Small Entity Compliance Guide

TILA-RESPA Integrated
Disclosure rule
Small entity compliance guide

July 2015

Version Log
The Bureau updates this guide on a periodic basis to reflect finalized clarifications to the rule
which impacts guide content, as well as administrative updates. Below is a version log noting the
history of this document and its updates:

Date

Version

July 2015

3.0



Effective date change

June 2015

2.1



Miscellaneous administrative changes



Extends the timing requirement for revised disclosure when
consumers lock a rate or extend a rate lock after the Loan Estimate is
provided (Section 8.7)
Permits certain language related to construction loans for transactions
involving new construction on the Loan Estimate (Section 5.6)

March
2015

Rule Changes

2.0



September
2014

1.1




April 2014

1.0

Updates to information on where to find additional resources on the
rule (Section 1.3)
Additional clarification on questions relating to the Loan Estimate and
the 7 day waiting period (Section 6.1 and 6.2)
Additional clarification on questions relating to Timing for Revisions to
Loan Estimate (Section 9)

Original Document

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and not withstanding any
other provision of law a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB
control number. The OMB control number for this collection is 3170-0015 and 3170-0016. They expire on 10/31/2018.
The time required to complete these information collection is estimated to average 3 minutes per response. The
obligation to respond to this collection of information is mandatory under The Truth in Lending Act (TILA), 15 U.S.C.
1601 et sec and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) of 1974, 12 U.S.C. 2601 et seq. Comments regarding this
collection of information, including the estimated response time, suggestions for improving the usefulness of the
information, or suggestions for reducing the burden to respond to this collection should be submitted to Bureau at the
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Attention: PRA Office), 1700 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20552, or by email
to [email protected].

2 TILA-RESPA INTEGRATED DISCLOSURE | VERSION LOG

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Table of contents
Version Log ................................................................................................................. 2
Table of contents......................................................................................................... 4
1.

Introduction ......................................................................................................... 12
1.1

What is the purpose of this guide? ......................................................... 13

1.2 Who should read this guide? .................................................................. 14
1.3 Where can I find additional resources that will help me understand the
TILA-RESPA rule? .................................................................................. 14
2.

Overview of the TILA-RESPA rule ..................................................................... 16
2.1 What is the TILA-RESPA rule about? .................................................... 16
2.2 What transactions does the rule cover? (§ 1026.19(e) and (f)) ............. 16
2.3 What are the record retention requirements for the TILA-RESPA rule?
(§ 1026.25) ...............................................................................................17
2.4 What are the record retention requirements if the creditor transfers or
sells the loan? (§ 1026.25) ......................................................................17
2.5 Is there a requirement on how the records are retained? .......................17

3.

Effective Date ...................................................................................................... 18
3.1 When do I have to start following the TILA-RESPA rule and using the
new Integrated Disclosures? .................................................................. 18
3.2 Are there any requirements that take effect on October 3, 2015
regardless of whether an application has been received on or after that
date?18

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3.3 Can a creditor use the new Integrated Disclosures for applications
received before October 3, 2015? ........................................................... 19
4.

Coverage ............................................................................................................. 20
4.1 What transactions are covered by the TILA-RESPA rule? (§§ 1024.5,
1026.3, and 1026.19) .............................................................................. 20
4.2 What are the disclosure obligations for transactions not covered by the
TILA-RESPA rule, like HELOCs and reverse mortgages? ..................... 21
4.3 Does a creditor have an option to use the new Integrated Disclosure
forms for a transaction not covered by the TILA-RESPA rule? ............. 21

5.

The Loan Estimate Disclosure ........................................................................... 22
5.1 What are the general requirements for the Loan Estimate disclosure?
(§§ 1026.19(e) and 1026.37) ................................................................... 22
5.2 Does a creditor have to use the Bureau’s Loan Estimate form?
(§ 1026.37(o)) ......................................................................................... 23
5.3 What information goes on the Loan Estimate form? ............................. 24
5.4 Page 1: General information, loan terms, projected payments, and costs
at closing ................................................................................................. 25
5.5 Page 2: Closing cost details..................................................................... 26
5.6 Page 3: Additional information about the loan ...................................... 27

6.

Delivery of the Loan Estimate ............................................................................ 29
6.1 What are the general timing and delivery requirements for the Loan
Estimate disclosure? ............................................................................... 29
6.2 May a consumer waive the seven-business-day waiting period?
(§ 1026.19(e)(1)(v)) ................................................................................. 29
6.3 Can a mortgage broker provide a Loan Estimate on the creditor’s
behalf?..................................................................................................... 30
6.4 When does the creditor have to provide the Loan Estimate to the
consumer?............................................................................................... 30
6.5 What is an “application” that triggers an obligation to provide a Loan
Estimate? (§ 1026.2(a)(3)) .................................................................... 31

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6.6 What if a creditor receives these six pieces of information, but needs to
collect additional information to proceed with an extension of credit?
(Comment 2(a)(3)-1) .............................................................................. 31
6.7 What if the consumer withdraws the application or the creditor
determines it cannot approve it? (Comment 19(e)(1)(iii)-3) ................ 32
6.8 What if the consumer amends the application and the creditor can now
proceed? (Comment 19(e)(1)(iii)-3) ...................................................... 32
6.9 What is considered a “business day” under the requirements for
provision of the Loan Estimate? (Comment 19(e)(1)(iii)-1,
§ 1026.2(a)(6)) ........................................................................................ 33
6.10 What if the creditor does not have exact information to calculate
various costs at the time the Loan Estimate is delivered? (Comments
17(c)(2)(i)-1 and -2) ................................................................................ 33
7.

Good faith requirement and tolerances ............................................................ 35
7.1

What is the general accuracy requirement for the Loan Estimate
disclosures? (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iii)) ......................................................... 35

7.2 Are there circumstances where creditors are allowed to charge more
than disclosed on the Loan Estimate? .................................................... 36
7.3 What charges may change without regard to a tolerance limitation?
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iii)) ............................................................................... 36
7.4 When is a consumer permitted to shop for a service?
(§ 1026.19(e)(1)(vi)(C))........................................................................... 37
7.5 What charges are subject to a 10% cumulative tolerance?
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(ii)) ................................................................................ 38
7.6 What happens to the sum of estimated charges if the consumer is
permitted to shop and chooses his or her own service provider?
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iii) and Comment 19(e)(3)(ii) -3) ................................ 38
7.7 What if the creditor estimates a charge for a service that is not actually
performed? (Comment 19(e)(3)(ii)-5)................................................... 39
7.8 What if a consumer pays more for a particular charge for a third-party
service or recording fee than estimated, but the total charges paid are
still within 10% of the estimate? (Comment 19(e)(3)(ii)-2).................. 39
7.9 What if the creditor does not provide an estimate of a particular charge

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that is later charged? (Comment 19(e)(3)(ii)-2) ................................... 40
7.10 What charges are subject to zero tolerance? (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(ii)) ........ 40
7.11 When is a charge paid to a creditor, mortgage broker, or an affiliate of
either? ..................................................................................................... 41
7.12 What must creditors do when the amounts paid exceed the amounts
disclosed on the Loan Estimate beyond the applicable tolerance
thresholds? (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(v)) ............................................................ 41
8.

Revisions and Corrections to Loan Estimates ................................................. 42
8.1 When are revisions or corrections permitted for Loan Estimates? ....... 42
8.2 What is a “changed circumstance”? (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(A)) ............... 43
8.3 What are changed circumstances that affect settlement charges? ........ 43
8.4 What if the changed circumstance causes third party charges subject to
a cumulative 10% tolerance to increase?................................................ 44
8.5 What are changed circumstances that affect eligibility?
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(B)) .......................................................................... 45
8.6 May a creditor use a revised Loan Estimate if the consumer requests
revisions to the terms or charges? (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(C)).................. 46
8.7 May a creditor use a revised Loan Estimate if the rate is locked after the
initial Loan Estimate is provided? (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(D)) ................. 46
8.8 May a creditor use a revised Loan Estimate if the initial Loan Estimate
expires? (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(E)) ........................................................... 47
8.9 Are there any other circumstances where creditors may use revised
Loan Estimates? ..................................................................................... 47

9.

Timing for Revisions to Loan Estimate ............................................................. 48
9.1 What is the general timing requirement for providing a revised Loan
Estimate? (§ 1026.19(e)(4)(i)) ............................................................... 48
9.2 Are there any restrictions on how many days before consummation a
revised Loan Estimate may be provided? (§ 1026.19(e)(4)) ................. 48
9.3 What definition of “business day” applies to redisclosure rules? .......... 49
9.4 May a creditor revise a Loan Estimate after a Closing Disclosure already

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has been provided? (§ 1026.19(e)(4)(ii)) ............................................... 50
9.5 What if a changed circumstance occurs too close to consummation for
the creditor to provide a revised Loan Estimate? (Comment
19(e)(4)(ii)-1) .......................................................................................... 50
10. Closing Disclosures ........................................................................................... 52
10.1 What are the general requirements for the Closing Disclosure? (§§
1026.19(f) and 1026.38) ......................................................................... 52
10.2 The rule requires creditors to provide the Closing Disclosure three
business days before consummation. Is “consummation” the same
thing as closing or settlement? (§ 1026.2(a)(13)) .................................. 53
10.3 Does a creditor have to use the Bureau’s Closing Disclosure form?
(§ 1026.38(t)) .......................................................................................... 54
10.4 What information goes on the Closing Disclosure form? ...................... 54
10.5 Page 1: General information, loan terms, projected payments, and costs
at closing ................................................................................................. 55
10.6 Page 2: Loan costs and other costs ........................................................ 56
10.7 Page 3: Calculating cash to close, summaries of transactions, and
alternatives for transactions without a seller ......................................... 58
10.8 Page 4: Additional information about this loan .................................... 60
10.9 Page 5: Loan calculations, other disclosures and contact information 61
11. Delivery of Closing Disclosure .......................................................................... 63
11.1 What are the general timing and delivery requirements for the Closing
Disclosure? (§ 1026.19(f)) ...................................................................... 63
11.2 How must the Closing Disclosure be delivered? (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(ii)) ... 63
11.3 When is the Closing Disclosure considered to be received if it is
delivered in person or if it is mailed? (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(iii)) ................... 64
11.4 Can a settlement agent provide the Closing Disclosure on the creditor’s
behalf? (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(v)) .................................................................... 64
11.5 Who is responsible for providing the Closing Disclosure to a seller in a
purchase transaction? (§ 1026.19(f)(4)(i)) ............................................. 65

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11.6 What if there is more than one consumer involved in a transaction?
(§ 1026.17(d)).......................................................................................... 66
11.7 When does the creditor have to provide the Closing Disclosure to the
consumer? (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(ii)) ............................................................. 66
11.8 May a consumer waive the three-business-day waiting period?
(§ 1026.19(f)(1)(iv)) ................................................................................ 67
11.9 Does the three-business-day waiting period apply when corrected
Closing Disclosures must be issued to the consumer? (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(i)
and (ii)) ................................................................................................... 68
11.10 When must the settlement agent provide the Closing Disclosure to the
seller? (§ 1026.19(f)(4)(ii)) .................................................................... 68
11.11 Are creditors ever allowed to impose average charges on consumers
instead of the actual amount received? (§ 1026.19(f)(3)(i)-(ii)) ............ 68
12. Revisions and Corrections to Closing Disclosures ......................................... 70
12.1 When are creditors required to correct or revise Closing Disclosures?
(§ 1026.19(f)(2)) ..................................................................................... 70
12.2 What changes before consummation require a new waiting period?
(§ 1026.19(f)(2)(ii))................................................................................. 70
12.3 What changes do not require a new three-day waiting period?
(§ 1026.19(f)(2)(i)) ...................................................................................71
12.4 What if a consumer asks for the revised Closing Disclosure before
consummation? (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(i))...................................................... 72
12.5 Are creditors required to provide corrected Closing Disclosures if terms
or costs change after consummation? (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(iii)) ................. 72
12.6 Is a corrected Closing Disclosure required if a post-consummation
event affects an amount paid by the seller? (§ 1026.19(f)(4)(ii)).......... 73
12.7 Are clerical errors discovered after consummation subject to the
redisclosure obligation? (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(iv); Comment 19(f)(2)(iv)-1)73
12.8 Do creditors need to provide corrected Closing Disclosures when they
refund money to cure tolerance violations? (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(v)) .......... 74
13. Additional requirements and prohibitions ........................................................ 75

