The purpose of this Mortgagee Letter (ML) is to announce the new online HUD Handbooks 4155.1, Mortgage Credit Analysis for Mortgage Insurance; and 4155.2, Lender’s Guide to Single Family Mortgage Insurance Processing.  The online Handbook 4155.1 replaces Handbook 4155.1 REV-5, Mortgage Credit Analysis for Mortgage Insurance, One to Four Family Properties.  The online Handbook 4155.2 replaces three handbooks 4000.2 REV-3, Mortgagees' Handbook, Application through Insurance; 4000.4 REV-1, Single Family Direct Endorsement Program; and 4165.1 REV-2, Endorsement for Insurance for Home Mortgage Programs (Single Family).  A link to the Handbooks can be found on the fha.gov and HUD.gov websites.

The online handbooks give HUD the ability to update policy and procedures immediately upon the effective date of the policy issued in the mortgagee letter.  Further, the outdated guidance will be archived and available for historical reference.  The Handbooks’ online format provides index and search features allowing users to enter keywords.  Additionally, there are hyperlinks throughout the Handbooks allowing users to access other relevant information and guidance. 

Although the online handbooks look and feel completely different than the current Handbooks, the policies and procedures they contain will incorporate and consolidate the guidance contained in the current Handbooks as well as relevant guidance issued by Mortgagee Letters following issuance of the current Handbooks and up to the effective date of the online Handbooks.               

To ease the transition to the online format, Handbooks 4155.1 REV-5, 4000.2 REV-3, 4000.4 REV-1 and 4165.1 REV-2 will remain in effect for a period of 30 days after the date of this Mortgagee Letter.   The online Handbooks will be available for informational purposes only during these 30 days.  The new online HUD Handbooks 4155.1 and 4155.2, will be effective 31 days from the publication date of this mortgagee letter.  Program participants will be able to access the previous handbooks once the online handbooks are effective for reference purposes only.  HUD has provided a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Fact Sheet about using the online handbooks on www.fha.gov.                                                                                                                                     

If you have any questions regarding this mortgagee letter, please call 1-800-CALL-FHA. Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access this number via TDD/TTY by calling 1-877-TDD-2HUD (1-877-833-2483).

About Safeguard
Safeguard Properties is the largest privately held field services company in the country. Located in Cleveland, Ohio and founded in 1990 by Robert Klein, Safeguard has grown from a regional preservation company with a few employees and a handful of contractors performing services in the Midwest, to a national company with over 700 employees. Safeguard is supported by a nationwide network of subcontractors able to perform any requested superintendence, preservation, and maintenance functions, as well as numerous ancillary services in the U.S., the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.