Knowledge Base

The Knowledge Base has more than 1883 support references, created by support professionals who have resolved issues for our customers. It is constantly updated, expanded, and refined to ensure that you have access to the very latest information. Begin by browsing folders on the left side of this site.

Appraisal/Property Analysis

Property Flipping Does FHA have a Prohibition on Property Flipping?

Property Eligibility Is there any rule specifying the distance between a well and septic tank?

Documentation Requirements Do FHA appraisals expire and may the validity period be extended?

Appraisal Procedures When a case number is transferred with a complete appraisal, may a new appraisal be requested?

Property Eligibility How are repairs and escrow amounts determined on a HUD REO property purchased under the Section 203(b) with Repair Escrow program?

Manufactured Housing How can I determine if a manufactured home is eligible for FHA financing?

Property Eligibility Where can I find FHA minimum property requirements and standards?

Appraisal Procedures What appraisal form do I use?

Property Eligibility Is a repair escrow holdback allowed at closing for incomplete construction, alterations or repairs?

Appraisal Procedures Can the new Mortgagee require corrections/inspections from the appraiser on a transferred case?

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Closing and Insuring

Case Cancellation How do I process a case number cancellation?

Documentation Requirements How do I determine which ADP code to use?

Documentation Requirements When must the Amendatory Clause be included in the sales contract?

Case Processing Status How does a lender check the status of their Case Processing request?

Case Transfer Who do I contact if another FHA-approved Lender is unresponsive to a request to transfer an FHA Case Number?

Case Reinstatement How does a lender reinstate a case number canceled in error on an FHA loan?

Documentation Requirements Is there a minimum or maximum flood insurance deductible that FHA will accept?

Case Transfer How do lenders transfer a case number to a new lender or sponsored originator?

Mortgage Insurance How does FHA calculate the monthly Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP)?

Documentation Requirements Can a non-purchasing spouse or non-borrowing party with ownership sign the security instruments?

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Condo Project Approval

Single Unit Approval (SUA) How do I request an FHA case number for a Single-Unit Condominium Approval?

Condominium Project Approval Status How can I check the status of an FHA Condominium Approval submission?

Condominium Project Approval What are the FHA condominium project recertification requirements and where can I find them?

Condominium Project Approval Where can I find the approval procedures for condominium projects?

Single Unit Approval (SUA) Are Mortgagees permitted to submit any condominium documents along with the Condominium Questionnaire information with the Single Unit Approval (SUA) Holds Tracking submission?

Condominium Project Approval How long does it take to get a condo project approved using HRAP and where do I send the documents?

Condominium Project Approval Can a loan close if the condominium project approval expires after the case number is assigned?

Condominium Project Approval What processing options are available for lenders to obtain FHA approval of a condominium project?

Condominium Project Approval Can a Mortgagee make a loan in a condominium project that is not FHA approved?

Condominium Project Approval What are the general FHA eligibility requirements for condominium projects?

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Consumer Information

Mortgage Insurance How do I find the FHA Case Number for my FHA loan?

Find a Lender Where can I get a list of FHA approved lenders in my area?

General Purchase Info What FHA programs are available to purchase a manufactured or mobile home?

Mortgage Insurance What is the FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium structure for forward mortgage loans?

General Purchase Info How does HUD define a first time homebuyer?

Mortgage Insurance Does FHA allow a refund of the UFMIP if I refinance to a conventional loan?

Housing Counseling Where can I find housing counseling services?

Mortgage Insurance Who is insured by FHA Mortgage Insurance and what are the benefits?

Forms and Publications When must a lender provide the "For Your Protection: Get a Home Inspection" form?

General Purchase Info How can FHA help me buy a home?

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COVID-19

Closing and Insuring COVID-19: Is FHA continuing to endorse loans during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Misrouted COVID-19: Is there any guidance on how to deal with rent-assisted housing - including Housing Choice Voucher; Project-Based Voucher (PBV); public housing; and Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) - residents that may be asked to stay home if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs and they then cannot meet their rent obligations due to a loss of income? What eviction prevention measures can be taken?

