What to do when a SLS account holder dies
Report the death to SLS's Assumptions Team at 1-800-365-7107
SLS merged into NewrezMerged, effective May 2024
As of May 1, 2024, loans previously serviced by Specialized Loan Servicing (SLS) transitioned to Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, a name Newrez LLC (NMLS #3013) does business under. Rithm Capital's acquisition of Computershare Mortgage Services Inc. and affiliated companies, including SLS, closed the same day.
Notifying SLS of a death is not a claim for money — it is the step that stops the account, fixes the balance owed as of the date of death, and puts SLS on notice as a creditor of the estate. The Assumptions Team (1-800-365-7107) handles it.
Before contacting SLS, have the account holder's full name, date of birth, and any available account numbers ready.
Death claim process
The death claim process at SLS works as follows:
Filing a claim
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- Documentation showing who is authorized to act on behalf of the estate
- The heir first provides documentation that they are the heir and current owner of the property
- The heir receives confirmation of Successor in Interest status through Customer Care at 800-365-7107
- The heir then requests an Assumption Package from the Assumptions Team at assumptions@newrez.com
- Email the package and all supporting documentation in PDF format to assumptions@newrez.com
- Mail the physical application and copies of supporting documentation to Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, Attn: Document Administration – Assumptions, 75 Beattie Place, Suite 600, Greenville, SC 29601
Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificateShellpoint says the servicer requests it "in most cases".
- Documentation showing who is authorized to act on behalf of the estate
- Documentation that the heir is the heir and current owner of the property, for an assumption after the deathThe completed Assumption Package and all supporting documentation follow.
Forms SLS issues1
- Assumption Package
Completed by the heir. Sent by the institution on request.1
What happens to each kind of account1
- Loan
Shellpoint lists four options for the loan: continue making payments on the existing mortgage, assume the existing loan (if loan terms allow), sell the property and use the proceeds to satisfy the loan, or refinance into a new mortgage in the heir's name.2
An assumption after a death takes 30 to 60 days, starting when the completed Assumption Package and all supporting documentation are received.1
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
What SLS's agreement and guidance say3
- Accounts from a merged institution
Loans previously serviced by SLS transitioned to Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing as of May 1, 2024.3
- Who can get account information
Shellpoint states that servicers generally work with someone who has legal authority to manage the deceased homeowner's affairs: an executor named in a will, an administrator appointed by a court, or a corporate fiduciary.2
A family member who inherits the property may qualify as a successor in interest, which can allow an heir or surviving spouse to obtain information about the mortgage and communicate directly with the servicer.2
- Payments after the death
Shellpoint: "The mortgage will still need to be kept current after the homeowner passes away." If maintaining payments becomes difficult, Shellpoint says to contact the servicer as soon as possible.2
Not in SLS's published guidance1
- A claim form
SLS's Assumptions Team can be reached by phone at 1-800-365-7107 and email at assumptions@newrez.com for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
Data sourced from SLS primary sources (8 pages reviewed). How we research.
SLS death claims support
Assumptions Team (Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing)
Phone
Mailing address
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