Can I remove a cosigner without refinancing?

Asked by: Ms. Fanny Cremin  |  Last update: August 27, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (26 votes)

Removing a cosigner or co-borrower from a mortgage almost always requires paying off the loan in full or refinancing by getting a new loan in your own name. Under rare circumstances, though, the lender may allow you to take over an existing mortgage from your other signer.

How can I legally get out of a cosigned loan?

lenders do not remove co signers from loans. The debt has to be retired. This can be done by paying it off directly or refinancing the loan.

How much does it cost to remove a cosigner from a mortgage?

Yes, removing a name from a mortgage typically incurs costs. Refinancing usually requires closing costs of 2-5% of the loan balance, while a loan assumption may cost around 1% plus processing fees. Loan modification costs vary by lender.

Can you remove someone from a loan without refinancing?

Secure Approval From the Lender

Your lender can remove a name from a mortgage without refinancing. The hard part with this is, it's completely up to the lender to decide whether to allow this.

When can a cosigner be removed from a mortgage?

Some lenders will let you release a cosigner if you meet certain requirements, such as making a certain number of on-time payments or having a certain credit score. If your lender doesn't offer a cosigner release, you may be able to refinance your loan with a lender that does.

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36 related questions found

How hard is it to remove a cosigner?

You can often remove a cosigner at any point during the loan period. Your loan paperwork might dictate specific terms, though. For example, some lenders require 24 months of on-time payments from the primary borrower before they'll consider releasing the cosigner.

How long does a cosigner need to stay on a mortgage?

Normally, a cosigner will have to stay on the mortgage for a minimum of one year. From my experience, normally a cosigner will stay on a mortgage for several years. When the borrower is ready to have the cosigner removed, they contact the lender to then re-qualify without the cosigner.

How do I remove a cosigner without refinancing?

  1. Obtain lender approval. If your lender wants to, they have the power to remove someone's name from the mortgage without needing to refinance. ...
  2. Assume the mortgage. Mortgage assumption is a special type of home sale where one person takes on or “assumes” responsibility for an existing mortgage loan. ...
  3. Declare bankruptcy.

Can you remove someone from a mortgage without remortgaging?

Yes, this can be done through the Transfer of Equity process either with or without a full remortgage. A Transfer of Equity can involve three parties, but it's recommended that all of the people involved seek professional advice beforehand so they're fully aware of their rights and responsibilities.

Can you take over someone's mortgage without refinancing?

You can take over someone else's mortgage using an assumable mortgage. Assumable mortgages are a great way to get into a home if you're looking to buy or sell, or even just do some property flipping.

Is it easy to remove a cosigner from a mortgage?

Getting a co-borrower or cosigner removed from your mortgage can be difficult, if not impossible. But whether you're trying to prove to a lender that you can be trusted to take over your existing mortgage, or seeking a new one to refinance your home, it's important to make your credit scores as good as they can be.

Does removing a cosigner affect your credit?

However, if you still have a lower credit score when trying to remove the co-signer, it might place you on the hook for a car loan with a higher interest rate. This won't hurt your credit on its own, but with a higher interest rate, you'll have larger monthly payments.

How to get out of a joint mortgage?

How can I take my name off a joint mortgage?
  1. Ask them to buy you out.
  2. Consider selling the property and splitting any equity.
  3. Ask if they'd like to take over the mortgage.
  4. See if they'd like you to sell their share to a third party.

How to get a co-signer release form?

In general, to qualify for co-signer release, borrowers must prove they have the ability to pay off the loan on their own, in addition to having no late payments for a set period of time, says Kaplan. The lender will also review the borrower's full credit history and assess current income relative to the loan payments.

Can a cosigner be removed after 6 months?

Some lenders have a release option for co-signers, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. A release can be obtained after a certain number of on-time payments and a credit check of the original borrower to determine whether they are now creditworthy.

How do I get my name off a cosigned mortgage?

Your best option to get your name off a large cosigned loan is to have the person who's using the money refinance the loan without your name on the new loan. Another option is to help the borrower improve their credit history.

How long does it take to remove someone from a mortgage?

The process typically takes around a month, although it may take longer depending on the lender. If you are removing someone from a mortgage that is owned jointly as "joint tenants," any equity in the property will be shared equally.

How do I transfer a mortgage to another person?

For an official transfer, you'll need to work with your lender to initiate and complete the process. There are also unofficial transfers, where the original borrower continues paying the loan using funds from the new borrower (and neither party notifies the lender).

Can I sue my ex for not paying the mortgage?

You can take legal action against them for breaching the agreement you both made or seek a court order to force the sale of the property. It's important to consult with a lawyer to understand your legal rights and options and to make the best decisions for your situation.

Can you sell a house if you are on the deed but not the mortgage?

Selling a property with your name on the deed but not on the mortgage creates added levels of complexity and requires more collaboration with third parties. However, you can achieve a successful sale with careful planning and the right support.

Can my wife take out a loan without my knowledge?

If such a transaction occurs without permission, the non-consenting spouse can petition the court to void it. This could lead to the lender losing its lien position on the property and becoming an unsecured creditor.

How do you get your name off a mortgage after separation?

If you talk to the mortgage company and present them with your divorce decree and a quitclaim deed, many lenders will remove you and leave the loan in your ex's name only.

Can you evict a cosigner on a mortgage?

Unfortunately, the only way to remove you from a mortgage is for the other person to execute an Assumption Agreement. This is provided by the mortgage company. The mortgage company will accept it as long as that person qualifies on his/her own. For instance, it is based on credit worthiness.

Does a cosigner own half the house?

Will I have ownership of the property if I cosign? No, you will not take on ownership if you're only a mortgage cosigner and not an actual co-borrower. As a cosigner, you're only guaranteeing the loan payment. Your name will not be on the title to the property.

How hard is it to get a cosigner release?

If you've had a good payment history and/or have improved your credit score since taking out the loan, then it's possible that the lender will agree to remove your cosigner from their responsibility.