Credit Underwriting COVID-19: Must the Mortgagee obtain additional documentation to confirm a self-employed Borrower’s business is open and operating due to COVID-19?

Condo Project Approval COVID-19: Is there an alternative method for submitting HUD Review and Approval Process (HRAP) condominium packages to FHA for approval?

HUD NSC Loss Mitigation COVID-19: What are the requirements for using a COVID-19 Recovery Standalone Partial Claim?

Credit Underwriting Is a borrower eligible for an FHA purchase mortgage if they sold their property, or will sell their property, that secured a mortgage that was in forbearance due to COVID-19?

Credit Underwriting COVID-19: Mortgagees have been unable to obtain tax transcripts during the COVID-19 Emergency, does FHA require Tax Transcripts directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?

Credit Underwriting COVID-19: How is a borrower impacted when using a Forbearance due to a Presidentially-Declared major disaster or due to COVID-19?

Credit Underwriting COVID-19: Will the FHA TOTAL Scorecard be available for lenders during the COVID-19 National Emergency?

HUD NSC Loss Mitigation Are Mortgagees required to have sent out the COVID-19 Advance Loan Modification (ALM) documents by August 24, 2021?

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Credit Underwriting

Credit History/Credit Report Does FHA require collections to be paid off for a borrower to be eligible for FHA financing?

Assets/Funds to Close Where can I find the guidelines regarding gift funds?

Credit History/Credit Report How does a bankruptcy affect a borrower's eligibility for an FHA mortgage?

Credit Alert (CAIVRS) If I am listed in HUD's Credit Alert Verification Reporting System (CAIVRS), what does that mean?

Employment and Income How are gaps in employment considered when analyzing income stability?

Credit History/Credit Report What are the guidelines for borrowers with a previous foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure?

Automated Underwriting/Total When must a Mortgagee downgrade and manually underwrite a mortgage with an Accept risk classification?

Assets/Funds to Close How does FHA define Family Member?

Employment and Income Can child support or alimony be used as income?

Employment and Income Can overtime, bonus, or tip income be used as effective income?

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Disaster Relief

Consumer Information What is Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims (Section 203h)?

Property Inspections Does FHA require property re-inspections for mortgages pending closing or endorsement in Presidentially-Declared Major Disaster Areas?

Borrower Eligibility How long after a disaster can the Section 203(h) mortgage insurance program be used?

Documentation Requirements How does FHA define "Major" disaster area?

Case Number Assignment How is the 203(h) program identified in FHA Connection?

Rental Assistance What disaster relief is available for public housing tenants?

Property Eligibility Will HUD provide notification of Presidentially-Declared Major Disaster Areas?

Property Inspections Is a property inspection required if an appraisal was performed after the FEMA Incident start date?

Allowable Closing Costs/Fees Can a Mortgagee pass the cost for disaster re-inspections to the borrower?

Property Eligibility What are the guidelines for combining disaster and rehabilitation mortgage insurance?

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FHA System Support

General User Assistance How do lenders find the case number and endorsement date in FHAC for a borrower's existing FHA loan?

General User Assistance Do FHA Case Numbers Expire?

Borrower Validation Why did my borrower's social security number fail on-line validation in FHA Connection?

General User Assistance If the original appraisal expired can a second appraisal be logged or is a new case number required?

Case Number Assignment Can a lender request an FHA case number prior to taking a loan application?

General User Assistance What happens if I override an address validation?

ID/Password Issues Who should I contact if I need my FHA Connection password reset?

ID/Password Issues Why was my FHA Connection user ID request rejected?

General User Assistance What is a Sponsor-Sponsored Third Party Originator relationship and how is it set up?

General User Assistance Where can I find the FHA Connection User Guide?

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Forward Servicing

Mortgage Amendments When does a partial release of security require prior FHA approval?