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13.1 Are there exceptions to the disclosure requirements for loans secured
by a timeshare interest? (§ 1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(C)) and (f)(1)(ii)(B)) ...... 75
13.2 Are there any limits on fees that may be charged prior to disclosure or
application? ............................................................................................ 76
13.3 How does a consumer indicate an intent to proceed with a transaction?
(§ 1026.19(e)(2)(i)(A)) ............................................................................ 76
13.4 What does it mean to impose a fee? (Comment 19(e)(2)(i)(A)-5) ........ 77
13.5 Can creditors provide estimates of costs and terms to consumers before
the Loan Estimate is provided? (§ 1026.19(e)(2)(ii))............................ 78
13.6 Are creditors allowed to require additional verifying information other
than the six pieces of information that form an application from
consumers before providing a Loan Estimate? (§ 1026.19(e)(2)(iii)) .. 79
14. Special Information Booklet (RESPA Settlement Costs Booklet) ................... 80
14.1 When must creditors deliver the special information booklet?
(§ 1026.19(g))..........................................................................................80
14.2 What happens if the consumer withdraws the application or the
creditor determines it cannot approve it? (§ 1026.19(g)(1)(i)) ............. 81
14.3 What if there are multiple applicants? ................................................... 81
14.4 If the consumer is using a mortgage broker to apply for the loan, can the
broker provide the booklet? ................................................................... 81
14.5 Are creditors allowed to change or tailor the booklets to their own
preferences and business needs? ........................................................... 81
15. Other disclosures ............................................................................................... 83
15.1 Does TILA-RESPA require any other new disclosures besides the Loan
Estimate and Closing Disclosure? .......................................................... 83
15.2 When must the Escrow Closing Notice be provided? (§ 1026.20(e)) .... 83
15.3 What transactions are subject to the Escrow Closing Notice
requirement? .......................................................................................... 83
15.4 What information must be on the Escrow Closing Notice?
(§ 1026.20(e)(1)) ..................................................................................... 84

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15.5 When must the creditor send the Escrow Closing Notice before the
escrow account is closed? ....................................................................... 86
15.6 What does the rule on disclosing partial payment policies in mortgage
transfer notices require? (§ 1026.39(a) and (d)) ................................... 86
15.7 What information must be included in the partial payment disclosure
and what must the disclosure look like? (§ 1026.39(d)(5)) .................. 87
16. Practical implementation and compliance issues ........................................... 88
16.1 Identifying affected products, departments, and staff ........................... 88
16.2 Identifying the business-process, operational, and technology changes
that will be necessary for compliance..................................................... 89
16.3 Identifying impacts on key service providers or business partners ....... 89
16.4 Identifying training needs ...................................................................... 90
17. Where can I find a copy of the TILA-RESPA rule and get more
information about it? .......................................................................................... 91

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1.Introduction
For more than 30 years, Federal law has required lenders to provide two different disclosure
forms to consumers applying for a mortgage. The law also generally has required two different
forms at or shortly before closing on the loan. Two different Federal agencies developed these
forms separately, under two Federal statutes: the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and the Real
Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (RESPA). The information on these forms is
overlapping and the language is inconsistent. Consumers often find the forms confusing, and
lenders and settlement agents find the forms burdensome to provide and explain.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) directs the
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) to integrate the mortgage loan disclosures
under TILA and RESPA Sections 4 and 5. Section 1032(f) of the Dodd-Frank Act mandated that
the Bureau propose for public comment rules and model disclosures that integrate the TILA and
RESPA disclosures by July 21, 2012. The Bureau satisfied this statutory mandate and issued
proposed rules and forms on July 9, 2012. To accomplish this, the Bureau engaged in extensive
consumer and industry research, analysis of public comment, and public outreach for more than
a year. After issuing the proposal, the Bureau conducted a large-scale quantitative study of its
proposed integrated disclosures with approximately 850 consumers, which concluded that the
Bureau’s integrated disclosures had on average statistically significant better performance than
the current disclosures under TILA and RESPA. The Bureau has now finalized a rule with new,
integrated disclosures - Integrated Mortgage Disclosures Under the Real Estate Settlement
Procedures Act (Regulation X) and the Truth In Lending Act (Regulation Z) (78 FR 7973, Dec.
31, 2013) (TILA-RESPA rule). The TILA-RESPA rule also provides a detailed explanation of
how the forms should be filled out and used.
First, the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and the initial Truth-in-Lending disclosure (initial TIL)
have been combined into a new form, the Loan Estimate. Similar to those forms, the new
Loan Estimate form is designed to provide disclosures that will be helpful to consumers in
understanding the key features, costs, and risks of the mortgage loan for which they are

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applying, and must be provided to consumers no later than the third business day after they
submit a loan application. Second, the HUD-1 and final Truth-in-Lending disclosure (final
TIL and, together with the initial TIL, the Truth-in-Lending forms) have been combined into
another new form, the Closing Disclosure, which is designed to provide disclosures that will
be helpful to consumers in understanding all of the costs of the transaction. This form must be
provided to consumers at least three business days before consummation of the loan.
The forms use clear language and design to make it easier for consumers to locate key
information, such as interest rate, monthly payments, and costs to close the loan. The forms
also provide more information to help consumers decide whether they can afford the loan and to
facilitate comparison of the cost of different loan offers, including the cost of the loans over time.
The final rule applies to most closed-end consumer mortgages. It does not apply to home equity
lines of credit (HELOCs), reverse mortgages, or mortgages secured by a mobile home or by a
dwelling that is not attached to real property (i.e., land). The final rule also does not apply to
loans made by persons who are not considered “creditors”. The TILA-RESPA rule is effective
October 3, 2015.

1.1

What is the purpose of this guide?

The purpose of this guide is to provide an easy-to-use summary of the TILA-RESPA rule. This
guide also highlights issues that small creditors, and those that work with them, might find
helpful to consider when implementing the rule.
This guide also meets the requirements of Section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, which requires the Bureau to issue a small-entity compliance
guide to help small entities comply with these new regulations.
You may want to review your processes, software, contracts with service providers, or other
aspects of your business operations in order to identify any changes needed to comply with this
rule. Changes related to this rule may take careful planning, time, or resources to implement.
This guide will help you identify and plan for any necessary changes.
To support rule implementation and ensure that industry is ready for the new consumer
protections, the Bureau will coordinate with other agencies, publish plain-language guides,

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publish updates to the Official Interpretations, if needed, and publish revised examination
procedures and readiness guides.
This guide summarizes the TILA-RESPA rule, but it is not a substitute for the rule. Only the rule
and its Official Interpretations (also known as commentary) can provide complete and definitive
information regarding its requirements. The discussions below provide citations to the sections
of the rule on the subject being discussed. Keep in mind that the Official Interpretations, which
provide detailed explanations of many of the rule’s requirements, are found after the text of the
rule and its appendices. The interpretations are arranged by rule section and paragraph for ease
of use. The complete rule and the Official Interpretations are available at
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/regulations/integrated-mortgage-disclosures-under-the-realestate-settlement-procedures-act-regulation-x-and-the-truth-in-lending-act-regulation-z/.
The focus of this guide is the TILA-RESPA rule. This guide does not discuss other federal or
state laws that may apply to the origination of closed-end credit.
At the end of this guide, there is more information about the TILA-RESPA rule and related
implementation support from the Bureau.

1.2

Who should read this guide?

If your organization originates closed-end residential mortgage loans, you may find this guide
helpful. This guide will help you determine your compliance obligations for the mortgage loans
you originate.
This guide may also be helpful to settlement service providers, secondary market participants,
software providers, and other companies that serve as business partners to creditors.

1.3

Where can I find additional resources
that will help me understand the TILARESPA rule?

Resources to help you understand and comply with the Dodd-Frank Act mortgage reforms and
our regulations, including downloadable compliance guides, are available through the CFPB’s

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website at www.consumerfinance.gov/regulatory-implementation. If after reviewing these
materials you have a specific TILA-RESPA regulatory interpretation question, submit a detailed
message, including your name, contact information, details about your regulatory question, and
the specific title, section, or subject matter of the regulation you are inquiring about, to
[email protected]. If you do not have access to the internet, you may leave this
information in a voicemail at 202-435-7700. Please note that Bureau staff provide only an
informal oral response to regulatory inquiries and that the response does not constitute an
official interpretation or legal advice. Generally we are not able to respond to specific inquiries
the same business day. Actual response times will vary depending on the number of questions
we are handling and the amount of research needed to respond to your question.
Email comments about the guide to [email protected]. Your
feedback is crucial to making this guide as helpful as possible. The Bureau welcomes your
suggestions for improvements and your thoughts on its usefulness and readability.
The Bureau is particularly interested in feedback relating to:

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

How useful you found this guide for understanding the rule



How useful you found this guide for implementing the rule at your business



Suggestions you have for improving the guide, such as additional implementation tips

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU

2. Overview of the TILA-RESPA
rule
2.1

What is the TILA-RESPA rule about?

The TILA-RESPA rule consolidates four existing disclosures required under TILA and RESPA
for closed-end credit transactions secured by real property into two forms: a Loan Estimate
that must be delivered or placed in the mail no later than the third business day after receiving
the consumer’s application, and a Closing Disclosure that must be provided to the
consumer at least three business days prior to consummation.

2.2

What transactions does the rule cover?
(§ 1026.19(e) and (f))

The TILA-RESPA rule applies to most closed-end consumer credit transactions secured by real
property. Credit extended to certain trusts for tax or estate planning purposes is not exempt
from the TILA-RESPA rule. (Comment 3(a)-10). However, some specific categories of loans are
excluded from the rule. Specifically, the TILA-RESPA rule does not apply to HELOCs,
reverse mortgages or mortgages secured by a mobile home or by a dwelling that is not attached
to real property (i.e., land). (§ 1026.19(e) and (f))

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2.3

What are the record retention
requirements for the TILA-RESPA rule?
(§ 1026.25)

The creditor must retain copies of the Closing Disclosure (and all documents related to the
Closing Disclosure) for five years after consummation.
The creditor, or servicer if applicable, must retain the Post-Consummation Escrow
Cancellation Notice (Escrow Closing Notice) and the Post-Consummation Partial
Payment Policy disclosure for two years. For additional information, see section 15 below.
For all other evidence of compliance with the Integrated Disclosure provisions of Regulation Z
(including the Loan Estimate) creditors must maintain records for three years after
consummation of the transaction.

2.4

What are the record retention
requirements if the creditor transfers or
sells the loan? (§ 1026.25)

If a creditor sells, transfers, or otherwise disposes of its interest in a mortgage and does not
service the mortgage, the creditor shall provide a copy of the Closing Disclosure to the new
owner or servicer of the mortgage as a part of the transfer of the loan file.
Both the creditor and such owner or servicer shall retain the Closing Disclosure for the
remainder of the five-year period.

2.5

Is there a requirement on how the
records are retained?

Regulations X and Z permit, but do not require electronic recordkeeping. Records can be
maintained by any method that reproduces disclosures and other records accurately, including
computer programs. (Comment 25(a)-2)

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3. Effective Date
3.1

When do I have to start following the
TILA-RESPA rule and using the new
Integrated Disclosures?

The new Integrated Disclosures must be provided by a creditor or mortgage broker that receives
an application from a consumer for a closed-end credit transaction secured by real property
on or after October 3, 2015.
Creditors will still be required to use the GFE, HUD-1, and Truth-in-Lending forms for
applications received prior to October 3, 2015. As the applications received prior to October
3, 2015 are consummated, withdrawn, or cancelled, the use of the GFE, HUD-1, and Truth-inLending forms will no longer be used for most mortgage loans.

3.2

Are there any requirements that take
effect on October 3, 2015 regardless of
whether an application has been
received on or after that date?

Yes. As discussed in section13, below, the TILA-RESPA rule includes some new restrictions on
certain activity prior to a consumer’s receipt of the Loan Estimate. These restrictions take
effect on the calendar date October 3, 2015, regardless of whether an application has been
received on that date. These activities include:

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Imposing fees on a consumer before



the consumer has received the Loan
Estimate and indicated an intent to
proceed with the transaction
(§ 1026.19(e)(2)(i));
Providing written estimates of terms



or costs specific to consumers before

A consumer may indicate an intent to
proceed in any manner the consumer
chooses, unless a particular manner of
communication is required by the creditor.
(§ 1026.19(e)(2)(i)(A)). For further
discussion on intent to proceed, see
section 13.3 below.

they receive the Loan Estimate
without a written statement informing the consumer that the terms and costs may
change (§ 1026.19(e)(2)(ii)); and
Requiring the submission of documents verifying information related to the consumer’s



application before providing the Loan Estimate (§ 1026.19(e)(2)(iii)).

3.3

Can a creditor use the new Integrated
Disclosures for applications received
before October 3, 2015?

No. For transactions where the application is received prior to October 3, 2015, creditors will
still need to follow the current disclosure requirements under Regulations X and Z, and use the
existing forms (Truth-in-Lending disclosures, GFE, HUD-1).

