US Government to Implement New Credit Score Models for Mortgages

The new models, which include rent payment assessment, enable more Americans to access mortgage loans.

A sign advertises mortgage rates for new homes in a gated community in Fontana, Calif., on Sept. 17, 2025. Mario Tama/Getty Images

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has joined with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to implement new mortgage credit scoring models, aimed at making homebuying more affordable for Americans, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) said in an April 22 statement.

FHA will now allow the use of VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T as eligible credit scoring models for underwriting FHA-insured mortgages. Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are open to immediately accepting Vantage-scored loans from approved lenders, HUD said.