Servicing. For a more complete list of the Forward Servicing FAQs please use the search feature.

Mortgage Amendments When can the Mortgagee approve a partial release of security without obtaining prior FHA approval?

Loss Mitigation Can an FHA-insured mortgage be assumed if it is in loss mitigation?

Mortgage Amendments What fees may a Mortgagee charge for processing a partial release of security?

General Servicing Are there current Annual Prepayment Disclosure Statements for FHA loans?

HUD NSC Servicing

Foreclosure/Conveyance Who handles requests for Occupied Conveyance for HUD?

Preservation & Protection/Repairs/Inspections What is the P260 internet portal?

Escrow/Taxes/Insurance/HOA Does FHA require a borrower to obtain hazard insurance?

Servicing Are FHA-insured mortgages assumable?

Servicing What are the allowable fees and charges for servicing an FHA mortgage?

Escrow/Taxes/Insurance/HOA What are the FHA Mortgagee requirements for maintaining Escrow Accounts?

Servicing When is a mortgage payment late and is a late charge assessed?

Servicing Can the monthly MIP amount decrease if a borrower makes pre-payments on their FHA-insured loan?

Servicing Are face-to-face interviews required for Borrowers with a delinquent FHA mortgage?

Servicing What title evidence is required for a manufactured home before conveying it to HUD?

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HUD Owned Properties

Closing What are the HUD Home earnest money deposit requirements?

Agent/Broker Information Why am I unable to submit my NAID application for review after completing my data entry and uploading all my documents?

General Purchase Info Why is a HUD Home not listed for sale?

Asset Control Areas What is a HUD revitalization area?

Bid Information How can I buy a HUD Home?

Property Listings How do I search for a property on the HUD Homes site at www.HUDHomestore.gov?

General Purchase Info Does HUD prohibit any prospective buyers from purchasing HUD Real Estate Owned (REO) properties?

Agent/Broker Information What is required to complete the NAID Recertification process in the NAID Application Portal?

Discount Programs Under the Good Neighbor Next Door program, can a buyer finance their closing costs?

General Purchase Info Can the 203(k) program be used to purchase a HUD REO property?

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Lender Approval/Eligibility

FHA Lender Lists How do I get a specialized list of FHA-approved lenders?

Originating FHA Loans What is a Principal-Authorized Agent relationship and how is it set up?

Employee Requirements Can I work simultaneously for a Mortgagee as a loan officer, and as a real estate agent for another company?

Lender Application Procedures How do I apply to become an FHA-approved Mortgagee?

Lender Application Procedures What are the FHA Mortgagee Approval Types?

Employee Requirements Does FHA have any employment requirements that apply to staff of sponsored Third-Party Originators?

DE Mortgagee Approval How does a Mortgagee obtain unconditional Title II Direct Endorsement authority?

Annual Recert Requirements What is the Online Certification process for Mortgagee Annual Recertification?

Lender Sanctions How do I check to see if a lender is subject to a limited denial of participation (LDP)?

Lender Application Procedures What are the differences between Title I and Title II program approvals?

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Misrouted Contacts

Rental Assistance What is the Housing Choice Voucher homeownership program?

RESPA What is RESPA and how can I find out more information about it?

Title I Servicing/Asset Mgt. Does FHA have a program for a borrower who wants to obtain a home improvement loan?

Mortgage Insurance Refunds How does a lender know if a loan is eligible for an upfront mortgage insurance premium refund?

Federal Consumer Protection How can I file a housing discrimination complaint?

Rental Assistance What options are available if I need rental assistance?

Rental Assistance Who can I contact to find information on HUD's Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program?

Mortgage Insurance Refunds How can a lender request a refund of FHA mortgage insurance premiums?

RESPA Where can I find servicing related information about a lenders responsibility under RESPA?

Federal Consumer Protection How do I obtain copies of documents related to my FHA insured loan?

