What to do when a Cenlar account holder dies
Report the death to Cenlar Homeowner Support at 1-800-223-6527
Cenlar is now part of PennyMacAcquired
On February 11, 2026, Pennymac Financial Services announced a definitive agreement to acquire Cenlar's subservicing business (up to $740 billion in unpaid principal balance across roughly 2 million loans). The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals; Cenlar surrenders its bank charter concurrently with closing, and the subserviced loans move onto Pennymac's servicing platform. Re-checked 2026-09-11: Pennymac's newsroom carries no closing announcement, so the deal remains pending and Cenlar is still the servicer. A servicing transfer does not change the terms of the mortgage, and the deceased-borrower and successor-in-interest rights described here are federal requirements that follow the loan to the new servicer.
Cenlar balances do not pass to anyone at death — they are settled. The executor reports the death to Cenlar Homeowner Support (1-800-223-6527), gets the date-of-death balance in writing, and resolves it through the estate's creditor process.
Begin by calling Cenlar at 1-800-223-6527. You will need the deceased's full name, account numbers, and the death certificate to get the process started.
Death claim process
The death claim process at Cenlar works as follows:
Filing a claim
- A copy of the death certificate
- The recorded deed, will, trust, or probate court documents showing the property was transferred to the person now claiming it
- A copy of a valid government-issued photo ID and current contact information for the successor in interest
Required Documents
- Death certificateA copy, for the deceased borrower.
- Recorded deed, will, trust, or probate court documents, to show the property was transferred to the successor in interest
- Government-issued photo ID for the successor in interestA copy of a valid ID.
- Current phone number and mailing address for the successor in interest
- Mortgage loan number and property address
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, where an executor or administrator rather than a successor in interest is acting for the estate
What happens to each kind of account1
- Loan
A co-borrower on the loan remains responsible for the mortgage and can continue to manage the account and make payments as usual.1
An heir can apply to assume the mortgage and become the primary borrower, which involves a formal review of credit and income. Assumptions are one of the "special products" Cenlar lists among its servicing functions.1
Cenlar's hardship options are a repayment plan, forbearance, loan modification, deferral, investor streamline review, sale of the home, short sale, and deed-in-lieu.2
Federal law on calling a home loan after a death
These exemptions apply to a loan secured by residential real property containing less than five dwelling units.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d); 12 CFR 191.5(b), 141.14Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- A lender may not exercise a due-on-sale clause upon a transfer by devise, descent, or operation of law on the death of a joint tenant or tenant by the entirety.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d)(3); 12 CFR 191.5(b)(1)(iii)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- A lender may not exercise a due-on-sale clause upon a transfer to a relative resulting from the death of a borrower.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d)(5)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- A lender may not exercise a due-on-sale clause upon a transfer where the spouse or children of the borrower become an owner of the property.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d)(6)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
A federal regulation sets further conditions on these transfers.12 CFR 191.5(b)(1)(v)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
Accounts handled elsewhere4
- Insurance Processing Center
The hazard insurance policy on the property1
Phone: 1-866-222-8118
- Cenlar insurance document intake
Hazard insurance policy changes and renewals1
Email: Cen300@mycoverageinfo.com
Fax: 1-843-413-7133
Mailing address: PO Box 202028, Florence, SC 29502
- Disaster Recovery Team
Loans on a property hit by a natural disaster1
Phone: 1-866-430-9685
What Cenlar provides to the estate3
- Payoff statement
Cenlar's 24/7 payoff line is 877-7-PAYOFF. A payoff statement requested through the homeowner website is available in the Document Center within 24 hours.1
- Statement copies
Statements and the escrow analysis can be pulled from the homeowner portal.1
- Tax forms
The year-end Form 1098 can be pulled from the homeowner portal.1
What Cenlar's agreement and guidance say1
Not in Cenlar's published guidance3
- A procedure for reporting a death
- A claim form
- How long a claim takes
Cenlar Homeowner Support can be reached by phone at 1-800-223-6527 and fax at 1-609-718-4499 for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
Data sourced from Cenlar primary sources (13 pages reviewed). How we research.
Cenlar death claims support
Cenlar Homeowner Support
Phone
Fax
Mailing address
Website
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Cenlar accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Forms for Settling an Estate
Free forms for settling an estate: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Digital Assets Recovery Letter
Prepare a letter requesting a deceased person's online accounts, points, and balances from the program that holds them.
Petition for Probate and Letters
Open probate and ask the court to appoint you and issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Notice to Creditors
Notify estate creditors and start the claim period — the published notice plus mailed copies for known creditors.
Renunciation of Executor
Decline an appointment as executor named in a will — the writing filed with the court before anyone is appointed.
Affidavit of Heirship
Prepare the sworn statement of a deceased person's family history and heirs for recording in the county land records, with your state's recording instructions.
Small Estate Affidavit
Collect a small estate's property without probate — the sworn affidavit presented to banks and other holders, with a presentation letter for each.
Tools for Settling an Estate
Free tools for settling an estate: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need and see ordering info for your state.
Do I Need Probate?
Find out if an estate needs probate or qualifies for simplified procedures.
Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?
Find out which tax returns need to be filed after someone dies and whether tax clearance is required.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Personalized plan for settling an estate after someone passes away.
What Do I Do When Someone Dies?
A step-by-step checklist for the days, weeks, and months after a death, with state rules noted where they apply.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax, and inheritance tax for an estate.
