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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_be8dbc47-2e5a-45e6-8e63-8f73de6abb91_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Measurements and the Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_9a98664d-07a1-457b-a017-db8bb201afae_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Additional paid-in capital, in excess of par</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSignificantSales_31139973-7eee-4b17-a636-8df99824d63b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSignificantSales" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing receivable, sale</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSignificantSales_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSignificantSales" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Sale and Reclassification to Held-for-Sale</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SeasonedPerformingLoansMember_82b63e00-90d2-4f78-81b0-6da8d13f21cd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SeasonedPerformingLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Seasoned performing loans</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_9ea93ff4-f7db-4e3c-bf58-98078aab9a50_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate_ecc15cd3-c944-41d8-b51c-3fe439890997_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Borrowing rate</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_880306d1-ad1d-44a6-8d24-2695f15f05fe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Valuation Approach and Technique [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Valuation Approach and Technique [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DividendsDividendEquivalentRights_ef5d8bb5-1227-49b7-863f-0e28305cdd98_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DividendsDividendEquivalentRights" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends attributable to dividend equivalents</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DividendsDividendEquivalentRights_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DividendsDividendEquivalentRights" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends, Dividend Equivalent Rights</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DividendsDividendEquivalentRights_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DividendsDividendEquivalentRights" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate cash, stock, and paid-in-kind dividends declared on dividend equivalent rights during the period. Dividend equivalent rights relate to participating securities representing unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DividendsDividendEquivalentRights" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_DividendsDividendEquivalentRights"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains_9c2d4ee0-0ad6-4265-8e8d-6631a039405b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gross unrealized gains</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_2f37118d-4fa9-4990-8a47-32a2fd992c11_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingPeriodLowEndOfRange_ec4435b6-49e1-4d4f-ba9a-12ea16819bd7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingPeriodLowEndOfRange" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase financing period, low end of range</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingPeriodLowEndOfRange_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingPeriodLowEndOfRange" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the low end of the range of the typical period for repurchase financing agreements.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FNCL25122Member_ee316b52-2372-4d72-b7c1-6184096f9583_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FNCL25122Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">FNCL 2.5 1/22</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FNCL25122Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FNCL25122Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">FNCL 2.5 1/22 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FNCL25122Member_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FNCL25122Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">FNCL 2.5 1/22</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FNCL25122Member" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_FNCL25122Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FNCL25122Member" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FNCL25122Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock_d50d4311-2d75-49c5-91cb-75783592dda9_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends declared on preferred stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends, Preferred Stock</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_35f66f95-e901-47a2-8ec0-39e6b4f8cf59_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">State</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember_251c2297-3d88-416c-910b-69dbdab35dc2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage-Related Assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Related Assets [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Related Assets</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfBusinessCombinationTable_3833b7d5-b6aa-4fdc-97aa-8886d9e60aec_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfBusinessCombinationTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfBusinessCombinationTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfBusinessCombinationTable"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_9fc47f4b-24b6-454f-b3ad-75b313b03142_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Input Type [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Input Type [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_BarclaysBankMember_52670067-4ae0-4bac-86bd-00a13d1c4e08_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_BarclaysBankMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Barclays Bank</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_BarclaysBankMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_BarclaysBankMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Barclays Bank [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_BarclaysBankMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_BarclaysBankMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Barclays Bank [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_BarclaysBankMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_BarclaysBankMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_BarclaysBankMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_BarclaysBankMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_fe369ce9-db85-4b83-94aa-11e74774f6c0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Anti-dilutive securities</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus_e0c6d621-f389-42bb-b845-9b0baea8af3a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing receivable, nonaccrual</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_0c725003-49fa-424a-b9b2-f53d4c2c5bc7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings per share calculations (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_WrittenCommunications_0fb47dd0-c7f8-40cb-88c5-e1a782865f5d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_WrittenCommunications" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Written Communications</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_WrittenCommunications_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_WrittenCommunications" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Written Communications</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_77636c73-6c4c-4973-88dc-597f55b47ad1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValueExcludingUnsettledPurchasesSimpleAverageAmount_ea95441a-4eed-4fef-bb7b-f93793263680_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValueExcludingUnsettledPurchasesSimpleAverageAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Simple average amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValueExcludingUnsettledPurchasesSimpleAverageAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValueExcludingUnsettledPurchasesSimpleAverageAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Acquired During Period At Acquisition At Fair Value Excluding Unsettled Purchases, Simple Average Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValueExcludingUnsettledPurchasesSimpleAverageAmount_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValueExcludingUnsettledPurchasesSimpleAverageAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Acquired During Period At Acquisition At Fair Value Excluding Unsettled Purchases, Simple Average Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValueExcludingUnsettledPurchasesSimpleAverageAmount" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValueExcludingUnsettledPurchasesSimpleAverageAmount"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract_b18b2bf4-1c67-4ad5-9e87-5351430210d0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred provision (benefit)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_d2e72577-dfe1-41fc-8980-263e24355156_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Plan Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Plan Name [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_15ea9102-7dc1-4c20-b659-2f91e9e92a51_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, State or Province</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, State or Province</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3_fa1cb1b9-63e4-4faa-b1e6-105ad0a0857f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Transfer to Level 2</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SettledWholeLoansMember_a39d5e88-e965-40f7-9d02-c31fd5353dfd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SettledWholeLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Settled Whole Loans</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SettledWholeLoansMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SettledWholeLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Settled Whole Loans [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PledgedStatusAxis_40597555-8570-4229-9d50-a900681f478b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PledgedStatusAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Pledged Status [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PledgedStatusAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PledgedStatusAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SubsidiaryNetInterestIncomeAndOtherRevenue_fef438d0-bd0c-41ec-9cb4-6032dab50042_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SubsidiaryNetInterestIncomeAndOtherRevenue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Subsidiary net Interest income and other revenue</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SubsidiaryNetInterestIncomeAndOtherRevenue" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_SubsidiaryNetInterestIncomeAndOtherRevenue"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansonRealEstateLoanBalanceDomain_61d545c9-1ab0-433a-8cc1-38f33341d840_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansonRealEstateLoanBalanceDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Balance [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansonRealEstateLoanBalanceDomain_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansonRealEstateLoanBalanceDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">[Domain] for Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Balance [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureTextBlock_46d08cde-3459-4528-87c9-168706052b61_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Use of Special Purpose Entities and Variable Interest Entities</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_SpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_SpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_68aef8c1-429b-4fc2-b559-68a1d13b63d8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Award Type [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateHeldForInvestment_c1a6322c-c90a-4bdc-9020-fb632cbe4cb2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateHeldForInvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Real estate held-for-investment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateHeldForInvestment_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateHeldForInvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Held For Investment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateHeldForInvestment_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateHeldForInvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Held For Investment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RealEstateHeldForInvestment" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_RealEstateHeldForInvestment"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyAmountAtRisk_1e3e85bb-7970-454e-aa41-d6979ae46c26_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyAmountAtRisk" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amount at Risk</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyAmountAtRisk_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyAmountAtRisk" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase Agreement Counterparty, Amount at Risk</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyAmountAtRisk" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyAmountAtRisk"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyAmountAtRisk" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyAmountAtRisk" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_99af8cc9-d1a1-4530-b45f-847f4ca7abe2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lease Commitments</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_13d5119a-fdb1-4d7b-98e2-4578e5096471_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)&#160;on AFS Securities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentType_e8a0cd4d-e650-4abe-8f0d-d9a21d96047a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentType" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Document Type</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTableTextBlock_d36366c0-ea3a-4157-ad65-946d06558e3f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_4f119bee-7916-46cc-b9ba-8475a2fcac2e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Estimated useful life</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_bbbf8bce-b658-427b-be71-09377a0cbde6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Assets:</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CorporateHeadquartersMember_92e2d33e-e139-4058-a220-e5ddd686a216_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CorporateHeadquartersMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Corporate headquarters</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_b188d70c-074d-4f1a-b6a8-5a048305ec60_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_e49706b1-c350-47b4-bb72-0c0e305a8d6e_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total deferred provision (benefit)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_SolicitingMaterial_178eb86f-f705-4dad-9ae7-5b61d4864709_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_SolicitingMaterial" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Soliciting Material</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_fa502f53-2f0e-41cc-82e3-3101030084d4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Exercise Price Range [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1_8cdb8963-6221-4aa2-a32d-d99f049e5324_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Changes in fair value recorded in Net gain on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MaximumTimesNoDividendsAreReceivedVotingRights_55868796-f887-4143-8138-c269d1723092_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MaximumTimesNoDividendsAreReceivedVotingRights" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum quarters without dividends to get voting rights, in quarters</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTable_3a0898b6-004a-4c1e-a2c0-562373a22a86_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LiquidationModelMember_6df3eec2-602d-45fa-a47a-901e50b286c6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LiquidationModelMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liquidation model</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_33423aa4-5e2d-466c-ade4-ec22625d2c11_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total net assets acquired</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions_3369d0c3-92da-4122-ad74-ef37c64215cb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Costs associated with restructuring/forbearance agreement</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_e73ebeab-f4b0-4adc-9d6b-48c775a49272_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Statement Location [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis_43148233-4c76-4c2b-8f5c-00201a5ca5ae_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_8d34fd99-ca7a-441c-acf1-e5b2bba34d34_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment_36a0f3b2-55b4-42fd-90e2-42672adfad1b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from sales of real estate owned</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_02f4c953-3f5a-42f3-93d1-b50f494bf630_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Owned Properties [Line Items]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PurchasedNonPerformingLoansMember_f59f9c2c-c95b-4ce9-9b65-afe886b301fe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PurchasedNonPerformingLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchased Non-performing Loans</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_9b2e34de-51e8-44d7-9dcf-d7f1eaa34d43_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_01cd67a9-5667-4129-8f93-c28a2ce0dfe9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Basis of Presentation and Consolidation</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_83c4f1b6-25fe-4101-9aae-93a40287f1a4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Class [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_a6ea4024-3dee-4325-ad76-cb4e55911b6f_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceed from debt net of offering expenses and underwriting discount</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_MinimumMember_08553f0d-f0c0-4cc8-be45-2209b28b1f5a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MinimumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Minimum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MinimumMember_e6a7dcb0-3f1a-4e12-b09f-3794212a8919_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MinimumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Minimum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MinimumMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MinimumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Minimum [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1_8bdf2c93-dbfd-4b83-9e6f-988b0ff94000_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Conversion ratio</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_306cf6b2-ea68-4c28-bf8c-9a9abadf587a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Emerging Growth Company</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Emerging Growth Company</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveYieldAdjustmentSecuritiesMortgageBacked_f367ec12-e9a6-4009-bb24-5bbcd9327381_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveYieldAdjustmentSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Effective yield adjustment</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis_66f8f9d4-962b-49d6-8edd-aeaf05e5365d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument Measurement [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument Measurement</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSaleOfResidentialWholeLoans_b228f489-c6c9-44c7-8a25-aafa7674b212_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSaleOfResidentialWholeLoans" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from sales of residential whole loans, and residential whole loan repurchases</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_39bb7f08-5598-4440-aecb-6dd66ce7171e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonQMLoansMember_5f32ce9a-09f4-4b58-b7b7-c436771bd228_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonQMLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Non-QM Loans</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3e17339f-27c0-4f38-b096-787ffe207279_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Title of Individual [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock_4c259d0f-cc6b-4bfc-858d-4100f95ba080_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Financial