Homeowners and renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic now have a new resource to access the most up-to-date information on housing assistance, thanks to a joint effort by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Housing Finance Agency and Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The agencies have created the
CFPB.gov/Housing page as a guide to help affected homeowners and renters through the relief process by consolidating CARES Act mortgage relief information, protections for renters, resources for additional help, and information on how to avoid COVID-19 related scams into one central location. It also has tools for homeowners to determine if their mortgage is federally backed, and for renters to find out if their rental units are financed by FHA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
"During these uncertain times, consumers need reliable, fair, and accurate information on the protections and relief options available to them. This joint website achieves this important goal for homeowners and renters, outlining clearly the changes that policymakers are making to assist them," said CFPB Director Kathleen L. Kraninger. “The bureau will continue to do everything we can to protect the economic security of consumers."
HUD Secretary Ben Carson said, "No one should lose their home because of Coronavirus, and this new website is full of resources to help property owners and renters navigate these unprecedented times. HUD is continuing to monitor the needs of our FHA borrowers and HUD-assisted families, and we are prepared to take additional actions as needed."
In addition to the site, the CFPB and the FHFA have teamed up for the Borrowers Protection Program. In this program, the two agencies are able to share servicing information to protect borrowers during the pandemic.
"Protecting and empowering borrowers and renters, while ensuring the mortgage market functions as efficiently as possible has been a priority for FHFA during the national health emergency," said FHFA Director Mark Calabria. "This joint website is a one-stop shop for information about the housing protections and assistance available from the government during this unprecedented crisis."