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4.Coverage
4.1

What transactions are covered by the
TILA-RESPA rule? (§§ 1024.5, 1026.3,
and 1026.19)

The TILA-RESPA rule applies to most closed-end consumer credit transactions secured by real
property, but does not apply to:


HELOCs;



Reverse mortgages; or



Chattel-dwelling loans, such as loans secured by a mobile home or by a dwelling that is
not attached to real property (i.e., land).

Consistent with the current rules under TILA, the rule also does not apply to loans made by a
person or entity that is not considered a creditor. (§ 1026.2(a)(17))
There is also a partial exemption for certain transactions associated with housing assistance loan
programs for low- and moderate-income consumers. (§ 1026.3(h))
However, certain types of loans that are currently subject to TILA but not RESPA are subject
to the TILA-RESPA rule’s integrated disclosure requirements, including:


Construction-only loans



Loans secured by vacant land or by 25 or more acres

Credit extended to certain trusts for tax or estate planning purposes also are covered by the
TILA-RESPA rule. (Comment 3(a)-10)

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4.2

What are the disclosure obligations for
transactions not covered by the TILARESPA rule, like HELOCs and reverse
mortgages?

The new Integrated Disclosures will not be used to disclose information about reverse
mortgages, HELOCs, chattel-dwelling loans, or other transactions not covered by the TILARESPA rule. Creditors originating these types of mortgages must continue to use, as applicable,
the GFE, HUD-1, and Truth-in-Lending disclosures required under current law.
For these transactions associated with the partial exemption for housing assistance loan
programs for low- and moderate-income consumers. (§ 1026.3(h)):
Creditors are exempt from the requirement to provide the RESPA settlement cost



booklet, RESPA GFE, RESPA settlement statement, and application servicing disclosure
statement requirements. (See §§ 1024.6, 1024.7, 1024.8, 1024.10, and 1024.33)
Creditors are exempt from the requirements to provide a Loan Estimate, Closing



Disclosure, and Special Information Booklet for these loans. (§ 1026.3(h))

4.3

Does a creditor have an option to use
the new Integrated Disclosure forms for a
transaction not covered by the TILARESPA rule?

Creditors are not prohibited from using the Integrated Disclosure forms on loans that are not
covered by TILA or RESPA (e.g., mortgages associated with housing assistance loan programs
for low- and moderate-income consumers). (See §§ 1026.3(h) and 1024.5(d)(2)). However, a
creditor cannot use the new Integrated Disclosure forms instead of the GFE, HUD-1, and Truthin-Lending forms for transactions that are covered by TILA or RESPA that require those
disclosures (e.g., reverse mortgages).

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5. The Loan Estimate
Disclosure
5.1

What are the general requirements for
the Loan Estimate disclosure?
(§§ 1026.19(e) and 1026.37)

For closed-end credit transactions secured by real property (other than reverse mortgages), the
creditor is required to provide the consumer with good-faith estimates of credit costs and
transaction terms on a new form called the Loan Estimate. This form integrates and replaces
the existing RESPA GFE and the initial TIL for these transactions. The creditor is generally
required to provide the Loan Estimate within three-business days of the receipt of the
consumer’s loan application (see section 6.1 below on the timing requirements of the Loan
Estimate). (§ 1026.19(e)(1))


Loan Estimate must contain a good faith estimate of credit costs and
transaction terms. If any information necessary for an accurate disclosure is
unknown, the creditor must make the disclosure based on the best information
reasonably available at the time the disclosure is provided to the consumer, and use due
diligence in obtaining the information. (§ 1026.19(e)(1)(i); Comment 19(e)(1)(i)-1)



Loan Estimate must be in writing and contain the information prescribed in
§ 1026.37. The creditor must disclose only the specific information set forth in
§ 1026.37(a) through (n), as shown in the Bureau’s form in appendix H-24.
(§ 1026.37(o))

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Delivery must satisfy the timing and method of delivery requirements. The



creditor is responsible for delivering the Loan Estimate or placing it in the mail no
later than the third business day after receiving the application. (§ 1026.19(e)(1)(iii))
Creditors may only use revised or corrected Loan Estimates when specific



requirements are met. Creditors generally may not issue revisions to Loan
Estimates because they later discover technical errors, miscalculations, or
underestimations of charges. Creditors are permitted to issue revised Loan Estimates
only in certain situations such as when changed circumstances result in increased
charges. (§ 1026.19(e)3)(iv))
In certain situations, mortgage brokers may provide a Loan Estimate. As



discussed in more detail in section 6.3 below, if a mortgage broker receives a consumer’s
application, either the creditor or the mortgage broker may provide the Loan
Estimate. (§ 1026.19(e)(1)(ii))

5.2

Does a creditor have to use the
Bureau’s Loan Estimate form?
(§ 1026.37(o))

Generally, yes. For any loans subject to the TILA-RESPA rule that are federally related
mortgage loans subject to RESPA (which will include most mortgages), form H-24 is a
standard form, meaning creditors must use form H-24. (§ 1026.37(o)(3)(i) (See also
§ 1024.2(b) for definition of federally related mortgage loan)
For other loans subject to the TILA-RESPA rule that are not federally related mortgage
loans, form H-24 is a model form, meaning creditors are not strictly required to use form H24, but the disclosures must contain the exact same information and be made with headings,
content, and format substantially similar to form H-24. (§ 1026.37(o)(3)(ii))

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5.3

What information goes on the Loan
Estimate form?

The following is a brief, page-by-page overview of the Loan Estimate, generally describing the
information creditors are required to disclose. For detailed instructions on the individual fields
and calculations for the Loan Estimate, see the Bureau’s companion guide, TILA-RESPA
Guide to Forms.

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5.4

Page 1: General information, loan
terms, projected payments, and costs at
closing

Page 1 of the Loan Estimate includes general information, a Loan Terms table with
descriptions of applicable information about the loan, a Projected Payments table, a Costs
at Closing table, and a link for consumers to obtain more information about loans secured by
real property at a website maintained by the Bureau.
Page 1 of the Loan Estimate includes the title “Loan Estimate” and a statement of “Save this
Loan Estimate to compare with your Closing Disclosure.” (§ 1026.37(a)(1), (2)). The top of

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page 1 also includes the name and address of the creditor. (§ 1026.37(a)(3)). A logo or slogan
can be used along with the creditor’s name and address, so long as the logo or slogan does not
exceed the space provided for that information. (§ 1026.37(o)(5)(iii))
If there are multiple creditors, use only the name of the creditor completing the Loan
Estimate. (Comment 37(a)(3)-1). If a mortgage broker is completing the Loan Estimate, use
the name of the creditor if known. If not yet known, leave this space blank. (Comment 37(a)(3)2)

5.5

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Page 2: Closing cost details

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU

Four main categories of charges are disclosed on page 2 of the Loan Estimate:
A good-faith itemization of the Loan Costs and Other Costs associated with the loan.



(§ 1026.37(f) and (g))
A Calculating Cash to Close table to show the consumer how the amount of cash



needed at closing is calculated. (§ 1026.37(h))
For transactions with adjustable monthly payments, an Adjustable Payment (AP)



Table with relevant information about how the monthly payments will change.
(§ 1026.37(i))
For transactions with adjustable interest rates, an Adjustable Interest Rate (AIR)



Table with relevant information about how the interest rate will change. (§ 1026.37(j))
The items associated with the mortgage are broken down into two general types, Loan Costs
and Other Costs. Generally, Loan Costs are those costs paid by the consumer to the creditor
and third-party providers of services the creditor requires to be obtained by the consumer
during the origination of the loan. (§ 1026.37(f)). Other Costs include taxes, governmental
recording fees, and certain other payments involved in the real estate closing process.
(§ 1026.37(g))
These two tables are further broken down, as discussed below.
Items that are a component of title insurance must include the introductory description of Title.
(§ 1026.37(f)(2)(i) and (g)(4)(i))
If State law requires additional disclosures, those additional disclosures may be made on a
document whose pages are separate from, and not presented as part of, the Loan Estimate.
(Comments 37(f)(6)-1 and 37(g)(8)-1)

5.6

Page 3: Additional information about the
loan

Page 3 of the Loan Estimate contains Contact information, a Comparisons table, an
Other Considerations table, and, if desired, a Signature Statement for the consumer to
sign to acknowledge receipt. (See § 1026.37(k), (l), (m), and (n))

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In transactions involving new construction, this page may include a clear and conspicuous
statement that the creditor may issue a revised disclosure any time prior to 60 days before
consummation, pursuant to § 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(F) if the creditor reasonably expects that
settlement will occur more than 60 days after the provision of the initial Loan Estimate.

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6. Delivery of the Loan Estimate
6.1

What are the general timing and
delivery requirements for the Loan
Estimate disclosure?

Generally, the creditor is responsible for ensuring that it delivers or places in the mail the Loan
Estimate form no later than the third business day after receiving the consumer’s
application (although see section 6.3 below regarding delivery of the Loan Estimate by a
mortgage broker).
The Loan Estimate must also be delivered or placed in the mail no later than the seventh
business day before consummation of the transaction. ( See § 1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(B))
The creditor also is responsible for ensuring that the Loan Estimate and its delivery meet the
content, delivery, and timing requirements discussed in sections 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of this guide.
(See §§ 1026.19(e) and 1026.37)

6.2

May a consumer waive the sevenbusiness-day waiting period?
(§ 1026.19(e)(1)(v))

The consumer may modify or waive the seven-business-day waiting period after receiving
the Loan Estimate if the consumer has a bona-fide personal financial emergency that
necessitates consummating the credit transaction before the end of the waiting period.

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Whether a consumer has a bona fide personal financial emergency is determined by the
facts surrounding the consumer’s individual situation. ( See § 1026.19(e)(1)(v); Comment
19(e)(1)(v)-1). An example of a bona fide personal financial emergency is the imminent
sale of the consumer’s home at foreclosure, where the foreclosure sale will proceed unless loan
proceeds are made available to the consumer during the waiting period.
To modify or waive the waiting period, the consumer must give the creditor a dated written
statement that describes the emergency, specifically modifies or waives the waiting period, and
is signed by all consumers primarily liable on the legal obligation. (§ 1026.19(e)(1)(v)). The
creditor may not provide the consumer with a pre-printed waiver form. (§ 1026.19(e)(1)(v)).

6.3

Can a mortgage broker provide a Loan
Estimate on the creditor’s behalf?

Yes. If a mortgage broker receives a consumer’s application, the mortgage broker may provide
the Loan Estimate to the consumer on the creditor’s behalf. (§ 1026.19(e)(1)(ii))
The provision of a Loan Estimate by a mortgage broker satisfies the creditor’s obligation to
provide a Loan Estimate. However, any such creditor is expected to maintain communication
with mortgage brokers to ensure that the Loan Estimate and its delivery satisfy the
requirements described above, and the creditor is legally responsible for any errors or defects.
(§ 1026.19(e)(1)(ii); Comment 19(e)(1)(ii) -1 and -2)
If a mortgage broker provides the Loan Estimate to a consumer, the mortgage broker must
comply with the three year record retention requirement discussed in section 2.3 above.
(Comment 19(e)(1)(ii)-1)

6.4

When does the creditor have to provide
the Loan Estimate to the consumer?

The Loan Estimate must be delivered or placed in the mail to the consumer no later than the
third business day after the creditor receives the consumer’s application for a mortgage
loan. (§ 1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(A)). (See definitions of application and business day below at
sections 6.5 and 6.9). If the Loan Estimate is not provided to the consumer in person, the

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consumer is considered to have received the Loan Estimate three business days after it is
delivered or placed in the mail. (§ 1026.19(e)(1)(iv))

6.5

What is an “application” that triggers an
obligation to provide a Loan Estimate?
(§ 1026.2(a)(3))

An application means the submission of a
consumer’s financial information for purposes

This new definition of application is similar
to the current definition under Regulation X

of obtaining an extension of credit. For

(§ 1024.2(b)). The Bureau has revised the

transactions subject to § 1026.19(e), (f), or (g),

definition of application to remove the

an application consists of the submission of

seventh “catch-all” element of the current

the following six pieces of information:

definition under Regulation X, that is, “any
other information deemed necessary by the



The consumer’s name;



The consumer’s income;



The consumer’s social security number to obtain a credit report;



The property address;



An estimate of the value of the property; and



The mortgage loan amount sought.

loan originator.”