Instruments</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NetInterestIncomeAndOtherRevenueMember_d503b50d-def9-4da2-8440-c4c6fe6f7a0a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NetInterestIncomeAndOtherRevenueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Interest Income and Other Revenue</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_1f6e91db-028c-4999-a075-14c28e808e7a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Granted (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_77149ac6-7019-4243-b790-2d8474c2c2fb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansFairValueNetIncomeLossUnrealizedGainsLossesNet_ab7b31be-4445-4f4e-a636-8376d56788ca_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansFairValueNetIncomeLossUnrealizedGainsLossesNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net unrealized gains</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_e3ab2943-4a25-4f16-bfeb-52ec53ee6abf_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Portion at Fair Value Measurement</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_04616665-d465-499b-bc47-aaea5d3e0a67_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by Private Enterprises</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_6a13b286-8191-4328-ae2d-4104ac63c52a_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Comprehensive (Loss)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CurrentFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract_8e498ed4-cf86-405e-9472-2aa6b9816be2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CurrentFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Current provision (benefit)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_10a815a5-f2cd-4c2b-96de-ed734e4aa03a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Renewal term</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebt_5e057110-5217-4397-8ab7-890d0c55f59c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_45c76ada-88de-43e7-8d9e-477e6333f5f6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Recurring basis</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputLossSeverityMember_e8860774-e504-465c-ac2e-324f2d97668e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputLossSeverityMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loss severity</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredChargesPolicyTextBlock_6388d4ef-8775-4732-9c3b-7b4ef95bc84a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredChargesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Securitization and Other Debt Issuance Costs</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_f15132c0-349b-4c34-8a60-98b746b305c0_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total current provision (benefit)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NetIncomeMember_8db94452-cb1d-4a90-823f-51b0986699ba_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NetIncomeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NetIncomeMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NetIncomeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Income [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NetIncomeMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NetIncomeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Income</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NetIncomeMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NetIncomeMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock_ce82be5b-8d4d-446b-8d56-85cb5fb2f567_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity_3b883478-a96f-4280-aa66-1bc7260373ff_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Term to Maturity (Months)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Weighted Average Term To Maturity</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense_79d3dac9-c986-4e5f-b5d3-8d644a8b1099_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating lease expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Lease, Expense</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_0b55ee79-a213-417d-b65b-511a2792a8c9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Change in unrealized (gains)/losses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Liability, Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_23b72f72-e584-4bda-bfd9-8e15db4a01fc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">2018</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PurchasedCreditDeterioratedLoansMember_00f4cb9c-9dd8-4d9e-a323-e596499069bb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PurchasedCreditDeterioratedLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_PurchasedCreditDeterioratedLoansMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_PurchasedCreditDeterioratedLoansMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetDomain_4f7a8b5e-dd26-4d7f-a315-26b7045acfba_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Remaining Period before Interest Rate Reset [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetDomain_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Identifies the period before interest rate reset for a group of securities or other assets sold under repurchase agreements.</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetDomain" xlink:to="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PositionDomain_61dfb3f4-534b-4bbd-948a-b8520d231e24_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Position [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PositionDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Position [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PositionDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeWeightedAverageInterestRatePaid_69e930ac-0ca1-4534-816c-a64055024df0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeWeightedAverageInterestRatePaid" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted average Swap rate paid</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeWeightedAverageInterestRatePaid_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeWeightedAverageInterestRatePaid" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative, Weighted Average Interest Rate Paid</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeWeightedAverageInterestRatePaid_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeWeightedAverageInterestRatePaid" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the weighted average interest rate paid related to derivatives.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_896db88d-7cce-4e46-9551-dbae1656e843_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsTableTextBlock_7db66641-69b8-4f85-8865-ba3da3f2928f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of assets pledged as collateral against derivative contracts</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill_80a156b3-fbef-4905-b6f4-e7ed73b402e5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Goodwill</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Goodwill</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesWeightedAverageToMaturity_90a01ab1-31c3-43c3-a1d8-95a06729049c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesWeightedAverageToMaturity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted average to maturity</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_fc015ba3-c7f6-4338-8c18-8f8d814855f2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_24f18a94-127b-41a0-9b7b-626abe1b4cf2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PaymentsForIssuanceOfPreferredStock_b6732df3-dca6-4461-ad18-71bb7a58978e_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PaymentsForIssuanceOfPreferredStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments made for costs related to series C preferred stock issuance</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_deb6a9c8-6217-4b71-b704-96545d18497f_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total provision (benefit)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Tax Expense (Benefit)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_5c719ca1-f6a7-497f-ab3d-f8573b220129_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Valuation allowance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_4a0e5718-a164-41d0-ab74-4656cf0c276e_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Less: valuation allowance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgencyEligibleInvestorLoansMember_844ec44a-a8dc-403f-b0b1-b62e5d2179bb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgencyEligibleInvestorLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Agency eligible investor loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgencyEligibleInvestorLoansMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgencyEligibleInvestorLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Agency Eligible Investor Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgencyEligibleInvestorLoansMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgencyEligibleInvestorLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Agency Eligible Investor Loans</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AgencyEligibleInvestorLoansMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_AgencyEligibleInvestorLoansMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueMember_a0e24d9d-e0d5-4619-bb64-507a5b0f0cfe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans, at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans At Fair Value [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans At Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_57a8fa28-1367-4488-85cf-df4773dd4b30_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Series B Preferred Stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Series B Preferred Stock [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnFinancingAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions_17c93520-27a4-4aa8-a573-dd7b2376ab5c_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnFinancingAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Principal payments on other collateralized financing agreements</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnFinancingAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnFinancingAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Principal Payments On Financing Agreements With Non Mark To Market Collateral