Request for Information (RFI)
Demand specific information from your servicer about your mortgage loan under RESPA's information request provisions.
Overview
A Request for Information (RFI) under RESPA (12 CFR § 1024.36) is a formal written demand for specific information related to the servicing of your mortgage loan. While similar to a QWR, the RFI has a more modern regulatory framework with clearer procedural requirements. An RFI can request: the identity and contact information of the owner or assignee of your loan, specific information about loss mitigation options, a copy of your payment history, or any other information related to servicing. The servicer must acknowledge within 5 business days and respond within 30 business days (10 business days for owner/assignee identity requests).
Purpose
- •Demand the identity of the owner of your loan (the 'real party in interest')
- •Request specific information about loss mitigation options available to you
- •Obtain a copy of your complete payment history
- •Force the servicer to provide accurate account information
- •Build a foundation for claims if the servicer fails to comply
When to File
Send at any time. An RFI for the identity of the loan owner/assignee is particularly useful early in foreclosure — knowing who actually owns your loan informs your defense strategy. An RFI can be sent even when you are current on payments. There is no limit on the number of RFIs you can send.
Timeline
Acknowledgment: 5 business days. Response (standard RFI): 30 business days. Response (owner/assignee identity): 10 business days. No separate filing with the court. The servicer's compliance (or lack thereof) is documented for use in litigation.
Key Elements & Requirements
Borrower identification: Name, property address, loan number
Statement that this is a Request for Information under RESPA Regulation X (12 CFR § 1024.36)
Specific information requested: Be precise about what you want
Statement that the information relates to the servicing of your mortgage loan
Contact information: Where the servicer should send its response
Delivery by certified mail, return receipt requested
Legal Standard
Under 12 CFR § 1024.36, a servicer must respond to an RFI by: (1) providing the requested information, (2) conducting a reasonable search and providing the information located, or (3) explaining why the information is not available and providing contact information for further assistance. For owner/assignee identity requests, the response must be provided within 10 business days. Other RFIs: acknowledgment within 5 business days, response within 30 business days.
Strategy & Tips
Use an RFI early in your case to: (1) identify the true owner of your loan — this may reveal standing problems if the plaintiff in foreclosure is not the actual owner, (2) obtain a complete payment history to identify misapplied payments or unauthorized fees, and (3) request information about all loss mitigation options — if the servicer fails to identify available options, you have a compliance violation. RFIs that go unanswered strengthen your bargaining position and legal claims.
Court Filing Information
Where to File
NOT filed in court — sent to the servicer at the designated address for information requests. KEEP PROOF OF DELIVERY.
Fees
No filing fee. Certified mail: $7-$10.
Format
Written letter with specific information requested. Identify as an RFI under 12 CFR § 1024.36.
Copies Required
Original to servicer (certified RRR) + your copy + attorney copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an RFI different from a QWR?+
Both request information from the servicer, but the RFI is governed by the CFPB's more recent Regulation X (12 CFR § 1024.36) while the QWR is governed by the older RESPA statute (12 USC § 2605(e)). The RFI has clearer response timeframes and remedies. In practice, they substantially overlap, and servicers often treat them similarly. Use whichever regulatory framework provides the strongest remedy for your specific situation. You can label your correspondence as BOTH to invoke both protections.
What if the servicer provides incomplete or evasive responses?+
An incomplete response is a violation. Follow up with a second letter demanding a complete response and documenting the deficiency. The CFPB complaint process is an effective escalation — file at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. An evasive or incomplete response can be used in litigation to demonstrate the servicer's non-compliance and bad faith, and as the basis for a RESPA claim for damages.
Related Services
Need These Documents Prepared?
Our legal document preparation team handles every document with precision. Free case review.
Available Monday–Friday · 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Pacific
Get Your Free Full Case Review
Tell us about your situation — our senior legal team will review every detail and contact you within 24 hours with a tailored plan. No obligation. 100% confidential.
Submit Your Information
Tell us about your situation in complete confidence.
Case Analysis
Our legal team reviews your documents and foreclosure status.
Receive Your Strategy
We outline your best options and recommended path forward.
We Get to Work
Your dedicated team begins protecting your home and rights.