The Mortgagee, through a Corporate Officer, must complete a series of annual certification statements that address the Mortgagee’s compliance with FHA requirements over the Certification Period. The Certification Period is the one-year period beginning on the first day of the Mortgagee’s prior fiscal year and ending on the last calendar day thereof.
The certification must be completed through the Lender Electronic Assessment Portal (LEAP) by a Corporate Officer of the Mortgagee who has been granted the Certifying Official authorization in FHA Connection (FHAC).
If a Mortgagee is unable to truthfully certify to one or more of the statements set forth in the online certification, the Mortgagee must not make the particular certification.
The Mortgagee must submit an explanation for each certification that it is unable to complete. Supporting documentation may be submitted with the explanation. If additional information is required as a result of the Mortgagee’s explanation, FHA will advise what additional information or documentation is required and provide a due date for the submission of the requested information or documentation.
FHA will review the Mortgagee’s explanation and communicate to the Mortgagee any additional information or documentation needed to render a final decision regarding the Mortgagee’s ability to complete the annual recertification process.
If a Mortgagee submits a false certification to FHA, the Mortgagee and its certifying Corporate Officer may be referred for criminal, civil, or administrative actions, as appropriate.
The Lender Electronic Assessment Portal (LEAP) User Manual is located at: https://www.hud.gov/lenders under the LEAP Information link in the Approvals and Renewals section.
Handbook 4000.1 I.A.8.b. is available at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/administration/hudclips/handbooks/hsgh