A Lender might do it but usually proof of a “hardship” is required. I think this requirement comes from the need for the lender to have a case for any PMI, for maintaining credibility with investors and maybe because regulators could have a say so in it. It would also be a bad business practice for it be too easy. In this day and age though, who knows to what extent good business practices have to do with anything.I believe shortsales will get easier soon, for some time going forward.Maybe they already are with some lenders?