Provisions</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnFinancingAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnFinancingAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnFinancingAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:to="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnFinancingAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9bbaa018-4bab-45f3-9322-09df334ebcf7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance Sheet Location [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance Sheet Location [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedMarkToMarketImpairmentsAndLossProvisions_9ae34629-8b73-4150-9e47-72616f2fe1ec_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedMarkToMarketImpairmentsAndLossProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized mark-to-market, impairments and loss provisions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedMarkToMarketImpairmentsAndLossProvisions_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedMarkToMarketImpairmentsAndLossProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Mark-To-Market, Impairments And Loss Provisions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedMarkToMarketImpairmentsAndLossProvisions_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedMarkToMarketImpairmentsAndLossProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Mark-To-Market, Impairments And Loss Provisions</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedMarkToMarketImpairmentsAndLossProvisions" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedMarkToMarketImpairmentsAndLossProvisions"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedMarkToMarketImpairmentsAndLossProvisions" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedMarkToMarketImpairmentsAndLossProvisions" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockPerShareAmountsOfPreferredDividendsInArrears_636269dc-a9fa-4d09-ae52-b191cb292b3e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockPerShareAmountsOfPreferredDividendsInArrears" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, per share amounts of preferred dividends in arrears</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockPerShareAmountsOfPreferredDividendsInArrears" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockPerShareAmountsOfPreferredDividendsInArrears"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockPerShareAmountsOfPreferredDividendsInArrears" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockPerShareAmountsOfPreferredDividendsInArrears" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfPreferredStockDividendDeclarationAndPaymentTableTextBlock_aa86c5a2-82fa-430b-bb95-27c6d8ca47f5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfPreferredStockDividendDeclarationAndPaymentTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Preferred Stock Dividend Declaration and Payment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfPreferredStockDividendDeclarationAndPaymentTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfPreferredStockDividendDeclarationAndPaymentTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule Of Preferred Stock Dividend Declaration And Payment [Table Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfPreferredStockDividendDeclarationAndPaymentTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ScheduleOfPreferredStockDividendDeclarationAndPaymentTableTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange4Member_4a481b85-7947-4c4e-8d0f-813134c9b9fe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange4Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Original loan balance greater than $449,999</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange4Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange4Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Original Loan Balance Range 4 [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange4Member" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange4Member"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementDomain_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument Measurement [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_25f00859-630b-40e8-b528-c6c66d7efa79_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock, $0.01 par value; 874,300 and 874,300 shares authorized; 108,138 and 112,929 shares issued and outstanding, respectively</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PercentageOfCurrentFaceAmountOfNonAgencyMBSExpectedToBeRecovered_f0c57d33-94af-4edc-9bb3-0c88217d673d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PercentageOfCurrentFaceAmountOfNonAgencyMBSExpectedToBeRecovered" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of current face amount of Non-Agency MBS to be recovered</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_409df1cd-4bb0-4231-b42d-754ab34c5329_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_6297bc9d-8794-4cd0-ae89-255bbc6a2f60_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_1b93c7bd-a1e0-4c1f-b5bb-7a794c705c5e_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_24ad675a-79fe-4938-beec-b0b94da00755_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Notes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Notes [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PaymentsMadeForSecuritizationRelatedCost_420e48c5-9f8e-4c19-9c32-cfca01ed2870_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PaymentsMadeForSecuritizationRelatedCost" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payment made for other collateralized financing agreement related costs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PaymentsMadeForSecuritizationRelatedCost_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PaymentsMadeForSecuritizationRelatedCost" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments Made For Securitization Related Cost</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PaymentsMadeForSecuritizationRelatedCost_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PaymentsMadeForSecuritizationRelatedCost" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments Made For Securitization Related Cost</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_PaymentsMadeForSecuritizationRelatedCost" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_PaymentsMadeForSecuritizationRelatedCost"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNewMortgageLoans_012454d5-7776-4935-ba0a-015dde530d2f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNewMortgageLoans" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchases</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNewMortgageLoans_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNewMortgageLoans" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, New Mortgage Loan</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMember_baaa2640-5b32-4567-82ff-72d6174851db_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase Agreement Borrowings</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet_9d9fc2c5-dd3c-45b7-8b05-d31338a71658_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Operating Income (Expense), Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitment_31c94fd9-694a-478e-ad38-f447ec27a2df_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other commitment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitment_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Commitment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitment" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitment"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitment" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitment" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_7089d013-e1e5-41d2-bc66-0a1cd1781cbe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Conversion price (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_a33250c4-2cf0-4f8f-a770-b09e8dc909fa_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of impact of hedging instruments on AOCI</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses_21471f43-b31d-4d26-b680-d18507b1d1eb_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Beginning balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses_44429d63-6985-472d-bd8c-1a1da3178832_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Ending balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses_f394f421-f759-45de-9653-2799bb821a9f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Allowance for credit loss</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements with Mark to Market Collateral Provisions</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_4b93873b-43c9-41b7-9a27-a293a5014d5c_negatedTotalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total liabilities assumed</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_cd7ce85f-822b-48a4-b769-9b69348397a3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gross Unrealized Gains</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact_75bb5fcf-bafe-4817-a905-165e63c328a5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Less Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock_7699e451-682e-4b2f-9c8b-57493a2ee623_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Goodwill &amp; Intangible Assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualUndistributedIncomeDeferred_61482802-e8a3-4966-8158-8ad8b34e106c_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualUndistributedIncomeDeferred" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Undistributed Income Deferred</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualUndistributedIncomeDeferred_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualUndistributedIncomeDeferred" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Undistributed Income Deferred</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualUndistributedIncomeDeferred_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualUndistributedIncomeDeferred" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents undistributed income deferred by participants under a deferred compensation arrangement as of the balance sheet date.