An application may be submitted in written or electronic format, and includes a written record
of an oral application. (Comment 2(a)(3)-1)

6.6

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What if a creditor receives these six
pieces of information, but needs to
collect additional information to proceed

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU

with an extension of credit? (Comment
2(a)(3)-1)
This definition of application does not prevent a creditor from collecting whatever additional
information it deems necessary in connection with the request for the extension of credit.
However, once a creditor has received the six pieces of information discussed above, it has an
application for purposes of the requirement for delivery of the Loan Estimate to the
consumer, including the three-business-day timing requirement. (Comment 2(a)(3) -1)

6.7

What if the consumer withdraws the
application or the creditor determines it
cannot approve it? (Comment
19(e)(1)(iii)-3)

If the creditor determines within the three-business-day period that the consumer’s
application will not or cannot be approved on the terms requested by the consumer, or if the
consumer withdraws the application within that period, the creditor does not have to provide
the Loan Estimate. (Comment 19(e)(1)(iii)-3). However, if the creditor does not provide the
Loan Estimate, it will not have complied with the Loan Estimate requirements under
Regulation Z if it later consummates the transaction on the terms originally applied for by the
consumer. (Comment 19(e)(1)(iii)-3)

6.8

What if the consumer amends the
application and the creditor can now
proceed? (Comment 19(e)(1)(iii)-3)

If a consumer amends an application and a creditor determines the amended application
may proceed, then the creditor is required to comply with the Loan Estimate requirements,
including delivering or mailing a Loan Estimate within three business days of receiving the
amended or resubmitted application. (Comment 19(e)(1)(iii)-3)

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6.9

What is considered a “business day”
under the requirements for provision of
the Loan Estimate? (Comment
19(e)(1)(iii)-1, § 1026.2(a)(6))

For purposes of providing the Loan Estimate, a business day is a day on which the creditor’s
offices are open to the public for carrying out substantially all of its business functions.
(Comment 19(e)(1)(iii)-1, § 1026.2(a)(6))
Note that the term business day is defined differently for other purposes; including counting
days to ensure the consumer receives the Closing Disclosure on time. (See
§§ 1026.2(a)(6), 1026.19(f)(1)(ii)(A) and (f)(1)(iii)). For these other purposes, business day
means all calendar days except Sundays and the legal public holidays specified in 5 U.S.C.
6103(a), such as New Year’s Day, the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., Washington’s
Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day,
Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. (See § 1026.2(a)(6); Comment 2(a)(6)-2; Comment
19(f)(1)(ii)-1)

6.10 What if the creditor does not have exact
information to calculate various costs at
the time the Loan Estimate is delivered?
(Comments 17(c)(2)(i)-1 and -2)
Creditors are required to act in good faith and exercise due diligence in obtaining
information necessary to complete the Loan Estimate. (Comment 17(c)(2)(i)-1). Normally
creditors may rely on the representations of other parties in obtaining information.
(§ 1026.17(c)(2)(i))
However, there may be some information that is unknown (i.e., not reasonably available to the
creditor at the time the Loan Estimate is made). In these instances, the creditor may use
estimates even though it knows that more precise information will be available by the point of
consummation. However, new disclosures may be required under § 1026.17(c) or § 1026.19.
(Comment 17(c)(2)(i)-1)

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When estimated figures are used, they must be designated as such on the Loan Estimate.
(Comment 17(c)(2)(i)-2)

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7. Good faith requirement and
tolerances
7.1

What is the general accuracy
requirement for the Loan Estimate
disclosures? (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iii))

Creditors are responsible for ensuring that the figures stated in the Loan Estimate are made in
good faith and consistent with the best information reasonably available to the creditor at the
time they are disclosed. (§ 1026.19(e)(3); Comment 19(e)(3)(iii)-1 through -3)
Whether or not a Loan Estimate was made in good faith is determined by calculating the
difference between the estimated charges originally provided in the Loan Estimate and the
actual charges paid by or imposed on the consumer in the Closing Disclosure.
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(i) and (ii))
Generally, if the charge paid by or imposed on the consumer exceeds the amount originally
disclosed on the Loan Estimate it is not in good faith, regardless of whether the creditor
later discovers a technical error, miscalculation, or underestimation of a charge.
However, a Loan Estimate is considered to be in good faith if the creditor charges the
consumer less than the amount disclosed on the Loan Estimate, without regard to any
tolerance limitations.

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7.2

Are there circumstances where creditors
are allowed to charge more than
disclosed on the Loan Estimate?

Yes. A creditor may charge the consumer more than the amount disclosed in the Loan
Estimate in specific circumstances, described below:
Certain variations between the amount disclosed and the amount charged are expressly



permitted by the TILA-RESPA rule (See section 7.3 below for additional information on
which variations are possible) (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iii));


The amount charged falls within explicit tolerance thresholds (and the estimate is not
for a zero tolerance charge where variations are never permitted) (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(ii))
(See sections 7.5 and 7.10 below); or
Changed circumstances permit a revised Loan Estimate or a Closing Disclosure



that permits the charge to be changed. (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)) (See section 8.2 below)

7.3

What charges may change without
regard to a tolerance limitation?
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iii))

For certain costs or terms, creditors are permitted to charge consumers more than the amount
disclosed on the Loan Estimate without any tolerance limitation.
These charges are:


Prepaid interest; property insurance premiums; amounts placed into an escrow,
impound, reserve or similar account. (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iii)(A)-(C))



For services required by the creditor if the creditor permits the consumer to shop
and the consumer selects a third-party service provider not on the creditor’s written
list of service providers. (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iii)(D))

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Charges paid to third-party service providers for services not required by the creditor



(may be paid to affiliates of the creditor). (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iii)(E))
However, creditors may only charge consumers more than the amount disclosed when the
original estimated charge, or lack of an estimated charge for a particular service, was based on
the best information reasonably available to the creditor at the time the disclosure was provided.
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iii))

7.4

When is a consumer permitted to shop
for a service? (§ 1026.19(e)(1)(vi)(C))

In addition to the Loan Estimate, if the consumer is permitted to shop for a settlement
service, the creditor must provide the consumer with a written list of services for which the
consumer can shop. This written list of providers is separate from the Loan Estimate,
but must be provided within the same time frame—that is, it must be provided to the consumer
no later than three business days after the creditor receives the consumer’s application—and
the list must:


Identify at least one available settlement service provider for each service; and



State that the consumer may choose a different provider of that service.
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(ii)(C) and (e)(1)(vi)(C))

The settlement service providers identified on the written list must correspond to the
settlement services for which the consumer can shop as disclosed on the Loan Estimate. See
form H-27(A) of appendix H to Regulation Z for a model list. (Comment 19(e)(1)(vi)-3)
The creditor may also identify on the written list of providers those services for which the
consumer is not permitted to shop, as long as those services are clearly and conspicuously
distinguished from those services for which the consumer is permitted to shop. (Comment
19(e)(1)(vi)-6). See form H-27(C) of appendix H to Regulation Z for a sample of the inclusion of
this information.

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7.5

What charges are subject to a 10%
cumulative tolerance?
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(ii))

Charges for third-party services and recording fees paid by or imposed on the consumer are
grouped together and subject to a 10% cumulative tolerance. This means the creditor may
charge the consumer more than the amount disclosed on the Loan Estimate for any of these
charges so long as the total sum of the charges added together does not exceed the sum of all
such charges disclosed on the Loan Estimate by more than 10%. (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(ii))
These charges are:
Recording fees (Comment 19(e)(3)(ii)-4);



Remember, when a creditor allows a

Charges for third-party services where:





The charge is not paid to the creditor
or the creditor’s affiliate
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(ii)(B)); and



consumer to shop for a third-party service
and the consumer chooses a service provider
not identified on the creditor’s list, the
charge is not subject to a tolerance
limitation (see section 7.4 above).

The consumer is permitted by the
creditor to shop for the third-party service, and the consumer selects a third-party
service provider on the creditor’s written list of service providers.
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(ii)(C); § 1026.19(e)(1)(vi); Comment 19(e)(1)(vi)-1 through 7)).

7.6

What happens to the sum of estimated
charges if the consumer is permitted to
shop and chooses his or her own
service provider? (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iii)
and Comment 19(e)(3)(ii) -3)

Where a consumer chooses a provider that is not on the creditor’s written list of providers,
then the creditor is not limited in the amount that may be charged for the service.
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iii)) (See section 7.3 above, describing charges subject to no tolerance

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limitation). When this occurs for a service that otherwise would be included in the 10%
cumulative tolerance category, the charge is removed from consideration for purposes of
determining the 10% tolerance level. (Comment 19(e)(3)(ii)-5)
Remember, if the creditor permits the consumer to shop for a required settlement service but
the consumer either does not select a settlement service provider or chooses a settlement service
provider identified by the creditor on the written list of providers, then the amount charged
is included in the sum of all such third-party charges paid by the consumer, and also is subject
to the 10% cumulative tolerance. (Comment 19(e)(3)(ii) -3)

7.7

What if the creditor estimates a charge
for a service that is not actually
performed? (Comment 19(e)(3)(ii)-5)

The creditor should compare the sum of the charges actually paid by or imposed on the
consumer with the sum of the estimated charges on the Loan Estimate that are actually
performed. If a service is not performed, the estimate for that charge should be removed from
the total amount of estimated charges. (Comment 19(e)(3)(ii)-5).

7.8

What if a consumer pays more for a
particular charge for a third-party
service or recording fee than estimated,
but the total charges paid are still within
10% of the estimate? (Comment
19(e)(3)(ii)-2)

Whether an individual estimated charge subject to § 1026.19(e)(3)(ii) is in good faith depends
on whether the sum of all charges subject to that section increases by more than 10 percent,
even if a particular charge does not increase by 10 percent. A creditor may charge more than
10% in excess of an individual estimated charge in this category, so long as the sum of all
charges is still within the 10% cumulative tolerance. (Comment 19(e)(3)(ii)-2)

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7.9

What if the creditor does not provide an
estimate of a particular charge that is
later charged? (Comment 19(e)(3)(ii)-2)

Creditors also are provided flexibility in disclosing individual fees by the focus on the aggregate
amount of all charges. A creditor may charge a consumer for a fee that would fall under the 10%
cumulative tolerance but was not included on the Loan Estimate so long as the sum of all
charges in this category paid does not exceed the sum of all estimated charges by more than
10%. (Comment 19(e)(3)(ii)-2)

7.10 What charges are subject to zero
tolerance? (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(ii))
For all other charges, creditors are not permitted to charge consumers more than the amount
disclosed on the Loan Estimate under any circumstances other than changed
circumstances that permit a revised Loan Estimate, as discussed below in section 8.1.
These zero tolerance charges are:


Fees paid to the creditor, mortgage broker, or an affiliate of either
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(ii)(B));



Fees paid to an unaffiliated third party if the creditor did not permit the consumer to
shop for a third party service provider for a settlement service (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(ii)(C));
or



40

Transfer taxes. (Comments 19(e)(3)(i)-1 and -4)

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7.11 When is a charge paid to a creditor,
mortgage broker, or an affiliate of
either?
A charge is paid to the creditor, mortgage broker, or an affiliate of either if it is retained by
that person or entity. A charge is not paid to one of these entities when it receives money but
passes it on to an unaffiliated third party. (Comment 19(e)(3)(i)-3)
The term affiliate is given the same meaning it has for purposes of determining Ability-toRepay and HOEPA coverage: any company that controls, is controlled by, or is under common
control with another company, as set forth in the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. (12
U.S.C. 1841 et seq.) (§ 1026.32(b)(5))

7.12 What must creditors do when the
amounts paid exceed the amounts
disclosed on the Loan Estimate beyond
the applicable tolerance thresholds?
(§ 1026.19(f)(2)(v))
If the amounts paid by the consumer at closing exceed the amounts disclosed on the Loan
Estimate beyond the applicable tolerance threshold, the creditor must refund the excess to
the consumer no later than 60 calendar days after consummation.


For charges subject to zero tolerance, any amount charged beyond the amount
disclosed on the Loan Estimate must be refunded to the consumer.
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(i))



For charges subject to a 10% cumulative tolerance, to the extent the total sum of the
charges added together exceeds the sum of all such charges disclosed on the Loan
Estimate by more than 10%, the difference must be refunded to the consumer.
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(ii))

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8. Revisions and Corrections to
Loan Estimates
8.1

When are revisions or corrections
permitted for Loan Estimates?

Creditors generally are bound by the Loan Estimate provided within three business days of
the application, and may not issue revisions to Loan Estimates because they later discover
technical errors, miscalculations, or underestimations of charges. Creditors are permitted to
provide to the consumer revised Loan Estimates (and use them to compare estimated
amounts to amounts actually charged for purposes of determining good faith) only in certain
specific circumstances:


Changed circumstances that occur after the Loan Estimate is provided to the
consumer cause estimated settlement charges to increase more than is permitted under
the TILA-RESPA rule
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(A));

When creditors revise Loan Estimates for
these reasons, the revised Loan Estimate



Changed circumstances that

may reflect increased charges only to the

occur after the Loan Estimate is

extent actually justified by the reason for the

provided to the consumer affect the

revision. (Comment 19(e)(3)(iv)-2)

consumer’s eligibility for the terms

Creditors must also retain records

for which the consumer applied or

demonstrating compliance with the

the value of the security for the loan
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(B));


Revisions to the credit terms or the
settlement are requested by the

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CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU

requirements of § 1026.19(e), in order to
comply with the record retention
requirements of the TILA-RESPA rule.
(Comment 19(e)(3)(iv)-3)

consumer (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(C));
The interest rate was not locked when the Loan Estimate was provided, and locking



the rate causes the points or lender credits disclosed on the Loan Estimate to change
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(D));
The consumer indicates an intent to proceed with the transaction more than 10



business days after the Loan Estimate was originally provided
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(E)); or
The loan is a new construction loan, and settlement is delayed by more than 60 calendar



days, if the original Loan Estimate states clearly and conspicuously that at any time
prior to 60 calendar days before consummation, the creditor may issue revised
disclosures. (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(F)).

