Detailed answer — how this works under Oklahoma law

1. Understand the reverse mortgage basics

A reverse mortgage (most commonly a HUD Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM) becomes due and payable when the last borrower dies, the property is no longer the borrower’s principal residence, or another maturity event occurs. The lender will require the outstanding loan balance to be paid before title can transfer free of the mortgage lien. For federal HECM guidance see HUD’s HECM program page: hud.gov HECM.

2. Who has authority to sell the house?

Authority depends on how the home is titled:

• If the decedent placed the property in a revocable trust, the named trustee should be able to sell the home using the trust’s authority and provide the lender with certified trustee paperwork.
• If title was held jointly with right of survivorship, the surviving joint owner typically has authority to sell.
• If title was solely in the decedent’s name, someone must present legal authority from the probate court—either as the personal representative (executor or administrator) with Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, or via an authorized affidavit or small‑estate process if Oklahoma law and the lender allow it.

Oklahoma probate law (Title 58) governs appointment of personal representatives and related procedures; you can review the statutes here: Oklahoma Statutes, Title 58 (Probate).

3. Why the lender asks for “renunciation” letters

“Renunciation letters” can mean different things in different contexts. Common reasons a reverse mortgage lender requests renunciations include:

• To confirm that certain heirs or interested persons give up the right to act as personal representative so the lender can accept another person’s authority (for example, to allow a family member to act instead);
• To confirm that relatives renounce claims to remain in the property or claim homestead rights that would delay loan payoff; or
• To obtain clear, signed waivers from beneficiaries so the lender can accept a simplified transfer or sale process without requiring full probate paperwork.

From the lender’s perspective, these signed renunciations reduce the risk of later claims that could interfere with foreclosure release or sale closing.

4. Do you have to sign renunciation letters? What are the alternatives?

Before signing any renunciation you should understand exactly what rights you are giving up. A renunciation can be permanent and may affect inheritance rights. Alternatives include:

• Obtain formal court authority: the probate court can appoint a personal representative and issue Letters Testamentary/Administration showing authority to sell. This eliminates the need for ad hoc renunciations in many cases.
• Work with the lender to accept commonly recognized documents instead of renunciations—e.g., a recorded death certificate plus Letters Testamentary, or certified trustee documents for trust property.
• If Oklahoma’s small‑estate or affidavit procedures apply, use those statutory tools to transfer title without full probate. Whether a lender accepts such affidavits varies by lender and loan type.

5. Step-by-step practical process

1. Get the lender’s exact written list. Ask the lender to put in writing which documents they need and why (death certificate, payoff demand, renunciation form, Letters, affidavit, proof of trust, etc.).
2. Confirm ownership and title. Pull or ask a title company for a title report to see all recorded interests and how title is held.
3. Check whether probate or trust administration is required. If property is solely in decedent’s name, plan to open probate or use an accepted affidavit procedure.
4. If probate is required, open it promptly. File a petition with the county probate court to be appointed personal representative. Once appointed, the court issues Letters that prove your power to sell.
5. Provide required documents to the lender. Lenders almost always want a certified death certificate, payoff demand (they will issue it), and evidence of authority to act (Letters or trust documents). If they still ask for renunciations, get them drafted so they address only the narrow rights the lender needs released.
6. Use a title company/closing attorney familiar with reverse mortgages. They will coordinate payoff, payoff disbursement, mortgage release, and recording so the sale closes cleanly.

6. If heirs are being asked to renounce appointment, what does Oklahoma law say?

Oklahoma probate law provides mechanisms for appointment, refusal, and renunciation of appointment as personal representative. Where heirs decline appointment or agree to let someone else serve, you should use an Oklahoma court‑approved renunciation or refusal form so it has legal effect. Refer to Oklahoma’s probate statutes for the court’s procedures: Oklahoma Statutes, Title 58 (Probate). Because specific procedures and form language can matter, the safest route is to prepare renunciations under court supervision or use court orders reflecting the renunciations.

7. Watch out for homestead and surviving-spouse protections

Oklahoma law includes protections for homestead and surviving spouses. If a surviving spouse or minor children remain in the home, some rights may exist that affect the lender’s ability to demand immediate sale. Make sure the lender knows about any surviving spouse or dependent occupants so those legal protections are considered. If necessary, get legal advice on how those rights interact with the reverse mortgage payoff.

8. When to get a lawyer

Consult a probate or real estate attorney if any of the following apply:

• Heirs disagree about selling;
• The lender’s requested renunciation asks you to give up inheritance rights or occupancy rights;
• Title is complex (trusts, joint owners, liens beyond the reverse mortgage); or
• The lender refuses to accept standard probate documents and insists on nonstandard releases.

An attorney can draft narrowly tailored renunciations, file a petition to quiet title or for a court order authorizing sale, and protect heirs’ legal rights.

Helpful hints

• Ask the lender for a written list of required items and the specific legal reason for each document.
• Get a certified copy of the death certificate early; lenders and title companies require it.
• Check the deed and mortgage recording to confirm whether any other liens or parties exist.
• Use the probate court to issue Letters if the title is solely in the decedent’s name—most lenders accept this as proof of authority.
• Do not sign any document that purports to waive inheritance rights without independent legal advice. A broad renunciation could remove important rights permanently.
• Work with a closing agent experienced with reverse mortgages—the payoff and lien release process has special steps.
• Keep a paper trail: correspondence with the lender, copies of documents provided, and any signed renunciations or court orders.
• If the lender will accept a short affidavit or small‑estate transfer, confirm in writing that they will take that in lieu of full probate paperwork before relying on it.