</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualUndistributedIncomeDeferred" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualUndistributedIncomeDeferred" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateFairValue_b725699f-b9d1-4d51-a515-d0b96bf54644_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate unpaid principal balance of residential whole loans sold</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateFairValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans, Aggregate Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateFairValue" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateFairValue"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt_c18f2c0e-c4f3-48e9-9bdf-00d05fa88c6a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds allocated to debt</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-Term Debt</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_30b112e1-dbdd-4b47-840a-6fed451eb0c6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Term of lease</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_d9cb4546-4df3-4863-8654-06d056f6a08a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Counterparty Name [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Counterparty Name [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsAmortizedCost_a7e53fc1-2290-452d-9a8f-1456db92f6c8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsAmortizedCost" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amortized Cost Balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsAmortizedCost_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsAmortizedCost" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Amortized Cost</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsAmortizedCost_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsAmortizedCost" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Amortized Cost</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsAmortizedCost" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_FinancingAgreementsAmortizedCost"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsAmortizedCost" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsAmortizedCost" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_1e2e5db8-00bf-4b16-aeb6-7ba0cfe453a1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_c00036cb-0900-4229-8aef-3dcf4a8eaa5c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_00f545e5-0f1b-403e-91a6-cec34db02f3f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Finite-Lived Intangibles</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_a597e595-f14a-4c71-b6f1-528d97f86824_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfSecuritizationTransactionsTableTextBlock_06a3dc51-a405-4c36-a0b1-191f3b8ce80e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfSecuritizationTransactionsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Summary of key details related to securitization transactions</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeWeightedAverageInterestRateReceived_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeWeightedAverageInterestRateReceived" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the weighted average interest rate received related to derivatives.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans_98c90fd9-aaf1-45ec-87fe-3c6d6e4398cc_negatedNetLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedNetLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Provision for Credit Losses on Residential Whole Loans</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember_003f2dd3-6bf0-400e-a294-c08a548d5954_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Plans</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskMinimumAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity_167853b2-2472-4a02-9dda-2188f47c00e0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskMinimumAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Percent&#160;of Stockholders&#8217; Equity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskMinimumAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskMinimumAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase Agreement Counterparty, Risk Minimum As Percentage Of Stockholders' Equity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskMinimumAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskMinimumAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the minimum percentage of stockholders' equity at risk with respect to repurchase agreements with any single counterparty.</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskMinimumAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskMinimumAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs_e6bb0cd8-de2b-493d-97ff-55d30d22d509_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net write-offs, 2019</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Originated Two Years Before Latest Fiscal Year, Net Write-Offs</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_99e53054-0b71-45b2-b377-478221809eb8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver24MonthsTo36MonthsMember_3940e876-e5c8-473a-ad23-5acdc7f571da_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver24MonthsTo36MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Over 24 months to 36 months</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver24MonthsTo36MonthsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver24MonthsTo36MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Period of maturity for derivative instruments which mature over 24 months and within 36 months from the reporting date.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable_2e053fee-3327-4150-bf2a-74885e859d49_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_62461176-bda4-47b2-90ae-2bbb816e73ae_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueVested_705c80e8-7524-45cb-ab9a-6bd5ff8e2200_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueVested" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs vested but not settled at end of year (in dollars per share)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueVested_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueVested" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the weighted average fair value pertaining to an equity-based payment instrument, excluding stock (or unit) options, that are vested as of the end of the year.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueVested" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueVested"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_MaximumMember_c736201e-6a22-4636-bc8d-326ce117a489_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MaximumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MaximumMember_2b6f2bb1-0625-4db4-a345-dfdf96da1a1c_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MaximumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MaximumMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MaximumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_MaximumMember" xlink:to="lab_srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentTrustsREITTaxableIncomeDistributionObjectivePercent_eae1725e-78b1-4684-a1e1-0b28e77cbbf8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentTrustsREITTaxableIncomeDistributionObjectivePercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of REIT taxable income that is the Company's objective to distribute within the permitted timeframe</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentTrustsREITTaxableIncomeDistributionObjectivePercent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentTrustsREITTaxableIncomeDistributionObjectivePercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT), Taxable Income Distribution Objective, Percent</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentTrustsREITTaxableIncomeDistributionObjectivePercent_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentTrustsREITTaxableIncomeDistributionObjectivePercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of REIT taxable income that is the Company's objective to distribute within the permitted timeframe</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentTrustsREITTaxableIncomeDistributionObjectivePercent" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_RealEstateInvestmentTrustsREITTaxableIncomeDistributionObjectivePercent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentTrustsREITTaxableIncomeDistributionObjectivePercent" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentTrustsREITTaxableIncomeDistributionObjectivePercent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver3MonthsTo12MonthsMember_26728c7b-64e2-4182-aed8-f8a524f47ebd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver3MonthsTo12MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Over 3 months to 12 months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver3MonthsTo12MonthsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver3MonthsTo12MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Rate Reset Over 3 Months To 12 Months [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver3MonthsTo12MonthsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver3MonthsTo12MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Period until interest rate reset for a group of securities or other assets sold under repurchase agreements for which the time until interest rate reset is over 3 months to 12 months from the reporting date.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_InterestRateResetOver3MonthsTo12MonthsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_InterestRateResetOver3MonthsTo12MonthsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_InterestRateResetOver3MonthsTo12MonthsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver3MonthsTo12MonthsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShortMember_3c843711-cda9-48c9-b4f2-00c61d27f5f9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShortMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Short</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShortMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShortMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Short [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShortMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShortMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeIncludingSubsequentAcquisitionPercentage_7d1649e7-e6a1-4feb-ae80-8618f74c387a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeIncludingSubsequentAcquisitionPercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Ownership percentage</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeIncludingSubsequentAcquisitionPercentage_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeIncludingSubsequentAcquisitionPercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Including Subsequent