8.2

What is a “changed circumstance”?
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(A))

A changed circumstance for purposes of a revised Loan Estimate is:
An extraordinary event beyond the control of any interested party or other unexpected



event specific to the consumer or transaction (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(A)(1));
Information specific to the consumer or transaction that the creditor relied upon when



providing the Loan Estimate and that was inaccurate or changed after the disclosures
were provided (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(A)(2)); or
New information specific to the consumer or transaction that the creditor did not rely on



when providing the Loan Estimate. (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(A)(3))

8.3

What are changed circumstances that
affect settlement charges?

A creditor may provide and use a revised Loan Estimate redisclosing a settlement charge if
changed circumstances cause the estimated charge to increase or, in the case of charges

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CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU

subject to the 10% cumulative tolerance, cause the sum of those charges to increase by more
than the 10% tolerance. (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(A); Comment 19(e)(3)(iv)(A)-1)
Examples of changed circumstances affecting settlement costs include (Comment
19(e)(3)(iv)(A)-2):
A natural disaster, such as a hurricane or earthquake, damages the property or otherwise



results in additional closing costs;
The creditor provided an estimate of title insurance on the Loan Estimate, but the title



insurer goes out of business during underwriting;
New information not relied upon when providing the Loan Estimate is discovered,



such as a neighbor of the seller filing a claim contesting the boundary of the property to
be sold.
NOTE: Creditors are not required to collect all six pieces of information constituting the
consumer’s application—i.e., the consumer’s name, monthly income, social security number to
obtain a credit report, the property address, an estimate of the value of the property, or the
mortgage loan amount sought—prior to issuing the Loan Estimate. However, creditors are
presumed to have collected this information prior to providing the Loan Estimate and may
not later collect it and claim a changed circumstance. For example, if a creditor provides a
Loan Estimate prior to receiving the property address from the consumer, the creditor cannot
subsequently claim that the receipt of the property address is a changed circumstance.
(Comment 19(e)(3)(iv)(A)-3)

8.4

What if the changed circumstance
causes third party charges subject to a
cumulative 10% tolerance to increase?

It is possible that one of the events described above may cause one or more third-party charges
subject to a 10% cumulative tolerance to increase. Creditors are permitted to provide and
rely upon a revised Loan Estimate only when the cumulative effect of the changed

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circumstance results in an increase to the sum of all costs subject to the tolerance by more
than 10%. (Comment 19(e)(3)(iv)(A)-1.ii)

8.5

What are changed circumstances that
affect eligibility?
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(B))

A creditor also may provide and use a revised Loan Estimate if a changed circumstance
affected the consumer’s creditworthiness or the value of the security for the loan, and resulted in
the consumer being ineligible for an estimated loan term previously disclosed.
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(B) and Comment 19(e)(3)(iv)(B)-1)
This may occur when a changed circumstance causes a change in the consumer’s eligibility for
specific loan terms disclosed on the Loan Estimate, which in turn results in increased cost for
a settlement service beyond the applicable tolerance threshold. (Comment 19(e)(3)(iv)(A)-2).
For example:


The creditor relied on the consumer’s representation to the creditor of a $90,000 annual
income, but underwriting determines that the consumer’s annual income is only
$80,000.



There are two co-applicants applying for a mortgage loan and the creditor relied on a
combined income when providing the Loan Estimate, but one applicant subsequently
becomes unemployed.

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8.6

May a creditor use a revised Loan
Estimate if the consumer requests
revisions to the terms or charges?
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(C))

Yes. A creditor may use a revised estimate of a charge if the consumer requests revisions to the
credit terms or settlement that affect items disclosed on the Loan Estimate and cause an
estimated charge to increase. (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(C); Comment 19(e)(3)(iv)(C)-1)
Remember, providing a revised Loan Estimate allows creditors to compare the updated
figures for charges that have increased due to an event that allows for redisclosure to the
amount actually charged for those services. If amounts decrease or increase only to an extent
that does not exceed the applicable tolerance, the original Loan Estimate is still deemed to be
in good faith. Redisclosure is permissible in these circumstances, but will not reset the
tolerances, and creditors must continue to measure the tolerances against the original Loan
Estimate. (§ 1026.19(e)(4)(i))

8.7

May a creditor use a revised Loan
Estimate if the rate is locked after the
initial Loan Estimate is provided?
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(D))

Yes. If the interest rate for the loan was not locked when the Loan Estimate was provided
and, upon being locked at some later time, the interest rate as well as points or lender credits for
the mortgage loan may change. The creditor is required to provide a revised Loan Estimate
no later than three business days after the date the interest rate is locked, and may use the
revised Loan Estimate to compare to points and lender credits charged.
The revised Loan Estimate must reflect the revised interest rate as well as any revisions to the
points disclosed on the Loan Estimate pursuant to § 1026.37(f)(1), lender credits, and any
other interest rate dependent charges and terms that have changed due to the new interest rate.
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(D); Comment 19(e)(3)(iv)(D)-1)

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8.8

May a creditor use a revised Loan
Estimate if the initial Loan Estimate
expires? (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(E))

Yes. If the consumer indicates an intent to
proceed with the transaction more than 10

Creditors should count the number of

business days after the Loan Estimate

business days from the date the Loan

was delivered or placed in the mail to the

Estimate was delivered or placed in the mail

consumer, a creditor may use a revised Loan

to the consumer, and use the definition of

Estimate. (§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(E); Comment

business day that applies for purposes of

19(e)(3)(iv)(E)-1). No justification is required
for the change to the original estimate of a
charge other than the lapse of 10 business

providing the Loan Estimate.
(§ 1026.19(e)(1)(iii) and Comment
19(e)(1)(iii)-1; § 1026.2(a)(6))

days.

8.9

Are there any other circumstances
where creditors may use revised Loan
Estimates?

Yes. In addition to the circumstances described
above, creditors also may use a revised Loan
Estimate where the transaction involves
financing of new construction and the creditor
reasonably expects that settlement will occur
more than 60 calendar days after the original
Loan Estimate has been provided.
(§ 1026.19(e)(3)(iv)(F))
Creditors may use revised Loan Estimates in
this circumstance only when the original Loan

A new construction loan is a loan for the
purchase of a home that is not yet
constructed or the purchase of a new home
where construction is currently underway,
not a loan for financing home improvement,
remodeling, or adding to an existing
structure. Nor is it a loan on a home for
which a use and occupancy permit has been
issued prior to the issuance of a Loan
Estimate.

Estimate clearly and conspicuously stated that
at any time prior to 60 days before consummation the creditor may issue revised disclosures.
(Comment 19(e)(3)(iv)(F)-1)

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9. Timing for Revisions to Loan
Estimate
9.1

What is the general timing requirement
for providing a revised Loan Estimate?
(§ 1026.19(e)(4)(i))

The general rule is that the creditor must deliver or place in the mail the revised Loan
Estimate to the consumer no later than three business days after receiving the information
sufficient to establish that one of the reasons for the revision described in section 8.1 above has
occurred. (§ 1026.19(e)(4)(i); Comment 19(e)(4)(i)-1)

9.2

Are there any restrictions on how many
days before consummation a revised
Loan Estimate may be provided?
(§ 1026.19(e)(4))

Yes.


The creditor may not provide a revised Loan Estimate on or after the date it provides
the Closing Disclosure.



The creditor must ensure that the consumer receives the revised Loan Estimate no later
than four business days prior to consummation. If the creditor is mailing the revised
Loan Estimate and relying upon the 3 business day mailbox rule, the creditor would need

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to place in the mail the Loan Estimate no later than seven business days before
consummation of the transaction to allow 3 business days for receipt. (§ 1026.19(e)4 ;
Comment 19(e)(4)(i)-2)


As discussed in section 11.2 below regarding the Closing Disclosure, when a revised
Loan Estimate is provided in person, it is considered received by the consumer on the
day it is provided. If it is mailed or delivered electronically, the consumer is considered
to have received it three business days after it is delivered or placed in the mail.
(§ 1026.19(e)(1)(iv) and commentary).



However, if the creditor has evidence that the consumer received the revised Loan
Estimate earlier than three business days after it is mailed or delivered, it may rely
on that evidence and consider it to be received on that date. (Comments 19(e)(1)(iv)-1
and -2) (See also discussion above in section 11.3 of this guide on similar receipt rule
under § 1026.19(e)(1)(iv) and commentary regarding the Closing Disclosure.)

9.3

What definition of “business day”
applies to redisclosure rules?

For purposes of providing a revised Loan Estimate within three business days of receiving
information sufficient to establish that an event permitting redisclosure has occurred, the
standard definition of business day applies (see section 6.9 above).
However, for purposes of the four-business-day period prior to consummation, “business
day” means all calendar days except Sundays and legal public holidays specified in 5 U.S.C.
6103(a) such as New Year’s Day, the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., Washington’s
Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day,
Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. (§ 1026.2(a)(6); Comment 2(a)(6)-2)

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9.4

May a creditor revise a Loan Estimate
after a Closing Disclosure already has
been provided? (§ 1026.19(e)(4)(ii))

No. The creditor may not provide a revised Loan Estimate on or after the date the creditor
provides the consumer with the Closing Disclosure. (§ 1026.19(e)(4)(ii); Comment
19(e)(4)(ii)-1.ii) (See also section 11.1 below, discussing timing requirements for the Closing
Disclosure). Because the Closing Disclosure must be provided to the consumer no later
than three business days before consummation (see section 10.2 below), this means the
consumer must receive a revised Loan Estimate no later than four business days prior to
consummation. (§ 1026.19(e)(4)(ii); Comment 19(e)(4)(ii)-1.ii)

9.5

What if a changed circumstance occurs
too close to consummation for the
creditor to provide a revised Loan
Estimate? (Comment 19(e)(4)(ii)-1)

If there are less than four business days in between the time a the revised Loan Estimate would
have been required to be provided to the consumer and consummation, creditors may provide
consumers with a Closing Disclosure reflecting any revised charges resulting from the
changed circumstance and rely on those figures (rather than the amounts disclosed on the
Loan Estimate) for purposes of determining good faith and the applicable tolerance.
(Comment 19(e)(4)(ii)-1)


If the changed circumstance or other triggering event occurs between the fourth and
third business days from consummation, the creditor may reflect the revised
charges on the Closing Disclosure provided to the consumer three business days
before consummation.



If the event occurs after the first Closing Disclosure has been provided to the
consumer (i.e., within the three-business-day waiting period before
consummation), the creditor may use revised charges on the Closing Disclosure
provided to the consumer at consummation, and compare those amounts to the

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amounts charged for purposes of determining good faith and tolerance. (Comment
19(e)(4)(ii)-1)

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10. Closing Disclosures
10.1 What are the general requirements for
the Closing Disclosure? (§§ 1026.19(f)
and 1026.38)
For loans that require a Loan Estimate and that proceed to closing, creditors must provide a
new final disclosure reflecting the actual terms of the transaction called the Closing
Disclosure. The form integrates and replaces the existing HUD-1 and the final TIL disclosure
for these transactions. The creditor is generally required to ensure that the consumer receives
the Closing Disclosure no later than three business days before consummation of the
loan. (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(ii))


The Closing Disclosure generally must contain the actual terms and costs of
the transaction. (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(i)). Creditors may estimate disclosures using the
best information reasonably available when the actual term or cost is not reasonably
available to the creditor at the time the disclosure is made. However, creditors must act
in good faith and use due diligence in obtaining the information. The creditor normally
may rely on the representations of other parties in obtaining the information, including,
for example, the settlement agent. The creditor is required to provide corrected
disclosures containing the actual terms of the transaction at or before consummation.
(Comments 19(f)(1)(i)-2, -2.i, and -2.ii)



The Closing Disclosure must be in writing and contain the information
prescribed in § 1026.38. The creditor must disclose only the specific information set
forth in § 1026.38(a) through (s), as shown in the Bureau’s form in appendix H-25.
(§ 1026.38(t))

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

If the actual terms or costs of the transaction change prior to
consummation, the creditor must provide a corrected disclosure that contains the
actual terms of the transaction and complies with the other requirements of § 1026.19(f),
including the timing requirements, and requirements for providing corrected disclosures
due to subsequent changes. (Comment 19(f)(1)(i)-1)



New three-day waiting period. If the creditor provides a corrected disclosure, it
may also be required to provide the consumer with an additional three-business-day
waiting period prior to consummation. (§ 1026.19(f)(2)) (See section12 below for a
discussion of the redisclosure requirements for the Closing Disclosure)

10.2 The rule requires creditors to provide
the Closing Disclosure three business
days before consummation. Is
“consummation” the same thing as
closing or settlement? (§ 1026.2(a)(13))
No, consummation may commonly occur at the same time as closing or settlement, but it is a
legally distinct event. Consummation occurs when the consumer becomes contractually
obligated to the creditor on the loan, not, for example, when the consumer becomes
contractually obligated to a seller on a real estate transaction.
The point in time when a consumer becomes contractually obligated to the creditor on the loan
depends on applicable State law. (§ 1026.2(a)(13) and Comment 2(a)(13)-1). Creditors and
settlement agents should verify the applicable State laws to determine when consummation
will occur, and make sure delivery of the Closing Disclosure occurs at least three business
days before this event.

