October 12, 2002, Reviewed December 12, 2007
The following rules apply to the cancellation of FHA mortgage insurance.
On loans closed on or after January 1, 2001, FHA's annual mortgage
insurance premium will automatically be canceled-once the unpaid
principal balance, excluding the upfront premium, reaches 78% of the
lower of the initial sales price or appraised value. The 78% is based on
the initial amortization schedule, and does not take account of extra
payments. This cancellation rule applies only to FHA's mainstream
insurance program. It does not cover mortgages on condominiums or
Section 203(k) rehabilitation loans, among others.
Borrowers who have made additional payments to principal must take the
initiative, through their lender, to have the insurance terminated using
the 78% rule. The insurance must be in force for at least 5 years.
For cancellation rules on private mortgage insurance, see
Cancelling Private Mortgage
Insurance (2).