FHA Addresses In-Person Contact Relating to Servicing Policy

FHA published a regulatory waiver of required early default intervention regarding in-person contact with borrowers. An accompanying Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1 waiver was also published.  These waivers were issued due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and became effective March 13, 2020.

FHA INFO #20-20 states that these “waivers temporarily allow servicers to utilize alternative methods for contacting borrowers — in lieu of face-to-face interviews — to meet the requirements of Section III.A.2.h.xii. of the SF Handbook and the regulation at 24 CFR §203.604. However, the face-to-face requirement for FHA-insured mortgages under the Section 248 – Single Family Mortgage Insurance on Indian Reservations, is still applicable.”