Streamline Check

Not a government website. Independent education site, not affiliated with HUD or the Federal Housing Administration.

The FHA-to-FHA streamline refinance, rule by rule

FHA streamline refinance, rule by rule

Rule check

An FHA streamline refinance replaces an existing FHA-insured loan with a new FHA loan using reduced documentation and, under HUD's handbook, no appraisal. To qualify, at least 210 days must have passed since your current loan closed, you must have made at least six payments, your recent payments must be on time, and the new loan must give you a net tangible benefit. Cash back is capped at a small amount.

Last reviewed against the primary sources listed below.

ToolSeasoning checkerAre your dates far enough along?StartWhat it isFHA to FHA, less paperwork.RuleSeasoning210 days and six payments.RulePayment historyRecent on-time payments.RuleNet tangible benefitThe new loan must help you.ChoiceCredit qualifying or notTwo documentation paths.MoneyCosts and cash backWhat can and cannot be rolled in.

Independent, not official

This is not a government website. HUD's Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1 is the rulebook, and the FHA Resource Center answers questions for free.

HUD and CFPB sources