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Partner Approval/Eligibility

Nonprofit Agencies/Governmental Entities How is a Low- to Moderate-Income individual or family defined?

DE Underwriters What are the qualification requirements for DE Underwriters?

203(k) Consultants Application/Eligibility What are the requirements to be placed on the FHA 203(k) Consultant Roster?

Nonprofit Agencies/Governmental Entities Do nonprofits assisting with a Governmental Entity's secondary financing assistance program require FHA approval?

Nonprofit Agencies/Governmental Entities What is the Land Use Restriction Addendum (LURA) for HUD Homes and when is it required?

Nonprofit Agencies/Governmental Entities How can I find a list of nonprofit agencies that are approved to do business with FHA?

Nonprofit Agencies/Governmental Entities What FHA Single Family activities require approval for nonprofits to participate?

HCS Password Reset Who does a Housing Counseling Agency (HCA) contact to reset their Housing Counseling System (HCS) password?

203(k) Consultants Application/Eligibility What duties are performed by the 203(k) Consultant?

Nonprofit Agencies/Governmental Entities Is a Section 115 Entity considered an Instrumentality of Government for the purpose of providing secondary financing?

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Quality Control/Compliance

Reporting Fraud How do I file a complaint against, or report possible fraud committed by an FHA-approved Mortgagee?

Compliance Issues What are my responsibilities as a lender under the Fair Housing Act?

Compliance Issues Must the DE Underwriter perform individual Quality Control reviews?

Reporting Fraud How do I report fraud or abuse in a HUD program?

Reporting Fraud How do I file a complaint about a lender suspected of providing false or misleading HECM information?

Loan Review System (LRS) How do I access the Loan Review System (LRS)?

Loan Review System (LRS) When will the requested case binder submitted to FHA be removed from the Binder Request list in the Loan Review System (LRS)?

Loan Review System (LRS) How does FHA notify Mortgagees of Loan Review System (LRS) response requests?

Loan Review System (LRS) How can I view the self-report I submitted in the Loan Review System (LRS)?

Permissable Payments Are referral fees allowed in the origination of FHA insured single family loans?

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Rehabilitation Programs

Basic Eligibility Requirements Do I need both an as-is and an as-repaired appraisal for 203(k) loans?

Basic Eligibility Requirements What improvements are eligible under the Standard 203(k)?

Basic Eligibility Requirements Who selects the 203(k) Consultant for a Standard 203(k) transaction?

Escrow Accounts When is a Contingency Reserve required for a 203(k) transaction?

Basic Eligibility Requirements Is the Mortgagee required to review the contractor’s qualifications for a 203(k) transaction?

Basic Eligibility Requirements What improvements are NOT eligible under the Limited 203(k)?

Basic Eligibility Requirements What improvements are NOT eligible under the Standard 203(k)?

Close Out How does a lender close-out a 203(k) Mortgage in FHAC?

Basic Eligibility Requirements What is the 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program?

Basic Eligibility Requirements What is a Rehabilitation Self-Help Agreement?

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Reverse Mortgage Programs

Processing Guidelines Must the lender check the LDP and GSA lists for a HECM purchase loan?

Refinance Transactions Can I refinance a HECM loan to another HECM loan?

Processing Guidelines Are borrowers with delinquent federal tax debt or tax liens eligible for a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)?

Basic Eligibility Requirements What are the basic guidelines for refinancing an FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)?

Processing Guidelines How are Charge Off Accounts considered in the evaluation of a HECM borrower's credit history?

Basic Eligibility Requirements How are subordinate liens handled on an FHA reverse mortgage?

Basic Eligibility Requirements Do collection accounts have to be paid off to be eligible for a HECM?

Processing Guidelines How are Collection Accounts considered in the evaluation of a HECM borrower's credit history?

Processing Guidelines What is required to document a HECM borrower's Social Security or Supplemental Security Income?

Basic Eligibility Requirements What are the underwriting guidelines for a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) mortgage?

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