HUD and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on August 13 announced they will collaborate to enhance enforcement of the Fair Housing Act. The two agencies have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding fair housing and fair lending coordination to strengthen enforcement of fair housing law and oversight of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), together known as “the Enterprises.” The MOU between HUD and FHFA is a first-of-its-kind interagency agreement to promote consultation and coordination regarding the Enterprises, prevent duplication of federal efforts, and enhance oversight.
Examples of activities the agencies will undertake include:
- Consultation and coordination regarding current and contemplated fair lending investigation, examinations or compliance reviews, ongoing monitoring of the Enterprises, and other fair housing activities
- Providing one another a periodic digest of information on complaints accepted for filing under the Fair Housing Act or that may constitute a violation of the Fair Housing Act
- Coordinating activities on fair lending examination and review activities of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac related to underwriting and appraisal guidelines (coordinated reviews)
The MOU will continue through December 31, 2025, at which point the agencies may allow the agreement to expire, renew the agreement, or develop a new one. Either agency may terminate this MOU at any time by providing 30-day written notice to the other agency.
Read the memorandum of understanding (MOU) at: https://bit.ly/3g8UA3J
Read HUD’s press release at: https://bit.ly/3g8USrl