Fair Lending, Fair Housing, and Equitable Housing Finance Plans
Published Date: 2/6/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting March 9, 2026, the Federal Housing Finance Agency is scrapping its 2024 rule that made big mortgage companies follow specific fair housing and lending plans. This change affects Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks, freeing them from some reporting and compliance duties. No new costs or fees are coming, but these companies will have more flexibility in how they handle fair lending and housing rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Big Mortgage Firms Freed from Part 1293
Starting March 9, 2026, FHFA repeals 12 CFR part 1293, so Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks are no longer required to follow the part 1293 rules (including triennial Equitable Housing Finance Plans, certain reporting and certification duties, and some borrower data collection requirements). The repeal relieves those regulated entities of the compliance and reporting obligations that had been imposed by the 2024 rule.
Existing Fair-Lending Laws Remain in Force
Repealing part 1293 does not change regulated entities' obligations under existing statutes: they must still comply with the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the fair housing provisions of the Safety and Soundness Act, affordable housing goals, the Duty to Serve, and statutorily required funding for the Housing Trust Fund and Capital Magnet Fund. In short, consumer protections and statutory housing goals described in those laws remain applicable.
FHFA Keeps Supervisory Enforcement Powers
Even after repeal, FHFA retains and will continue to exercise its general regulatory, examination, and enforcement authorities over the Enterprises and the Banks, and may use supervision, enforcement, or coordination with other agencies as appropriate. The Agency says repeal of part 1293 is not intended to affect the applicability or enforcement of other federal fair-lending and consumer protection laws against the regulated entities.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-05160 — Amendment Reinstating “Grandfather” Exceptions to Restrictions on Private Transfer Fee Covenants
The Federal Housing Finance Agency just brought back special 'grandfather' rules that let Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Federal Home Loan Banks deal with certain private transfer fees on homes—rules that were accidentally removed in 2024. These exceptions apply retroactively all the way back to July 16, 2012, so no one misses out. If you’re involved in mortgages or home sales, this means smoother transactions and clearer rules starting March 17, 2026.
2026-04207 — Proposed Collection; Comment Request
The Federal Housing Finance Agency wants to keep collecting info for its Affordable Housing Program for three more years, but they need your thoughts first! If you’re involved in affordable housing or just curious, now’s the time to speak up before April 3, 2026. This helps keep paperwork simple and the program running smoothly without extra costs or delays.
2025-19429 — Enterprise Liquidity Requirements; Federal Home Loan Bank System Boards of Directors and Executive Management; Federal Home Loan Bank Unsecured Credit Limits; Withdrawal
The FHFA is hitting pause and withdrawing its earlier plans to change rules about money safety, leadership roles, and borrowing limits for Federal Home Loan Banks. This means no new rules are coming right now, but they might try again later with fresh ideas. Banks and their leaders can relax for now, with no immediate money or deadline worries.
2026-05463 — Correcting Amendment Reinstating “Grandfather” Exceptions to Restrictions on Private Transfer Fee Covenants; Correction
The Federal Housing Finance Agency fixed a small mistake in a recent rule about private transfer fee covenants. They clarified that the rule reinstating 'grandfather' exceptions isn’t asking for public comments. This correction took effect on March 20, 2026, and mainly affects homeowners and property buyers dealing with these fees.
2026-04814 — Orders: Reporting by Regulated Entities of Stress Testing Results as of December 31, 2025; Summary Instructions and Guidance
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) just ordered certain financial companies to report their stress test results from the end of 2025 by March 5, 2026. These tests check if companies can handle tough money situations, helping keep the housing market safe and steady. If you’re one of these companies, get ready to share your results on time to avoid any penalties!
2026-03614 — Proposed Collection; Comment Request
The Federal Housing Finance Agency wants to keep collecting info about how lenders support their communities and is asking the public to share thoughts before March 26, 2026. This is about renewing a paperwork rule that helps make sure lenders do their part, with no new costs or big changes. If you’re involved in housing or just curious, now’s the time to speak up!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02321 — Amendment of Class E Airspace; Benton Harbor, MI
The FAA is updating the Class E airspace around Southwest Michigan Regional Airport in Benton Harbor, MI, because a nearby navigation beacon was turned off. These changes help keep flights safe and follow new rules, starting May 14, 2026. Pilots flying in and out of Benton Harbor will notice the updated airspace and airport info, but there’s no cost impact for anyone.
Next: 2026-02326 — Appellate Procedures for the Board of Immigration Appeals
Starting March 9, 2026, the Board of Immigration Appeals will change how it reviews cases from Immigration Judges. Now, the Board can choose which cases to review fully, set clear deadlines for briefs, and speed up decisions to cut down the backlog. These updates affect immigrants appealing decisions and aim to make the process faster without extra costs.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in