Is letter of explanation necessary?

Asked by: Mrs. Joanny Trantow  |  Last update: March 31, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (63 votes)

A letter of explanation enables the borrower to answer any questions a lender might have about the loan application. Lenders are often required to get letters of explanation for information present on your credit report, such as delinquencies, late payments, bankruptcies and foreclosures.

Why do underwriters ask for letters of explanation?

Lenders need to know you have no trouble managing your finances. Negative items on your credit report can alarm underwriters, who might assume you have difficulty paying your bills. You may need to provide a letter of explanation for any negative items on your credit report, including: Missed payments.

Does a letter of explanation need to be signed?

A letter of explanation is a written, signed and dated document you prepare to address questions a mortgage lender may have about your loan application.

What should I write in my letter of explanation?

The key to writing a great letter of explanation is to keep it short, simple and informative. Be clear and write with as much detail as you can since someone else will need to understand your situation.

How to write a letter explaining bad credit?

Provide a clear and concise explanation of the circumstances that led to your bad credit. For example, did you lose your job or experience a significant medical expense? Providing this context can help the employer understand why your credit history looks the way it does.

WHY YOU NEED LETTER OF EXPLANATION FOR YOUR CANADA STUDY VISA APPLICATION

19 related questions found

What is a letter of explanation for derogatory credit?

A letter of explanation is simply a tool that helps your lender's team understand your financial situation more fully. Giving exactly the information they request with the appropriate level of detail helps the team reviewing your application truly understand your financial picture.

How to explain a bad credit score to a landlord?

Write a letter of explanation detailing why your credit score is not very good. Include how you now have good budgeting habits and about your plans to be a responsible tenant. Landlords are free to waive their own requirements—as long as they treat all applicants the same way.

What is a good explanation for late payments?

When explaining a delay in payment, honesty and transparency are key. Begin by acknowledging the missed deadline and express your commitment to resolving the situation. Clearly state the reason for the delay, whether it's a financial discrepancy, processing error, or unforeseen circumstances.

How do you write a letter explaining your financial situation?

How to Write a Hardship Letter
  1. Explain Your Hardship. ...
  2. Provide Documentation to Back Up Your Claim. ...
  3. List Steps You've Taken to Alleviate Your Financial Burden. ...
  4. Clearly State Your Request. ...
  5. State Your Commitment to Paying Your Debt.

How do I end a letter of explanation?

How to End a Letter: 12 Useful Farewell Phrases
  1. Sincerely. Sincerely (or sincerely yours) is often the go-to sign off for formal letters, and with good reason. ...
  2. Best. ...
  3. Best regards. ...
  4. Speak to you soon. ...
  5. Thanks. ...
  6. [No sign-off] ...
  7. Yours truly. ...
  8. Take care.

What is a rent free letter?

What Is A Rent-free Letter? A rent-free declaration is simply a letter stating that you live rent-free with your parents. The letter is fairly basic but as a minimum it should include: Your full name and that of your partner if you're married or in a de facto relationship.

How do I write a letter of explanation for not filing taxes?

I, (full name), certify that I did not file a tax return in 20YY. I attempted to obtain the IRS Verification of Non Filing Letter but was unable to obtain the required documentation. I earned untaxed income of $(enter amount) in 20YY from (type of work in which you earned income). Attach the W-2 or 1099 forms.

What is the difference between letter of explanation and statement of purpose?

Comparison between LoE and SOP: Content: LoE addresses specific queries, while SOP delves into personal motivations and aspirations. Tone: LoE is more formal and concise, whereas SOP allows for a more expressive and personal tone.

What exactly do underwriters look at?

When trying to determine whether you have the means to pay off the loan, the underwriter will review your employment, income, debt and assets. They'll look at your savings, checking, 401k and IRA accounts, tax returns and other records of income, as well as your debt-to-income ratio.

For which reason would an underwriter reject a risk?

If the risk is deemed too high, an underwriter may refuse coverage. Risk is the underlying factor in all underwriting. In the case of a loan, the risk is whether the borrower will repay the loan as agreed or will default.

What do underwriters not want to see?

Unexplained Payments To Individuals and Companies

Payments or regular withdrawals that don't match up to any debt on the credit report may indicate you have undisclosed debt. The underwriter must add all debt payments to your debt-to-income. Expect to explain regular withdrawals that appear to be payments.

How do I write a letter of explanation for an underwriter?

Provide a clear explanation: Your letter should acknowledge and indicate why something happened. If, for instance, you fell behind on loan payments in the past or were out of work for a significant period of time, explain the extenuating circumstances.

How to write a letter explaining financial hardship?

What to include in a hardship letter
  1. The date, your name, address and phone number.
  2. The lender/servicer and loan number.
  3. The date or approximate time frame when the hardship started.
  4. The expected timeframe of hardship — short term (six months or less) or long term.
  5. Describe your goal. ...
  6. State the facts, not emotions.

How do I ask for an explanation letter?

20 Email Expressions to Ask for Clarification
  1. If I understood you correctly, are you suggesting that we…?
  2. Referring to our previous discussion…
  3. Could you clarify your statement on…?
  4. Apologies for any confusion. ...
  5. In line with the details mentioned in my previous email…
  6. Kindly confirm my understanding.

How do you convince a creditor to remove late payments?

Ask the lender to remove it with a goodwill letter

In some cases, creditors are willing to make a goodwill adjustment if your payment history has been good or if you have a good relationship with them. The process is easy: simply write a letter to your creditor explaining why you paid late.

How many late payments is considered bad?

90 to 119 days past due: After 90 days, the seriousness again increases, with possibly further increases for interest rates or other late payment penalties. 120 or more days past due: At this point, creditors might send your debt to a debt collection agency and close your account, which can further decrease your score.

What is a 609 letter to remove late payments?

A 609 letter won't erase valid negative marks like late payments, defaults, or collections if the information has been verified and is correct. Additionally, 609 letters won't relieve you of your obligation to repay any existing debt.

What's the lowest credit score a landlord will accept?

A: A credit score of 650 is on the threshold of what many landlords consider acceptable. While it may not guarantee approval, it's generally considered a fair score for renting apartments.

Can I rent with a credit score of 450?

The minimum credit score needed to rent an apartment varies from location to location. Wealthier, more competitive areas will require a higher minimum score, as will new or luxury buildings. However, a good rule of thumb is that most landlords look for a credit score of at least 600.

Should I rent to someone with a 580 credit score?

If your credit score is within the "fair" range (580 to 669), prospective landlords may scrutinize your credit report more closely. It may not automatically disqualify you from renting an apartment; it just means you need to provide additional information for the landlord to accept you as a tenant.