Acquisition, Percentage</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeIncludingSubsequentAcquisitionPercentage" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeIncludingSubsequentAcquisitionPercentage"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeIncludingSubsequentAcquisitionPercentage" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeIncludingSubsequentAcquisitionPercentage" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_9cb3406f-74a7-4973-aa75-08d64cb9e604_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase of shares of common stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_151dba4e-b7f5-40ae-b627-0436802e74f6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash and cash equivalents</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember_73057328-1669-4439-b086-22b464e460e9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Performing Financial Instruments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Performing Financial Instruments [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_69f3857a-12c9-48c9-8ecd-45e53f36f696_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Designated as Hedging Instrument</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments_101aa711-4874-4396-8da1-ef5c20882092_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">REO</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments_3ccd9585-17bc-43ad-90a7-0856b6bc7afe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Real estate owned</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments_a68365f9-551a-44d6-a6ea-2898fd5b3c03_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance at beginning of period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments_4bd4af6d-0322-45d5-ad75-263fa6323231_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance at end of period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Investments, Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetWithin30DaysMember_45f2c320-dcce-4900-9192-c434d29454a0_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetWithin30DaysMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Within 30 days</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetWithin30DaysMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetWithin30DaysMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Rate Reset Within 30 Days [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetWithin30DaysMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetWithin30DaysMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Period until interest rate reset for a group of securities or other assets sold under repurchase agreements for which the time until interest rate reset is within 30 days from the reporting date.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_InterestRateResetWithin30DaysMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_InterestRateResetWithin30DaysMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_InterestRateResetWithin30DaysMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetWithin30DaysMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList_ea7486ce-9b02-4e5e-a39b-e474d6a70569_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedonShareClosingPriceMember_afd78a6e-a442-4953-a64d-2e204c90b549_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedonShareClosingPriceMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs with Service Condition, weighted average grant date fair value based on share closing price</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedonShareClosingPriceMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedonShareClosingPriceMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs With Service Condition, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Based on Share Closing Price [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedonShareClosingPriceMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedonShareClosingPriceMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs With Service Condition, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Based on Share Closing Price [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedonShareClosingPriceMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedonShareClosingPriceMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedonShareClosingPriceMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedonShareClosingPriceMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTaxParent_d2248f26-dda9-4a8c-ba94-e9e0891feda2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTaxParent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative hedging instruments fair value changes and amortization, net</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfRedeemablePreferredStock_f8f8ace5-7f93-4d33-ac7f-c1c5af400f58_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfRedeemablePreferredStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from issuance of series C preferred stock</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedMember_453772d6-0832-4ed5-96ec-229933a2b253_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by real estate owned</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainLossBeforeTax_51764827-03e0-472d-9a57-d9a8b0b38609_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainLossBeforeTax"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseInterestRate_98fc43fd-c0ef-4aea-9e57-e7f843a8cc02_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Interest Rate</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy_515579ad-c688-40d1-b7e6-9416a727ab2f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Interest Entities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_c520f517-716d-49da-95d3-e4e1d98c0856_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase of shares of common stock (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_Security12bTitle_39e04d7d-b393-4231-ab4b-1557eddbdbb7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Title of 12(b) Security</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ComprehensiveIncomeLossToCommonStockholdersAndParticipatingSecurities_024500ef-1549-4279-86b4-e3bbf3bec009_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ComprehensiveIncomeLossToCommonStockholdersAndParticipatingSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stock and Participating Securities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInFiscalYearBeforeLatestFiscalYear_cea35e09-d7f4-4a2e-8007-08a73f36ebfd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInFiscalYearBeforeLatestFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">2020</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithRightMember_a4dfc461-f65a-4696-a23d-059fd7301e81_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithRightMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Pledged as Collateral with Right</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RehabilitationLoansMember_c6b84fc5-07f0-4ca0-ab23-ba85e7116351_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RehabilitationLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Rehabilitation loans</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteRedeemablePreferredStockIssuePolicy_5417ed81-7079-4f3b-8593-82117cbc4604_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteRedeemablePreferredStockIssuePolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Offering Costs Related to Issuance and Redemption of Preferred Stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteRedeemablePreferredStockIssuePolicy_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteRedeemablePreferredStockIssuePolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stockholders' Equity Note, Redeemable Preferred Stock, Issue, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteRedeemablePreferredStockIssuePolicy" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteRedeemablePreferredStockIssuePolicy"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteRedeemablePreferredStockIssuePolicy" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteRedeemablePreferredStockIssuePolicy" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionAndBothServiceAndMarketConditionsMember_e1d938cd-f878-4fe1-b1b8-5044e4e30aac_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionAndBothServiceAndMarketConditionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs with Service Condition and both Service and Market Conditions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionAndBothServiceAndMarketConditionsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionAndBothServiceAndMarketConditionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs With Service Condition And Both Service And Market Conditions [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionAndBothServiceAndMarketConditionsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionAndBothServiceAndMarketConditionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs With Service Condition And Both Service And Market Conditions [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionAndBothServiceAndMarketConditionsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionAndBothServiceAndMarketConditionsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionAndBothServiceAndMarketConditionsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionAndBothServiceAndMarketConditionsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_682b2d25-061a-41fa-bb6e-f9c0d0e70c43_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_7b9ba21a-5b64-43ad-8a25-64df4f33a9e1_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_129bcb77-b7d6-4816-b258-712633873501_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from issuances of common stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansCommercialAndResidentialRealEstate_f78a7c27-85a9-44a8-953f-b93ffacb5407_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansCommercialAndResidentialRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansCommercialAndResidentialRealEstate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansCommercialAndResidentialRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest and Fee Income, Loans, Commercial and Residential, Real Estate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansCommercialAndResidentialRealEstate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansCommercialAndResidentialRealEstate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansCommercialAndResidentialRealEstate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansCommercialAndResidentialRealEstate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver12MonthsMember_3931982c-b231-4f86-b433-041b71527aa6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver12MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Over 12 months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver12MonthsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver12MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Rate Reset Over 12 Months [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver12MonthsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver12MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Period until interest rate reset for a group of securities or other assets sold under repurchase agreements for which the time until interest rate reset is over 12 months from the reporting date.