Inslee urges firms to help homeowners unable to make mortgage payments

The state is taking steps to help distressed Washington homeowners who are unable to make their mortgage payments because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The state Department of Financial Institutions is urging companies that service mortgages to work with homeowners adversely impacted by COVID-19, including payment forbearance for those who need it, Gov. Jay Inslee announced. The guidance is posted on DFI’s website.

Homeowners in distress may call DFI’s toll-free number, 877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or visit www.homeownership.wa.gov to get assistance on how best to contact their mortgage servicer and to learn more about their options.

“In addition to recent federal relief available to struggling homeowners, our financial institutions have responded positively to DFI’s recent guidance requesting that they offer immediate relief,” Charlie Clark, the department’s director, said in a written statement. “It is now extremely important that homeowners having difficulty paying their mortgage as a result of COVID-19 know about the options available to them.”

Inslee added: “The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the finances of Washingtonians hard. We know this is across the board and we are exploring ways to help alleviate some of the pressure. At my request, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has a team dedicated to assisting homeowners who are unable to make their mortgage payments due to COVID-19.”

To slow the spread of COVID-19, Inslee has issued a stay-at-home order for many of Washington’s 7.5 million residents, ordered the closure of non-essential businesses, and banned public and private gatherings. As in other states, the public safety measures have had a dramatic impact on the economy.

On March 18, the governor announced a 30-day moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent that can be extended.

The moratorium:

• Prohibits residential landlords from serving a notice of unlawful detainer for default on payment of rent.
• Prohibits residential landlords from issuing a 20-day notice for unlawful detainer, unless the landlord attaches an affidavit attesting that the action is believed necessary to ensure the health and safety of the tenant or other individuals.
• Prohibits local law enforcement from serving or otherwise acting on eviction orders that are issued solely for default payment of rent

This story was originally published April 1, 2020 at 7:57 AM.