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10.3 Does a creditor have to use the
Bureau’s Closing Disclosure form?
(§ 1026.38(t))
Generally, yes. For any loans subject to the TILA-RESPA rule that are federally related
mortgage loans subject to RESPA (which will include most mortgages), form H-25 is a
standard form, meaning creditors must use the form H-25. (§ 1026.38(t)(3)(i)) (See also
§ 1024.2(b) for definition of federally related mortgage loan)
For other transactions subject to the TILA-RESPA rule that are not federally related
mortgage loans, form H-25 is a model form, meaning creditors are not strictly required to
use form H-25, but the disclosures must contain the exact same information and be made with
headings, content, and format substantially similar to form H-25. (§ 1026.38(t)(3)(ii))

10.4 What information goes on the Closing
Disclosure form?
The following is a brief, page-by-page overview of the Closing Disclosure form, generally
describing the information creditors are required to disclose. For detailed instructions on how
to determine the contents of each of these fields, see the TILA-RESPA Guide to Forms.

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10.5 Page 1: General information, loan
terms, projected payments, and costs at
closing

General information, the Loan Terms table, the Projected Payments table, and the Costs
at Closing table are disclosed on the first page of the Closing Disclosure. (§ 1026.38(a), (b),
(c), and (d))

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10.6 Page 2: Loan costs and other costs

The Loan Costs and Other Costs tables are disclosed under the heading Closing Cost Details
on page 2 of the Closing Disclosure. (§ 1026.38(f), (g), and (h)). The number of items in the
Loan Costs and Other Costs tables can be expanded and deleted to accommodate the
disclosure of additional line items and keep the Loan Costs and Other Costs tables on page 2
of the Closing Disclosure. (§ 1026.38(t)(5)(iv)(A); Comment 38(t)(5)(iv)-2)

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However, items that are required to be disclosed even if they are not charged to the consumer
(such as Points in the Origination Charges subheading) cannot be deleted. (Comment
38(t)(5)(iv)-1)
The Loan Costs and Other Costs tables can be disclosed on two separate pages of the
Closing Disclosure, but only if the page cannot accommodate all of the costs required to be
disclosed on one page. (§ 1026.38(t)(5)(iv)(B); Comment 38(t)(5)(iv)-2)
When used, these pages are numbered page 2a and 2b. (Comment 38(t)(5)(iv)-2). For an
example of this permissible change to the Closing Disclosure, see form H-25(H) of appendix
H to Regulation Z.

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10.7 Page 3: Calculating cash to close,
summaries of transactions, and
alternatives for transactions without a
seller

On page 3 of the Closing Disclosure, the Calculating Cash to Close table and
Summaries of Transactions tables are disclosed. (§ 1026.38(i), (j), and (k)). For

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transactions without a seller, a Payoffs and Payments table may be substituted for the
Summaries of Transactions table and placed before the alternative Calculating Cash to
Close table. (§ 1026.38(e) and (t)(5)(vii)(B)). For example, see page 3 of form H-25(J) of
appendix H to Regulation Z.

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10.8 Page 4: Additional information about
this loan

On page 4 of the Closing Disclosure, Loan Disclosures, Adjustable Payment, and
Adjustable Interest Rate (AIR) tables are shown with the heading Additional
Information About This Loan. (§ 1026.38(l), (m), and (n))

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10.9 Page 5: Loan calculations, other
disclosures and contact information

Disclose Loan Calculations, Other Disclosures, Questions Notice, Contact
Information, and, if desired by the creditor, Confirm Receipt tables on page 5 of the
Closing Disclosure. (§ 1026.38(o), (p), (q), and (r))

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For a description and instructions for calculations of amounts for the information and amounts
required on the Closing Disclosure, please see the Closing Disclosure section of the TILARESPA Guide to Forms.

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11. Delivery of Closing
Disclosure
11.1 What are the general timing and
delivery requirements for the Closing
Disclosure? (§ 1026.19(f))
Generally, the creditor is responsible for ensuring that the consumer receives the Closing
Disclosure form no later than three business days before consummation.
(§ 1026.19(f)(1)(ii)(A); Comment 19(f)(1)(v)-3) (Although see section 11.4 below regarding
delivery of the Closing Disclosure by a settlement agent)
The creditor also is responsible for ensuring that the Closing Disclosure meets the content,
delivery, and timing requirements discussed in sections 10, 11, and 12 of this guide.
(§§ 1026.19(f) and 1026.38)

11.2 How must the Closing Disclosure be
delivered? (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(ii))
To ensure the consumer receives the Closing Disclosure on time, creditors must arrange for
delivery as follows:


By providing it to the consumer in person.



By mailing, or by other delivery methods, including email. Creditors may use electronic
delivery methods subject to compliance with the consumer consent and other applicable

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provisions of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (15 U.S.C.
7001 et seq.). (§ 1026.38(t)(3)(iii))


Creditors must ensure that the consumer receives the Closing Disclosure at least three
business days prior to consummation. (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(ii)(A))

11.3 When is the Closing Disclosure
considered to be received if it is
delivered in person or if it is mailed?
(§ 1026.19(f)(1)(iii))
If the Closing Disclosure is provided in person, it is considered received by the consumer on
the day it is provided. If it is mailed or delivered electronically, the consumer is considered to
have received the Closing Disclosure three business days after it is delivered or placed in
the mail. (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(iii); Comment 19(f)(1)(ii)-2)
However, if the creditor has evidence that the consumer received the Closing Disclosure
earlier than three business days after it is mailed or delivered, it may rely on that evidence and
consider it to be received on that date. (Comments 19(f)(1)(iii)-1 and -2) (See also discussion
above in section 6.4 of this guide on similar receipt rule under § 1026.19(e)(1)(iv) and
commentary regarding the Loan Estimate.)

11.4 Can a settlement agent provide the
Closing Disclosure on the creditor’s
behalf? (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(v))
Yes. Creditors may contract with settlement agents to have the settlement agent provide the
Closing Disclosure to consumers on the creditor’s behalf. (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(v)). Creditors and
settlement agents also may agree to divide responsibility with regard to completing the Closing
Disclosure, with the settlement agent assuming responsibility to complete some or all the
Closing Disclosure. (Comment 19(f)(1)(v)-4)

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Any such creditor must maintain communication with the settlement agent to ensure that the
Closing Disclosure and its delivery satisfy the requirements described above, and the creditor
is legally responsible for any errors or defects. (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(v) and Comment 19(f)(1)(v)-3)

11.5 Who is responsible for providing the
Closing Disclosure to a seller in a
purchase transaction?
(§ 1026.19(f)(4)(i))
The settlement agent is required to provide the seller with the Closing Disclosure reflecting
the actual terms of the seller’s transaction. (§ 1026.19(f)(4)(i))
The settlement agent may comply with this requirement by providing the seller with a copy of
the Closing Disclosure provided to the consumer (buyer) if it also contains information
relating to the seller’s transaction. (Comment 19(f)(4)(i)-1)
The settlement agent may also provide the seller with a separate disclosure, including only the
information applicable to the seller’s transaction from the Closing Disclosure
(§ 1026.38(t)(5)(v) or (vi), as applicable). (See form H-25(I) of appendix H to Regulation Z for a
model form). However, if the seller’s disclosure is provided in a separate document, the
settlement agent has to provide the creditor with a copy of the disclosure provided to the seller.
(§ 1026.19(f)(4)(iv))

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11.6 What if there is more than one
consumer involved in a transaction?
(§ 1026.17(d))
In rescindable transactions, the Closing
Disclosure must be given separately to each

Implementation tip: Some creditors may

consumer who has the right to rescind under

desire that each obligor to a transaction

TILA (see § 1026.23), although the disclosures
required for adjustable rate mortgages need
only be provided to the consumer who
expresses an interest in a variable-rate loan

subject to § 1026.19(f) receive a Closing
Disclosure to obtain a signature of
customary recitals or certifications that are
appended to the disclosure pursuant to
§ 1026.38(t)(5).

program. (§ 1026.19(b)). In transactions that
are not rescindable, the Closing Disclosure may be provided to any consumer with primary
liability on the obligation.

11.7 When does the creditor have to provide
the Closing Disclosure to the
consumer? (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(ii))
Creditors must ensure that consumers receive the Closing Disclosure no later than three
business days before consummation. (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(ii)(A))


Consummation is the time that a consumer becomes contractually obligated on the
credit transaction, and may not necessarily coincide with the settlement or closing of the
entire real estate transaction. (§ 1026.2(a)(13))



For timeshare transactions, the creditor must ensure that the consumer receives the
Closing Disclosure no later than consummation. (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(ii)(B))

Remember that business day is given a different meaning for purposes of providing the
Closing Disclosure than it is for purposes of providing the Loan Estimate after receiving a
consumer’s application. (See section 6.9 above describing definition of business day). For
purposes of providing the Closing Disclosure, the term business day means all calendar
days except Sundays and the legal public holidays specified in 5 U.S.C. 6103(a), such as New

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Year’s Day, the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas
Day. (See §§ 1026.2(a)(6), 1026.19(f)(1)(ii)(A) and (f)(1)(iii))
This requirement imposes a three-business-day waiting period, meaning that the loan may
not be consummated less than three business days after the Closing Disclosure is received
by the consumer. If a settlement is scheduled during the waiting period, the creditor generally
must postpone settlement, unless a settlement within the waiting period is necessary to meet a
bona fide personal financial emergency. (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(iv))

11.8 May a consumer waive the threebusiness-day waiting period?
(§ 1026.19(f)(1)(iv))
Yes. Like the seven-business-day waiting period after receiving the Loan Estimate (see
section 6.9 above), consumers may waive or modify the three-business-day waiting period
when:


The extension of credit is needed to

For example, the imminent sale of the

meet a bona fide personal

consumer’s home at foreclosure, where the

financial emergency.

foreclosure sale will proceed unless loan

(§ 1026.19(f)(1)(iv));

proceeds are made available to the consumer
during the waiting period, may be considered





The consumer has received the

a bona fide personal financial

Closing Disclosure; and

emergency. (Comment 19(f)(1)(iv)-1)

The consumer gives the creditor a
dated written statement that describes the emergency, specifically modifies or waives the
waiting period, and bears the signature of all consumers who are primarily liable on the
legal obligation. (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(iv))

The creditor is prohibited from providing the consumer with a pre-printed waiver form.
(§ 1026.19(f)(1)(iv))

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11.9 Does the three-business-day waiting
period apply when corrected Closing
Disclosures must be issued to the
consumer? (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(i) and (ii))
Yes, in some circumstances. The three-business-day waiting period requirement applies to
a corrected Closing Disclosure that is provided when there are:


Changes to the loan’s APR;



Changes to the loan product; or



The addition of a prepayment penalty.

If other types of changes occur, creditors must ensure that the consumer receives a corrected
Closing Disclosure at or before consummation. (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(i) and (ii))

11.10 When must the settlement agent
provide the Closing Disclosure to the
seller? (§ 1026.19(f)(4)(ii))
The settlement agent must provide the seller its copy of the Closing Disclosure no later than
the day of consummation. (§ 1026.19(f)(4)(ii))

11.11 Are creditors ever allowed to impose
average charges on consumers instead
of the actual amount received?
(§ 1026.19(f)(3)(i)-(ii))
In general, the amount imposed on the consumer for any settlement service must not exceed the
amount the settlement service provider actually received for that service. However, an average
charge may be imposed instead of the actual amount received for a particular service, as long

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as the average charge satisfies certain conditions. (§ 1026.19(f)(3)(i)-(ii); Comment
19(f)(3)(i)-1)
An average charge may be used if the following conditions are satisfied (§ 1026.19(f)(3)(ii)):


The average charge is no more than the average amount paid for that service by or on
behalf of all consumers and sellers for a class of transactions;



The creditor or settlement service provider defines the class of transactions based on an
appropriate period of time, geographic area, and type of loan;



The creditor or settlement service provider uses the same average charge for every
transaction within the defined class; and



The creditor or settlement service provider does not use an average charge:


For any type of insurance;



For any charge based on the loan amount or property value; or



If doing so is otherwise prohibited by law.

