What is a qualified written request?

A qualified written request (QWR) is a formal communication a borrower sends to a mortgage servicer alleging errors in the servicing of the loan or requesting information about the loan account. Under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), a QWR must be in writing and include the borrower's name, address, loan number, and a statement of the alleged error or information requested with sufficient detail for the servicer to identify the issue.

Once a servicer receives a QWR, federal law requires it to acknowledge receipt within one business day and conduct a reasonable investigation. The servicer must provide a substantive response within 30 days of receipt. Common reasons borrowers file a QWR include disputing incorrect payment amounts, questioning how payments were applied to principal and interest, reporting missing or misapplied payments, or requesting documentation of the loan's current status and payment history.

The QWR process is central to loan dispute resolution and protects borrowers from servicing errors that can affect credit reporting and account status. During the investigation period, the servicer cannot pursue foreclosure based on the disputed debt. Foreclosure attorneys often advise clients to file a QWR early in a dispute because it creates a documented record and forces the servicer to substantiate its position. When a servicer fails to respond properly, borrowers may have grounds to challenge foreclosure actions or seek damages.