Can a lender refuse to cancel PMI?

Asked by: Alessandra Huels  |  Last update: July 3, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (21 votes)

Yes, a lender can refuse to remove PMI. For instance, if your property does not appraise as expected or you do not satisfy a requirement, a lender can reject your request. However, if you meet the requirements, you can request the removal of PMI.

Can a lender refuse to remove PMI?

Here's the deal: Mortgage lenders are required to cancel PMI once you've paid your mortgage down to 78% of your home's purchase price or after you've reached the halfway point of your loan term.

How to ask a lender to remove PMI?

Ask to cancel your PMI: If your loan has met certain conditions and your loan to original value (LTOV) ratio falls below 80%, you may submit a written request to have your mortgage servicer cancel your PMI.

Can lender paid PMI be cancelled?

You can't get rid of LPMI – With conventional loans, you can typically request to have traditional PMI removed once you achieve 20 percent equity in your home. But because the cost of LPMI is baked into your interest rate, you can only stop paying for it by refinancing to a new loan.

Why is it so hard to get PMI removed?

Timely payments count when it comes to getting rid of PMI. Late payments can put you in a high-risk category, making canceling harder. No other liens. Your mortgage must be the home's only debt, including second mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit.

The Fastest Way to Remove or Cancel Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) #PMI

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Under what three circumstances can PMI be cancelled or terminated?

There are three cancellation situations: automatic, by request, or final termination. In all cases, the property's “original value” refers to the appraised value of the home, at the time of the current loan origination.

How to get rid of PMI without refinancing?

Request PMI cancellation when mortgage balance reaches 80 percent. Another way the PMI Cancellation Act benefits you is by granting you the right to remove PMI once you have reached 20 percent equity in your home; that is, once your loan balance reaches 80 percent of the home's original value.

Who is responsible for mortgage insurance being canceled?

In California, homeowners can request PMI cancellation in writing when they believe they have reached 20% equity in their home. Additionally, loan servicers are required to cancel the policy once the LTV drops to 78%, as long as the borrower is current on payments.

Is it a good idea to cancel PMI?

The Bottom Line: Removing PMI Can Help Ease Your Financial Burden. Mortgage insurance gives many home buyers the option to pay a smaller amount upfront for their downpayment. However, it increases the monthly payment until you're able to remove it.

What is the federal law regarding PMI?

The Homeowners Protection Act of 1998, also sometimes referred to as the Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Cancellation Act, is a law designed to reduce the unnecessary payment of private mortgage insurance by homeowners who may no longer be required to pay it.

Can I get an appraisal to remove PMI?

Using a new appraisal to remove PMI involves an appraisal of your home's current value to prove that the LTV ratio has decreased due to an increase in your home's original value. Refinancing is another option, allowing you to secure a lower rate or switch from an FHA loan to a conventional mortgage.

How do I write a letter to request PMI removal?

Dear Sirs: I am writing to request the cancellation of the Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) policy attached to my mortgage. As you are aware, Federal law allows for the cancellation of PMI when certain LTV ratios are met through the normal amortization of a mortgage, or amortization coupled with market appreciation.

How do I know if I'm eligible to remove PMI on my mortgage?

PMI is automatically removed when your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio reaches 78%. You can request to have PMI removed from your loan when you reach 80% LTV in your home. You can achieve an 80% LTV ahead of schedule if your home's value increases or if you make extra loan payments.

How do I ask my lender to remove PMI?

To request cancellation of PMI, you should contact your loan servicer when the loan balance falls below 80 percent of your home's original value (the contract sales price or the appraised value of your home at the time it was purchased).

Does PMI go away if home value increases?

You can typically remove PMI if market conditions lead to a significant increase in your home's value. You have to make a request with your lender and order a new appraisal. The appraisal confirms your property value rose enough to where you own the required amount of equity.

What happens if the bank holding your mortgage fails?

If your mortgage company goes bankrupt, you'll still have to make your mortgage payments, but all terms should stay the same. If your loan is active or has just closed, it'll be sold off to another company. If you're in the midst of closing a loan, any escrow funds should be safe, but you'll have to find a new lender.

Is it better to put 20 down or pay PMI?

If you can afford it, putting 20% down on a house is ideal. It helps you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), reduces your loan amount, and lowers monthly payments.

Can I write off PMI?

Legislation making PMI tax deductible was passed in 2006. It applied the deduction to policies issued in the 2007 tax year going forward. The measure has been periodically renewed, but expired after the 2021 tax year. Currently, PMI is not deductible for the 2022 or later tax years.

Can you negotiate out of PMI?

Yes, PMI is removed once your loan balance drops to 78% of your home's original value. You can also proactively request to cancel PMI payments when you reach an 80% loan-to-value ratio. How to avoid PMI with a jumbo loan? Jumbo loans, which exceed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits, don't always require PMI.

Who has the right to cancel a mortgage?

Under the Federal Truth in Lending Act of 1968 (TILA), Borrowers who are refinancing their home have the right to change their minds and stop the refinance within 3 business days after they sign their loan documents.

Can a mortgage company force insurance?

However, if the policy lapses or is canceled and the borrower does not secure a replacement policy, most mortgages allow the lender to purchase insurance for the home and “force-place” it. These standard provisions allow the lender to protect its financial interest in the property (its collateral) if a calamity occurs.

What is the PMI cancellation act?

The Act, also known as the “PMI Cancellation Act,” addresses homeowners' difficulties in canceling private mortgage insurance (PMI)1 coverage. It establishes provisions for canceling and terminat- ing PMI, establishes disclosure and notification requirements, and requires the return of unearned premiums.

Can PMI be removed from an FHA loan?

“After sufficient equity has built up on your property, refinancing from an FHA or conventional loan to a new conventional loan would eliminate MIP or PMI payments. This is possible as long as your LTV ratio is at 80% or less.”

How to get out of a mortgage?

You can take your name off a mortgage without refinancing your loan by selling the home, having the new owner take on a loan assumption, asking your current lender to modify the loan, or filing bankruptcy. You can also pay off the entire mortgage if you and your co-owner have the means.