estate and mortgage guidance
On March 27, Governor Jay Inslee issued guidance on conducting real estate and mortgage transactions. The guidance declares that in-person meetings with customers, except when necessary for a customer to view a property or sign necessary documents, are prohibited, as are open-houses. Property viewings, inspections, appraisals, and final walk-throughs shall be arranged by appointment and limited to no more than two people on site at any one time. Except for the limited exceptions authorized above, all new real estate listings shall be facilitated remotely.
District of Columbia permits mortgage brokers and originators to work from home, delays reporting deadlines
On March 27, the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking issued guidance to mortgage lenders, mortgage brokers and mortgage loan originators permitting them to work from non-licensed branches or locations during the Covid-19 outbreak. The guidance requires the maintenance of appropriate data protection and cybersecurity measures when working remotely. The department also extended the deadline for filing annual reports from March 31 to June 1. Finally, the guidance notes that all evictions of tenants and foreclosed homeowners on or before May 1 are stayed, and required mediation hearings are extended from 90 days to 120 days following the date of mailing of the notice of default.
Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner issues bulletins regarding Covid-19 to regulated lenders, credit access businesses, tax lenders, and motor vehicle sales finance licensees
On March 26, the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) issued four bulletins directed at regulated lenders, credit access businesses, property tax lenders, and motor vehicle sales finance licensees in light of Covid-19. The bulletins urge these entities to work with borrowers during the crisis, including through taking the following measures:
- Increasing communication with borrowers regarding Covid-19.
- Working out modifications with borrowers to help ensure successful repayment, including deferred or partial payments, which would avoid delinquencies and negative credit reporting.
- Waiving certain fees or charges (e.g., late charges, additional finance charges, deferment charges, nonsufficient fund fees) during the disaster declaration.
- Suspending charging off accounts.
- Suspending repossession of vehicles, repossessions of collateral, foreclosure of real property, as applicable
The bulletins also provide guidance on the use of electronic signatures, which the bulletins note are generally allowed under Texas and federal law. The bulletins also provide that the OCCC will not take enforcement actions against regulated lenders, credit access businesses, property tax lenders, or motor vehicle sales finance licensees that conduct business activities from unlicensed locations, if conducted in accordance with certain data security, safe record keeping, and protection of personal information requirements set forth in the bulletins.