If you use a gift payment, you'll need a gift letter for the mortgage if the gift is made within three months of the closing. A gift letter is a common requirement when submitting an offer on a coop apartment in NYC.The letter must explain who is gifting the money, where the donor's funds are coming from and the relationship between the donor and the recipient. What is included in a gift letter? You'll need a gift letter for mortgage to verify that the gift is bona fide and comes with no strings attached. If you go through a bank they will provide the gift letter form to you to get completed. If someone provides a handwritten letter it is filed away. A short letter like this sample gift letter will cover all of the requirements your lender needs. Gift Amount: Specify the exact dollar amount of the gift. If you are claiming an exemption other than a gift, use Form DTF-803 instead.