A joint initiative by federal housing and financial regulators – the CFPB, FHFA, and HUD – has launched a website to collect information and tools regarding emergency housing and mortgage assistance during the coronavirus pandemic. The website aggregates information on mortgage relief options for homeowners, renter protections, and COVID-19 related fraud resources. In particular, the website provides information on the CARES Act mortgage forbearance options. It also provides links to the CFPB's Complaint Portal for mortgage holders and renters.
The joint initiative adds to the COVID-19 financial guidance that the CFPB has already provided to consumers and continues to update. As with that guidance, reviewing the information and resources offered to consumers by the CFPB and other agencies can help financial institutions keep up with the needs and expectations of their customers. And, while the joint initiative website links CFPB complaints to COVID-19-related fraud and scams, the site as a whole may generate complaints against a wide variety of financial institutions due to the operational and economic challenges that the pandemic creates for institutions and their customers.