When someone offers to help you make a down payment on a house, your lender will require a gift letter for a mortgage. Here's what it includes.How much money do you need to receive before a gift letter is necessary? A gift letter is a piece of legal, written correspondence explicitly stating that money received isn't expected to be repaid. A gift letter is a note from a donor to your lender regarding cash funds for your mortgage down payment. You don't need to tell the bank anything at all except how much money you want. Provide Documentation:​​ Submit the gift letter, bank statements, and transfer confirmation during the mortgage approval process. Fill in the oval at line 53c and enter the amount due. If no amount is due, fill in the oval and leave the line blank.