WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (“the Enterprises”) are allowing servicers to extend forbearance agreements for multifamily property owners with existing forbearance agreements for up to three more months, for a total forbearance of up to six months.
The action is intended to help renters in multifamily properties stay in their homes and to support multifamily property owners during the coronavirus national emergency, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced.
While the properties are in forbearance, the landlord must suspend all evictions for renters unable to pay rent. The forbearance extension is available for qualified properties with an Enterprise-backed multi-family mortgage experiencing a financial hardship due to the coronavirus national emergency.
If a forbearance is extended, once the forbearance period concludes the borrower may qualify for up to 24 months to repay the missed payments. Additionally, if the forbearance is extended, the repayment schedule is modified or a new forbearance agreement is executed, the borrower is required to provide the following tenant protections during the repayment period:
• give the tenant at least a 30-day notice to vacate;
• not charge the tenant late fees or penalties for non- payment of rent; and
• allow the tenant flexibility to repay back rent over time and not in a lump sum. “During the pandemic, FHFA has been focused on protecting renters and borrowers while ensuring the mortgage market functions as efficiently as possible,” said Director Mark Calabria. “The multifamily mortgage forbearance extension announced today will help renters stay in their homes and help property owners retain their properties.”
FHFA will continue to monitor the coronavirus’ impact on renters, borrowers, and the mortgage market and update policies as needed. To understand the protections and assistance the government is offering, visit the joint Department of Housing and Urban Development, FHFA, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website at cfpb.gov/housing.