If the creditor develops representative samples of specific settlement costs for a particular class
of transactions, the creditor may charge the average cost for that settlement service instead of
the actual cost for such transactions. An average-charge program may not be used in a way
that inflates the cost for settlement services overall. (Comment 19(f)(3)(ii)-1)
Creditors should consult the commentary to § 1026.19(f)(3)(ii) for additional guidance on using
average-charge pricing. (See Comments 19(f)(3)(ii)-1 through -9)

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12. Revisions and Corrections
to Closing Disclosures
12.1 When are creditors required to correct
or revise Closing Disclosures?
(§ 1026.19(f)(2))
Creditors must redisclose terms or costs on the Closing Disclosure if certain changes occur to
the transaction after the Closing Disclosure was first provided that cause the disclosures to
become inaccurate. There are three categories of changes that require a corrected Closing
Disclosure containing all changed terms. (§ 1026.19(f)(2))


Changes that occur before consummation that require a new three-business-day
waiting period. (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(ii))



Changes that occur before consummation and do not require a new three-businessday waiting period. (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(i))



Changes that occur after consummation. (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(iii))

12.2 What changes before consummation
require a new waiting period?
(§ 1026.19(f)(2)(ii))
If one of the following occurs after delivery of the Closing Disclosure and before
consummation, the creditor must provide a corrected Closing Disclosure containing all

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changed terms and ensure that the consumer receives it no later than three business days
before consummation. (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(ii); Comment 19(f)(2)(ii)-1)


The disclosed APR becomes inaccurate. If the annual percentage rate (APR)
previously disclosed becomes inaccurate, the creditor must provide a corrected Closing
Disclosure with the corrected APR disclosure and all other terms that have changed.
The APR’s accuracy is determined according to § 1026.22. (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(ii)(A))



The loan product changes. If the loan product previously disclosed becomes
inaccurate, the creditor must provide a
corrected Closing Disclosure with the
corrected loan product and all other terms
that have changed. (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(ii)(B))



This period may be waived if the consumer
is facing a bona fide personal financial
emergency. (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(iv))

A prepayment penalty is added. If a
prepayment penalty is added to the transaction, the creditor must provide a corrected
Closing Disclosure with the prepayment penalty provision disclosed and all other
terms that have changed. (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(ii)(C))

12.3 What changes do not require a new
three-day waiting period?
(§ 1026.19(f)(2)(i))
For any other changes before consummation that do not fall under the three categories above
(i.e., related to the APR, loan product, or the addition of a prepayment penalty), the creditor still
must provide a corrected Closing Disclosure with any terms or costs that have changed and
ensure that the consumer receives it.
For these changes, there is no additional three-business-day waiting period required. The
creditor must ensure only that the consumer receives the revised Closing Disclosure at or
before consummation. (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(i); Comment 19(f)(2)(i)-1 through -2)

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12.4 What if a consumer asks for the revised
Closing Disclosure before
consummation? (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(i))
For changes other than to the APR, loan product, or the addition of a prepayment penalty, the
creditor is not required to provide the consumer with the revised Closing Disclosure until the
day of consummation. However, a consumer has the right to inspect the Closing
Disclosure during the business day before consummation. (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(i))
If a consumer asks to inspect the Closing Disclosure the business day before
consummation, the Closing Disclosure presented to the consumer must reflect any
adjustments to the costs or terms that are known to the creditor at the time the consumer
inspects it. (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(i))
Creditors may arrange for settlement agents to permit consumers to inspect the Closing
Disclosure. (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(v) and Comment 19(f)(2)(i)-2)
An example of a post-consummation event that would require a new Closing Disclosure is a
discovery that a recording fee paid by the consumer is different from the amount that was
disclosed on the Closing Disclosure. (Comment 19(f)(2)(iii)-1.i). However, other postconsummation events that are not related to settlement, such as tax increases, do not require a
revised Closing Disclosure. (Comment 19(f)(2)(iii)-1.iii). For guidance on when a creditor
receives information sufficient to establish that an event has occurred after consummation, see
Comment 19(e)(4)(i)-1.

12.5 Are creditors required to provide
corrected Closing Disclosures if terms
or costs change after consummation?
(§ 1026.19(f)(2)(iii))
Yes, in some circumstances. Creditors must provide a corrected Closing Disclosure if an
event in connection with the settlement occurs during the 30-calendar-day period after
consummation that causes the Closing Disclosure to become inaccurate and results in a

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change to an amount paid by the consumer from what was previously disclosed.
(§ 1026.19(f)(2)(iii); Comment 19(f)(2)(iii)-1)
When a post-consummation event requires a corrected Closing Disclosure, the creditor must
deliver or place in the mail a corrected Closing Disclosure not later than 30 calendar days
after receiving information sufficient to establish that such an event has occurred.
(§ 1026.19(f)(2)(iii); Comment 19(f)(2)(iii)-1)

12.6 Is a corrected Closing Disclosure
required if a post-consummation event
affects an amount paid by the seller?
(§ 1026.19(f)(4)(ii))
Yes, in some circumstances. Settlement agents must provide a revised Closing Disclosure if
an event related to the settlement occurs during the 30-day period after consummation
that causes the Closing Disclosure to become inaccurate and results in a change to an amount
actually paid by the seller from what was previously disclosed.
The settlement agent must deliver or place in the mail a corrected Closing Disclosure not
later than 30 calendar days after receiving information sufficient to establish that such an
event has occurred. (§ 1026.19(f)(4)(ii))

12.7 Are clerical errors discovered after
consummation subject to the
redisclosure obligation?
(§ 1026.19(f)(2)(iv); Comment
19(f)(2)(iv)-1)
Yes. Creditors also must provide a revised Closing Disclosure to correct non-numerical
clerical errors and document refunds for tolerance violations no later than 60 calendar
days after consummation. (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(iv)-(v))

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An error is clerical if it does not affect a numerical disclosure and does not affect the timing,
delivery, or other requirements imposed by § 1026.19(e) or (f). (Comment 19(f)(2)(iv)-1)
For example:


If the Closing Disclosure identifies the incorrect settlement service provider as the
recipient of a payment, the error would be considered clerical because it is nonnumerical and does not affect any of the delivery requirements set forth in § 1026.19(e)
or (f).



However, if the Closing Disclosure lists the wrong property address, which affects the
delivery requirement imposed by § 1026.19(e) or (f), the error would not be considered
clerical.

12.8 Do creditors need to provide corrected
Closing Disclosures when they refund
money to cure tolerance violations?
(§ 1026.19(f)(2)(v))
Yes. If the creditor cures a tolerance violation by providing a refund to the consumer, the
creditor must deliver or place in the mail a corrected Closing Disclosure that reflects the
refund no later than 60 calendar days after consummation. (§ 1026.19(f)(2)(v)) (See
additional discussion above in section 12.7 of this guide)

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13. Additional requirements and
prohibitions
13.1 Are there exceptions to the disclosure
requirements for loans secured by a
timeshare interest?
(§ 1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(C)) and (f)(1)(ii)(B))
Yes. Loans secured by interests in timeshare plans are still subject to the TILA-RESPA rule, but
the Bureau recognizes that these loans may commonly be consummated within a few days of the
consumer’s application. The Bureau thus adopted abbreviated timing, delivery, and disclosure
obligations for these loans when consummation occurs within three business days of the
application. For these loans, creditors may forego a Loan Estimate and provide only the
Closing Disclosure. (§ 1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(C)) and (f)(1)(ii)(B); Comment 19(e)(1)(iii)-4 and
Comment 19(f)(1)(ii)-3)
In addition, the waiting periods and timing requirements applicable to most loans subject to the
TILA-RESPA Rule are inapplicable to loans secured by timeshare interests. Rather, creditors
are required to ensure only that the consumer receives the Closing Disclosure no later than
consummation. (§ 1026.19(f)(1)(ii)(B)) For details relating to the timing requirements for
the Closing Disclosure in timeshare transactions, see Comment 19(f)(1)(iii)-3.

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13.2 Are there any limits on fees that may be
charged prior to disclosure or
application?
Yes. A creditor or other person may not impose any fee on a consumer in connection with the
consumer’s application for a mortgage transaction until the consumer has received the Loan
Estimate and has indicated intent to proceed with the transaction. (§ 1026.19(e)(2)(i)(A))
This restriction includes limits on imposing:


Application fees;



Appraisal fees;



Underwriting fees; and



Other fees imposed on the consumer.

The only exception to this exclusion is for a bona fide and reasonable fee for obtaining a
consumer’s credit report. (§ 1026.19)(e)(2)(i)(B); Comment 19(e)(2)(i)(A)-1 through -5 and
Comment 19(e)(2)(i)(B)-1)

13.3 How does a consumer indicate an intent
to proceed with a transaction?
(§ 1026.19(e)(2)(i)(A))
A consumer indicates intent to proceed with the transaction when the consumer
communicates, in any manner, that the consumer chooses to proceed after the Loan Estimate
has been delivered, unless a particular manner of communication is required by the creditor. (§
1026.19(e)(2)(i)(A))
This may include:


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CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU



Oral communication over the phone, written communication via email, or signing a preprinted form after receipt of the Loan Estimate.

A consumer’s silence is not indicative of intent to proceed. (Comment 19(e)(2)(i)(A)-2)
The creditor must document this communication to satisfy the record retention requirements of
§ 1026.25.

13.4 What does it mean to impose a fee?
(Comment 19(e)(2)(i)(A)-5)
A fee is imposed by a person if the person requires a consumer to provide a method for
payment, even if the payment is not made at that time. (Comment 19(e)(2)(i)(A)-5)
This would include, for example:


A creditor or mortgage broker requiring the consumer to provide a check to pay for a
processing fee before the consumer receives the Loan Estimate, even if the check is not
to be cashed until after the Loan Estimate is received and the consumer has indicated
an intent to proceed.



A creditor or mortgage broker

As discussed above, a creditor or other

requiring the consumer to provide a

person may impose a bona fide and

credit card number for a processing

reasonable fee before the consumer receives

fee before the consumer receives the

the Loan Estimate, if the fee is for

Loan Estimate, even if the credit

purchasing a credit report on the consumer.

card will not be charged until after the
Loan Estimate is received and the consumer has indicated an intent to proceed.

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13.5 Can creditors provide estimates of costs
and terms to consumers before the
Loan Estimate is provided?
(§ 1026.19(e)(2)(ii))
The TILA-RESPA rule does not prohibit a creditor or other person from providing a consumer
with estimated terms or costs prior to the consumer receiving the Loan Estimate.
However, if a person (such as a creditor or broker) provides a consumer with a written estimate
of terms or costs specific to that consumer before the consumer receives the Loan Estimate, it
must clearly and conspicuously state at the top of the front of the first page of the written
estimate “Your actual rate, payment, and costs could be higher. Get an official Loan
Estimate before choosing a loan.” (§ 1026.19(e)(2)(ii); Comment 19(e)(2)(ii)-1)
There are other restrictions on the form of this statement to assure it is not confused with the
Loan Estimate:


Must be in font size no smaller than 12-point font.



May not have headings, content, and format substantially similar to the Loan Estimate
or the Closing Disclosure. (§ 1026.19(e)(2)(ii); Comment 19(e)(2)(ii)-1)

The Bureau has provided a model of the required statement in form H-26 of appendix H to
Regulation Z.

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13.6 Are creditors allowed to require
additional verifying information other
than the six pieces of information that
form an application from consumers
before providing a Loan Estimate?
(§ 1026.19(e)(2)(iii))
No. A creditor or other person may not condition providing the Loan Estimate on a consumer
submitting documents verifying information related to the consumer’s mortgage loan
application before providing the Loan Estimate. (§ 1026.19(e)(2)(iii); Comment 19(e)(2)(iii)1)
For example:


A creditor may ask for the sale price and address of the property, but may not require the
consumer to provide a purchase and sale agreement to support the information the
consumer provides orally before the creditor provides the Loan Estimate.



A mortgage broker may ask for the names, account numbers, and balances of the
consumer’s checking and savings accounts, but the mortgage broker may not require the
consumer to provide bank statements or similar documentation to support the
information orally provided by the consumer before the creditor provides the Loan
Estimate.

