What is the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)?

HAF’s purpose is to prevent mortgage delinquencies and defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services and homeowner displacements. The U.S. Dept. of Treasury is currently reviewing North Dakota’s HAF plan. Once approved, North Dakotans who experienced financial hardships will be able to apply for assistance with mortgage, insurance and utility payments, and other specified purposes. Bookmark this page for HAF updates.

My job was impacted by the coronavirus and I can’t make my mortgage payment, what should I do?

Contact NDHFA’s loan servicing department by phone, (800) 292-8621 or (701) 328-8080, or by e-mail, hfaservicing@nd.gov, to discuss your situation.

What kind of assistance can NDHFA offer me if I can’t make my payment?

If the coronavirus has impacted your employment – hours reduced, layoffs, etc. – you will need to provide NDHFA with a letter from your employer, preferably on your company’s letterhead, stating your employment has been impacted. Once we receive the letter, NDHFA will:

• Waive any late fees that would normally be assessed.
• Not report negative information to the credit bureaus concerning missed payments.

Once you are gainfully employed again, NDHFA’s loan servicing staff will work with you to set up a repayment plan and offer whatever loss mitigation options are available at the time.

My friend doesn’t have to make a mortgage payment, he received a payment holiday. Why didn’t I receive a holiday?

A payment holiday doesn’t mean that your friend won’t have to make a payment, it means the payment was deferred. Eventually, the payment will be required. Each mortgage loan servicer has different financial circumstances dictating what they can offer.

What happens if I can’t make my mortgage payment?

Most homeowners are protected under federal law from foreclosure and can temporarily pause or reduce their mortgage payments if they’re struggling financially.

You still may have relief options through your mortgage loan servicer or from your state, even if your loan is not insured, guaranteed, owned, or backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the federal government.

For more details go to Consumer Finance Protection Bureau at www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/guide-coronavirus-mortgage-relief-options.

I received an offer of mortgage assistance; how do I know if it is legitimate?

While some offers of assistance are legitimate, many are not. Some red flags include:

• Guarantees that a business can stop a foreclosure or eviction, regardless of circumstances.
• Asking for payment before any services are performed.
• Instructions to make mortgage or rent payment to someone else, not to your loan servicer or landlord.
• Asking you to sign incomplete or blank paperwork or pressuring you to sign a document you have not had time to read thoroughly.

Do not respond to emails, texts or social media notifications that you can receive or are qualified for assistance. Call your mortgage servicer or landlord to discuss your situation.

COVID-19 Housing and Homeless Services, ND Dept. of Human Services

Eviction for Tenants, Legal Self Help Center, State of ND Courts

Find rental assistance programs, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

High Plains Fair Housing Center is now offering an eviction prevention program to income-qualified residents living in Grand Forks.

ND Rent Help and past-due utility bills, ND Dept. of Human Services

ND Rent Help, ND Dept. of Human Services
Temporary Protection from Eviction, CDC
COVID Data Tracker, CDC

Coronavirus (COVID-19), CDC and FEMA
Coronavirus Advice for Consumers, Federal Trade Commission
COVID-19 Resources, State of North Dakota
Foreclosure Scams Awareness, North Dakota Housing Finance Agency
Guide to Housing Assistance Programs and Resources, MoneyGeek
Housing During the COVID-19 Crisis presented at Main Street Summit 2020
How to Help Homeowners Protect Their Homes, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Mortgage Relief Options and Protections, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Tools for Landlords with Tenants Impacted by COVID-19, HUD