To expand access to credit in a safe and sound manner, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced that Fannie Mae will consider rental payment history in its risk assessment processes. With the update to Fannie Mae’s systems, future borrowers will have the benefit of a positive rental payment history being included in an underwriting decision. There is no additional burden – either for the borrower or for the lender – to make use of this feature.
“For many households, rent is the single largest monthly expense. There is absolutely no reason timely payment of monthly housing expenses shouldn’t be included in underwriting calculations,” said Acting Director Sandra L. Thompson. “With this update, Fannie Mae is taking another step toward understanding how rental payments can more broadly be included in a credit assessment, providing an additional opportunity for renters to achieve the dream of sustainable homeownership.”