OCC Bulletin 2026-55 | November 6, 2026

Homeownership Counseling: Revised Comptroller’s Handbook Booklet

To

Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks, Federal Savings Associations, and Federal Branches and Agencies; Department and Division Heads; All Examining Personnel; and Other Interested Parties

Summary

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today issued version 1.0 of the “Homeownership Counseling” booklet of the Comptroller’s Handbook. This booklet replaces the “Homeownership Counseling Examination Procedures” booklet of the Comptroller’s Handbook dated June 2011.

Note for Community Banks

This booklet provides information to inform and educate examiners about homeownership counseling requirements for delinquent borrowers under section 106(c)(5) of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 USC 1701x(c)(5)). This booklet does not apply to the supervision of banks¹ that do not hold or service home loans as defined at 12 USC 1701x(c)(6)(C). Examiners determine which examination procedures to use, if any, based on risk.

Highlights

The “Homeownership Counseling” booklet

discusses homeownership counseling requirements for delinquent borrowers under section 106(c)(5) of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 USC 1701x(c)(5)).
incorporates existing interagency examination procedures.

Background

The Comptroller’s Handbook is designed to

inform and educate examiners about the subject matter reviewed—including associated risks and appropriate risk management practices.
guide examiners in performing consistent, high-quality, professional bank supervision across the spectrum of OCC-supervised banks.
provide examiners with the information necessary to plan and coordinate examinations, identify concerns, and conduct appropriate follow-up.

This booklet is designed for use by examiners and is made available to the public to provide transparency into the OCC’s supervisory process. Refer to the “Foreword” booklet of the Comptroller’s Handbook for more information about the Comptroller’s Handbook.

Further Information

Please contact the Compliance and Operational Risk Division at 202-649-6550.

James M. Gallagher
Senior Deputy Comptroller and Chief National Bank Examiner