What is a hardship letter?
A mortgage hardship letter is a short explanation sent to your mortgage servicer when you are requesting a hardship review, forbearance, repayment plan, loan modification, or another assistance option.
What to include
- Your name and property address.
- Loan or account number if available.
- Clear explanation of the hardship.
- When the hardship started.
- Whether the hardship is temporary or long term.
- What type of help you are requesting the servicer to review.
- A simple, truthful summary of your current ability to pay.
Simple structure
Subject: Request for mortgage hardship assistance review
Dear Servicer,
I am writing to request a review of available mortgage assistance options for my loan. I have experienced [brief hardship explanation], which has affected my ability to make my mortgage payment.
My goal is to keep my home if a sustainable option is available. Please let me know what documents you need to review my situation for available options such as repayment plan, forbearance, deferral, or loan modification.
Thank you for your time.
Keep it honest and specific
Do not exaggerate or copy a dramatic template. A clear, truthful letter with dates, facts, and a specific request is usually stronger than emotional language.
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