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14. Special Information Booklet
(RESPA Settlement Costs
Booklet)
14.1 When must creditors deliver the special
information booklet? (§ 1026.19(g))
Creditors must provide a copy of the special information booklet to consumers who apply
for a consumer credit transaction secured by real property, except in certain circumstances (see
below). The special information booklet is required pursuant to Section 5 of RESPA (12
U.S.C. 2604) and is published by the Bureau to help consumers applying for federally related
mortgage loans understand real estate transactions. (§ 1026.19(g)(1))


If the consumer is applying for a HELOC subject to § 1026.40, the creditor (or mortgage
broker) can provide a copy of the brochure entitled “When Your Home is On the Line:
What You Should Know About Home Equity Lines of Credit” instead of the special
information booklet. (§ 1026.19(g)(1)(ii))



The creditor need not provide the special information booklet if the consumer is
applying for a real property-secured consumer credit transaction that does not have the
purpose of purchasing a one-to-four family residential property, such as a refinancing, a
closed-end loan secured by a subordinate lien, or a reverse mortgage.
(§ 1026.19(g)(1)(iii))

Creditors must deliver or place in the mail the special information booklet not later than
three business days after receiving the consumer’s loan application. (§ 1026.19(g)(1)(i))

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14.2 What happens if the consumer
withdraws the application or the creditor
determines it cannot approve it?
(§ 1026.19(g)(1)(i))
If the creditor denies the consumer’s application or if the consumer withdraws the application
before the end of the three-business-day period, the creditor need not provide the special
information booklet. (§ 1026.19(g)(1)(i); Comment 19(g)(1)(i)-3)

14.3 What if there are multiple applicants?
When two or more persons apply together for a loan, the creditor may provide a copy of the
special information booklet to just one of them. (Comment 19(g)(1)-2)

14.4 If the consumer is using a mortgage
broker to apply for the loan, can the
broker provide the booklet?
If the consumer uses a mortgage broker, the mortgage broker must provide the special
information booklet and the creditor need not do so. (§ 1026.19(g)(1)(i))

14.5 Are creditors allowed to change or tailor
the booklets to their own preferences
and business needs?
Creditors generally are required to use the booklets designed by the Bureau and may make only
limited changes to the special information booklet. (§ 1026.19(g)(2)). The Bureau may
issue revised or alternative versions of the special information booklet from time to time in

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the future. Creditors should monitor the Federal Register for notice of updates. (Comment
19(g)(1)-1)

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15. Other disclosures
15.1 Does TILA-RESPA require any other
new disclosures besides the Loan
Estimate and Closing Disclosure?
Yes. In addition to the Integrated Disclosures discussed above, the TILA-RESPA rule also
changes some other post-consummation disclosures provided to consumers by creditors and
servicers: the Escrow Closing Notice (§ 1026.20(e)) and mortgage servicing transfer and
partial payment notices (§ 1026.39(a) and (d)).

15.2 When must the Escrow Closing Notice
be provided? (§ 1026.20(e))
For loans subject to the Escrow Closing Notice requirement, the creditor or servicer must
provide consumers with a notice no later than three business days before the consumer’s
escrow account is canceled. (§ 1026.20(e)(5))

15.3 What transactions are subject to the
Escrow Closing Notice requirement?
The Escrow Closing Notice must be provided prior to cancelling an escrow account to any
consumers for whom an escrow account was established in connection with a closed-end
consumer credit transaction secured by a first lien on real property or a dwelling, except for
reverse mortgages. (§ 1026.20(e)(1))

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There are two exceptions to the requirement to provide the notice:


Creditors and servicers are not required to provide the notice if the escrow account that
is being cancelled was established solely in connection with the consumer’s delinquency
or default on the underlying debt obligation. (Comment 20(e)(1)-2)



Creditors and servicers are not required to provide the notice when the underlying debt
obligation for which an escrow account was established is terminated, including by
repayment, refinancing, rescission, and foreclosure. (Comment 20(e)(1)-3)

For purposes of this requirement, the term escrow account has the same meaning given to it
as under Regulation X, 12 CFR § 1024.17(b), and the term servicer has the same meaning given
to it as under Regulation X, 12 CFR § 1024.2(b).

15.4 What information must be on the
Escrow Closing Notice?
(§ 1026.20(e)(1))
Creditors and servicers must disclose certain information on the Escrow Closing Notice and
may optionally disclose certain additional information. (§ 1026.20(e)(1))
The creditor or servicer must disclose (§ 1026.20(e)(2)):


The date on which the account will be closed;



That an escrow account may also be called an impound or trust account;



The reason why the escrow account will be closed;



That without an escrow account, the consumer must pay all property costs, such as taxes
and homeowner’s insurance, directly, possibly in one or two large payments a year;



A table, titled “Cost to you,” that contains an itemization of the amount of any fee the
creditor or servicer imposes on the consumer in connection with the closure of the
consumer’s escrow account, labeled “Escrow Closing Fee,” and a statement that the
fee is for closing the escrow account;



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

The consequences if the consumer fails to pay property costs, including the actions
that a State or local government may take if property taxes are not paid and the
actions the creditor or servicer may take if the consumer does not pay some or all
property costs;



A telephone number that the consumer can use to request additional information
about the cancellation of the escrow account;



Whether the creditor or servicer offers the option of keeping the escrow account open
and, as applicable, a telephone number the consumer can use to request that the
account be kept open; and



Whether there is a cut-off date by which the consumer can request that the account
be kept open.

The creditor or servicer may also, at its option, disclose (§ 1026.20(e)(3)):


The creditor or servicer’s name or logo;



The consumer’s name, phone number, mailing address and property address;



The issue date of the notice; or



The loan number, or the consumer’s account number.

In addition, the disclosures must:


Contain a required heading that is more conspicuous than and precedes the required
disclosures discussed above. (§ 1026.20(e)(4))



Be clear and conspicuous. This standard generally requires that the disclosures in the
Escrow Closing Notice be in a reasonably understandable form and readily noticeable
to the consumer. (Comment 20(e)(2)-1)



Be written in 10-point font, at a minimum. (§ 1026.20(e)(4))



Be grouped together on the front side of a one-page document. The disclosures must be
separate from all other materials, with the headings, content, order and format
substantially similar to model form H-29 in appendix H to Regulation Z.
(§ 1026.20(e)(4))

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15.5 When must the creditor send the
Escrow Closing Notice before the
escrow account is closed?
When the consumer requests cancellation. The creditor or servicer must ensure that the
consumer receives the Escrow Closing
Notice no later than three business days
before the consumer’s escrow account is
closed. (§ 1026.20(e)(5)(i))
Cancellation for any other reason. The
creditor or servicer must ensure that the
consumer receives the Escrow Closing
Notice no later than 30 business days
before consumer’s escrow account is closed.
(§ 1026.20(e)(5)(ii))
Mailbox rule applies. If the notice is not

Business day is given the meaning it has
for purposes of providing the Closing
Disclosure—i.e., all calendar days except
Sundays and the legal public holidays
specified in 5 U.S.C. 6103(a), such as New
Year’s Day, the Birthday of Martin Luther
King, Jr., Washington’s Birthday, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving
Day, and Christmas Day. (See
§§ 1026.2(a)(6), 1026.19(f)(1)(ii)(A) and
(f)(1)(iii))

provided to the consumer in person, the consumer is considered to have received the disclosures
three business days after they are delivered or placed in the mail. (§ 1026.20(e)(5)(iii))

15.6 What does the rule on disclosing partial
payment policies in mortgage transfer
notices require? (§ 1026.39(a) and (d))
If you are required by existing Regulation Z to provide mortgage transfer notices when the
ownership of a mortgage loan is being transferred, you must include in the notice information
related to the partial payment policy that will apply to the mortgage loan.
This post-consummation partial payment disclosure is required for a closed-end consumer
credit transaction secured by a dwelling or real property, other than a reverse mortgage.

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15.7 What information must be included in
the partial payment disclosure and what
must the disclosure look like?
(§ 1026.39(d)(5))
The partial payment disclosure must include:


The heading “Partial Payment” over all of the following, additional information:


If periodic payments that are less than the full amount due are accepted, a statement
that the covered person, using the term “lender,” may accept partial payments and
apply such payments to the consumer’s loan;



If periodic payments that are less than the full amount due are accepted but not
applied to a consumer’s loan until the consumer pays the remainder of the full
amount due, a statement that the covered person, using the term “lender,” may hold
partial payments in a separate account until the consumer pays the remainder of the
payment and then apply the full periodic payment to the consumer’s loan;



If periodic payments that are less than the full amount due are not accepted, a
statement that the covered person, using the term “lender,” does not accept any
partial payments; and



A statement that, if the loan is sold, the new covered person, using the term
“lender,” may have a different policy.

You may use the format of the partial payment disclosure illustrated by form H-25 of appendix
H to Regulation Z. The text illustrating the disclosure in form H-25 may be modified by you to
suit the format of the mortgage transfer notice. (See Comment 39(d)(5)-1)

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16. Practical implementation
and compliance issues
You should consult with legal counsel or your compliance officer to understand your obligations
under the TILA-RESPA rule and to devise the policies and procedures you will need to have in
place to comply with the TILA-RESPA rule’s requirements.
When mapping out your compliance plan, in addition to understanding your obligations under
the TILA-RESPA rule, you should consider practical implementation issues. Your
implementation and compliance plan may include the following elements as described below in
sections 16.1 through 16.4.

16.1 Identifying affected products,
departments, and staff
How you comply with the TILA-RESPA rule may depend on your business model. To begin
planning for compliance with the rule, you may find it useful to identify all affected products,
departments, and staff.
Origination, processing, closing and post-closing departmental staff and processes are likely to
be most broadly impacted by these rule changes. However, certain groups within servicing
operations may be implicated by the two new disclosures related to escrow account cancellation
and partial payment application policies during servicing transfers.
Also, you may originate certain products for which the existing disclosure regime will persist
following the TILA-RESPA rule’s effective date. Be certain to closely consider the coverage of
the rule to different types of mortgage products.

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16.2 Identifying the business-process,
operational, and technology changes
that will be necessary for compliance
Fully understanding the changes required may involve a review of your existing business
processes, as well as the hardware and software that you, your agents, settlement services
providers, or other business partners use. Gap analyses may be a helpful output of such a review
and can help to inform a robust implementation plan. You should review your technology
platforms and determine which version of MISMO is currently supported. The data standards
to support the new Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure forms will exist in MISMO
version 3.3 and later. Also, it is recommended that you evaluate the current integrations
between your technology platforms and those of your relevant third party service providers,
such as document generators and settlement service providers, to determine required updates,
as needed.

16.3 Identifying impacts on key service
providers or business partners
Third-party updates may be necessary to: update transaction coverage and calculations; obtain
required information or verifications; incorporate new disclosures; and to make sure your
software, compliance, quality-control, and recordkeeping protocols comply with this rule.
Software providers, or other vendors and business partners, may offer compliance solutions that
can assist with any necessary changes. These key partners may depend on your business model.
For example, smaller banks and credit unions may find it helpful to talk to their correspondent
banks, secondary market partners, and technology vendors. All creditors will likely need to
carefully coordinate readiness and compliance with the network of settlement services providers
on whom they rely for closing services. In some cases, you may want to negotiate revised or new
contracts with these parties, or seek a different set of services. In addition, creditors should be
in close touch with all key business partners and vendors to ensure that their process and
technology changes will meet your business and compliance needs and are scheduled to occur
on a timeline that supports collaborative readiness. Make sure you understand the extent of the
assistance that vendors, settlement services providers and other business partners provide. For
example, if vendors provide software that calculates tolerances to determine which cost changes

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at settlement require re-disclosure to the consumer, do they guarantee the accuracy of their
conclusions?
The CFPB expects supervised banks and nonbanks to have an effective process for managing the
risks of service provider relationships. For more information on this, view CFPB Bulletin 201203 - Service Providers.

16.4 Identifying training needs
Consider the training that will be necessary for your loan officer, processor, closing, compliance,
and quality-control staff, as well as anyone else who accepts applications, processes loans, or
monitors transaction compliance. Training may also be required for other individuals that you,
your agents, or your business partners employ.

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17. Where can I find a copy of
the TILA-RESPA rule and get
more information about it?
You will find the TILA-RESPA rule on the Bureau’s website at
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/regulatory-implementation/tila-respa/
In addition to a complete copy of the TILA-RESPA rule, that web page also contains:


The preamble, which explains why the Bureau issued the rule, the legal authority and
reasoning behind the rule, responses to comments, and analysis of the benefits, costs,
and impacts of the rule;



Official Interpretations of the rule;



The TILA-RESPA Guide to Forms; and



Other implementation support materials (including proposed rule amendments, if
applicable).

Useful resources related to mortgage rule implementation are also available at
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/regulatory-implementation/.
For email updates about when additional TILA-RESPA rule or other mortgage rule
implementation resources become available, please submit your email address within the “Email
updates about mortgage rule implementation” box here.

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