Fannie Mae Extends Protections for Renters Affected by COVID-19

Rhea-AI Summary

Fannie Mae (OTCQB: FNMA) has extended its multifamily COVID-19 forbearance program to September 30, 2021, to assist renters and property owners facing financial challenges due to the pandemic. Previously set to end on June 30, 2021, the program mandates landlords suspend evictions for rent-affected tenants. Property owners must inform their tenants about available protections, including flexible repayment options and a 30-day notice to vacate. This initiative reflects Fannie Mae's ongoing commitment to support American renters as economic conditions evolve.

Positive

• Extension of the multifamily COVID-19 forbearance program increases support for renters and property owners until September 30, 2021.
• Landlords are mandated to provide tenant protections including flexible repayment options and no late fees, enhancing tenant security.

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• None.

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- To continue to support renters in multifamily units and Fannie Mae-financed multifamily property owners experiencing financial difficulties as COVID-19 persists, Fannie Mae (OTCQB: FNMA) today announced the extension of its multifamily COVID-19 forbearance program through September 30, 2021. The program, which requires landlords to suspend all evictions for renters unable to pay rent during the forbearance period, was formerly set to expire on June 30, 2021.

For any Fannie Mae-financed multifamily properties with a new or modified forbearance plan as the result of a financial hardship due to COVID-19, the property owner must inform tenants in writing about tenant protections available during the property owner's forbearance and repayment periods. In addition, the borrower is required to provide tenant protections, which include:

• Allow the tenant flexibility to repay back rent over time and not in a lump sum;
• Not charge the tenant late fees or penalties for non-payment of rent; and
• Give the tenant at least a 30-day notice to vacate.

"Fannie Mae remains committed to supporting renters and multifamily property owners as COVID-19 continues to financially impact many people in the United States," said Michele Evans, Executive Vice President and Head of Multifamily. "By extending the forbearance program for Fannie Mae multifamily borrowers, we are also extending essential protections and flexibilities for renters, which will help keep people in their apartments as the economy continues to improve."

Here to Help
Since March 2020, Fannie Mae has taken a number of actions to help renters facing financial hardship due to COVID-19, including extending eviction protections to multifamily renters when the property owner received a forbearance and announcing a new Renters Resource Finder tool.

These and the many other resources, including KnowYourOptions.com, that we make available are part of our ongoing Here to Help education effort, aimed at helping homeowners and renters impacted by COVID-19 understand the options available to them. For renters, KnowYourOptions.com provides straightforward information to understand rent relief and assistance options and to understand the available tenant protections.

Renters in a multifamily property financed by Fannie Mae also have access to the Disaster Response Network, which offers free assistance from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-certified housing counselors who can help navigate financial challenges caused by COVID-19, such as information and guidance on accessing federal and state housing assistance, unemployment benefits, nutritional assistance, and other available programs. The Disaster Response Network can be accessed from the Renters Resource Finder on KnowYourOptions.com, or by calling 877-833-1746.

About Fannie Mae
Fannie Mae helps make the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and affordable rental housing possible for millions of people in America. We partner with lenders to create housing opportunities for families across the country. We are driving positive changes in housing finance to make the home buying process easier, while reducing costs and risk. To learn more, visit:
fanniemae.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Blog

Fannie Mae Newsroom
https://www.fanniemae.com/news

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Fannie Mae Resource Center
1-800-2FANNIE

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SOURCE Fannie Mae

FAQ

What is Fannie Mae's COVID-19 forbearance program extension date for multifamily properties?

Fannie Mae has extended its multifamily COVID-19 forbearance program to September 30, 2021.

What protections are included in Fannie Mae's forbearance program for renters?

The protections include repayment flexibility for back rent, no late fees, and a 30-day notice to vacate.

How does the forbearance program affect renters in Fannie Mae-financed properties?

The program suspends evictions for renters unable to pay rent, providing essential protections during the pandemic.

What financial support does Fannie Mae offer for renters affected by COVID-19?

Fannie Mae provides resources like the Disaster Response Network to assist renters in navigating financial challenges.