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_InterestRateResetOver12MonthsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_InterestRateResetOver12MonthsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_InterestRateResetOver12MonthsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver12MonthsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RatioLoanToValue_3273d581-68fc-4428-8c6d-64198aaed7b2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RatioLoanToValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average LTV Ratio</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RatioLoanToValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RatioLoanToValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Ratio Loan-To-Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RatioLoanToValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RatioLoanToValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">The LTV of which the Company has assessed its residential whole loans at carrying value will have a higher likelihood of default than newly originated mortgage loans</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RatioLoanToValue" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_RatioLoanToValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RatioLoanToValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RatioLoanToValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDistributionPaid_c5ac52ea-f7b2-4c2d-b323-a07d5741e7cc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDistributionPaid" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash distributed to the participants</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDistributionPaid_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDistributionPaid" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Distribution Paid</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDistributionPaid" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDistributionPaid"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDistributionPaid" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDistributionPaid" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_dd659b69-dc77-43ce-85d5-3ec95796cbe3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Notional Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative, Notional Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_278a5a13-0807-4963-bdbe-8c565eca66dc_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Value, Issued</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PaymentsForFeesRelatedToRepurchaseOfShares_5c648aad-f5bf-412b-bdbc-7132622ab29c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PaymentsForFeesRelatedToRepurchaseOfShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments for fees and commissions paid to the sales agent</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PaymentsForFeesRelatedToRepurchaseOfShares_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PaymentsForFeesRelatedToRepurchaseOfShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments For Fees Related To Repurchase Of Shares</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PaymentsForFeesRelatedToRepurchaseOfShares_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PaymentsForFeesRelatedToRepurchaseOfShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments For Fees Related To Repurchase Of Shares</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_PaymentsForFeesRelatedToRepurchaseOfShares" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_PaymentsForFeesRelatedToRepurchaseOfShares"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_PaymentsForFeesRelatedToRepurchaseOfShares" xlink:to="lab_mfa_PaymentsForFeesRelatedToRepurchaseOfShares" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_ee11d299-239e-4196-8a19-5b7318352b01_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted shares of common stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Stock [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_13ef2c2a-bbc2-48ea-847e-9247951908e3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Estimated useful life of long-lived assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs_4de84c10-68fc-4c3f-a8c1-486e60329707_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net write-offs, 2018</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Originated Three Years Before Latest Fiscal Year, Net Write-Offs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Originated Three Years Before Latest Fiscal Year, Net Write-Offs</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable_13793777-b1be-401c-9350-0571d2efd605_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentGross_7fa8f634-3f09-48fa-9b7c-46cb4a3eb1cf_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt issuance cost</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentGross_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Issuance Cost, Gross, Noncurrent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentGross" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentGross"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentGross" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentGross" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingFairValue_6ee28698-8b61-43d9-8842-129f5c80dda6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Outstanding amount of Senior Bonds, at fair value</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingFairValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Bonds Outstanding, Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingFairValue" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingFairValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingFairValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingFairValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_61b5433e-b2f9-4ce8-b3e0-293a2d9281d1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonAgencyMBSExpectedToRecoverLessThanParMember_0a706f00-28a9-42b3-b25c-5461c00669cc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonAgencyMBSExpectedToRecoverLessThanParMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Expected to Recover Less Than Par</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonAgencyMBSExpectedToRecoverLessThanParMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonAgencyMBSExpectedToRecoverLessThanParMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Non-Agency MBS Expected to Recover Less Than Par [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NonAgencyMBSExpectedToRecoverLessThanParMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NonAgencyMBSExpectedToRecoverLessThanParMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9847ed4b-565c-492d-aa6d-7201775c3730_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_2dba73fd-5974-467d-8808-708c40647ec7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Leases</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_e1ef01d4-bbd5-4742-8586-9d003c40aef0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Level&#160;3</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList_d6167831-40bf-442f-8047-2b7f3400103c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Lease, Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Lease, Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LegacyNonAgencyMBSMember_2e91c505-3043-4400-9e19-23f6151d52b5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LegacyNonAgencyMBSMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Legacy Non-Agency MBS</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LegacyNonAgencyMBSMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LegacyNonAgencyMBSMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">MBS issued prior to 2008</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_LegacyNonAgencyMBSMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_LegacyNonAgencyMBSMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock_eb8be007-3a1f-4d66-9408-80831b98e93d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of expenses related to equity-based compensation</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare_e3c01a37-1cbe-43e4-8285-0d121aa92155_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, redemption price (in dollars per share)</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_TerminationOfOutstandingPreferredEquityInterestsAtAcquisition_fbcd10eb-4cad-4828-851a-2bf58bd4e056_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TerminationOfOutstandingPreferredEquityInterestsAtAcquisition" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repayment of Lima One preferred stock in connection with the Lima One transaction</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_TerminationOfOutstandingPreferredEquityInterestsAtAcquisition_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TerminationOfOutstandingPreferredEquityInterestsAtAcquisition" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Termination Of Outstanding Preferred Equity Interests At Acquisition</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_TerminationOfOutstandingPreferredEquityInterestsAtAcquisition_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TerminationOfOutstandingPreferredEquityInterestsAtAcquisition" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Termination Of Outstanding Preferred Equity Interests At Acquisition</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_TerminationOfOutstandingPreferredEquityInterestsAtAcquisition" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_TerminationOfOutstandingPreferredEquityInterestsAtAcquisition"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_TerminationOfOutstandingPreferredEquityInterestsAtAcquisition" xlink:to="lab_mfa_TerminationOfOutstandingPreferredEquityInterestsAtAcquisition" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_4879aaad-94d2-49dc-b834-524d9f59d58d_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Interest Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Income (Expense), Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingCarryingValue_e6544b08-9e07-4714-a6c4-ebe2d5391279_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Outstanding amount of Senior Bonds, at carrying value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingCarryingValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Bonds Outstanding, Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingCarryingValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Bonds Outstanding, Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingCarryingValue" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingCarryingValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingCarryingValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingCarryingValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_06138743-6ee6-44f1-8869-d3d645ad5363_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Net Deferred Tax Assets</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_9d4b0578-7f66-4f26-9d0c-1a954338f517_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Facility maturity period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Term</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_a739f32d-a171-4c20-81cf-d4079083f4ca_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Income, net:</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_4dfeb0fc-e30d-4f38-86f8-db2fa3510f91_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible assets, net</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_HaircutOnSecuritiesWeightedAveragePercentage_583dbe46-7c99-4a92-a593-8fdf312d0ec4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_HaircutOnSecuritiesWeightedAveragePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted average haircut rate</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsAxis_4599755b-c5e0-49a6-bfeb-44689d9a22cc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsAxis_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OtherAssetsAxis" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_OtherAssetsAxis"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LoansCarryingBalance_20782f74-c93e-4ecc-ad43-deb0a0dea5dd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LoansCarryingBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Carrying Value / Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LoansCarryingBalance_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LoansCarryingBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loans, Carrying Balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LoansCarryingBalance_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LoansCarryingBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loans, Carrying Balance</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_LoansCarryingBalance" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_LoansCarryingBalance"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed_487de5bb-cf80-4967-b31e-59b994483534_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Current provision</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Credit Loss, Expense (Reversal)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange2Member_fd08452a-8177-4c32-b3a0-af3e458ad78e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange2Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Original loan balance $150,000 - $299,999</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange2Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange2Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Original Loan Balance Range 2 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange2Member_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange2Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Original Loan Balance Range 2 [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock_1e6a2a63-77a0-4e50-9b03-2f554cda414d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of information about swaps</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AOCIAccumulatedGainLossFinancingAgreementsMember_b62a5ac2-451a-4244-8c16-4793af54cd6f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AOCIAccumulatedGainLossFinancingAgreementsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AOCIAccumulatedGainLossFinancingAgreementsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AOCIAccumulatedGainLossFinancingAgreementsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Financing Agreements</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AOCIAccumulatedGainLossFinancingAgreementsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_AOCIAccumulatedGainLossFinancingAgreementsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_AOCIAccumulatedGainLossFinancingAgreementsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_AOCIAccumulatedGainLossFinancingAgreementsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageVariableInterestRate_25436236-8d8d-407c-916e-8e6a3ab65c0f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageVariableInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Variable Interest Rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageVariableInterestRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageVariableInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageVariableInterestRate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAverageVariableInterestRate"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments_da8e8877-79b5-48bd-aa0e-68acd320af1e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gain to reflect reversal of impairment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingValueAndFairValueTableTextBlock_ad0e9bab-f6c6-40f0-84ee-39ec5ee543b7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingValueAndFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans, at carrying and fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingValueAndFairValueTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingValueAndFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans, At Carrying Value And Fair Value [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingValueAndFairValueTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingValueAndFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans, at Carrying Value And Fair Value [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingValueAndFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingValueAndFairValueTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingValueAndFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingValueAndFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_b75d7593-3f18-430b-82ab-48732dcb113d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Assets:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncomeTableTextBlock_3b3bfdd0-7e44-4095-8ae8-5c561da82d02_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncomeTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of interest income on MBS, CRT Securities and MSR Related Assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncomeTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncomeTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest and Other Income [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncomeTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncomeTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncomeTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncomeTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesOnSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherAssets_f0b345f0-35b8-46f0-abcc-1de596ec1e18_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesOnSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Impairment and other gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and other assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesOnSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherAssets_5ac2110b-3e9a-46eb-8b7f-604389ab0de5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesOnSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Impairment and other gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and other assets</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesOnSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherAssets_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesOnSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Impairment and Other Losses On Securities Available-For-Sale And Other Assets</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesOnSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherAssets" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesOnSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherAssets"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_919340aa-521e-433a-bd85-5ff81931084d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember_ee742b33-77f6-45ee-a1f4-22ba7dbdddf9_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by residential whole loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember_1d50d10c-d82c-4eb7-bdee-829e4ef4abe2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans, at carrying value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember_73ad5eb4-d502-485e-a1e2-2f5c247eeb33_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans, at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loans Receivable [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AdditionalConvertibleSeniorNotesMember_a033eef7-f356-4e4f-bf7e-fc8d01cb94a4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AdditionalConvertibleSeniorNotesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Additional Convertible Senior Notes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AdditionalConvertibleSeniorNotesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AdditionalConvertibleSeniorNotesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Additional Convertible Senior Notes [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AdditionalConvertibleSeniorNotesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AdditionalConvertibleSeniorNotesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Additional Convertible Senior Notes [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementsByRepricingPeriodTableTextBlock_c4115bd8-bff9-4247-bca2-b72a1660c63e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementsByRepricingPeriodTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of repricing information about borrowings under repurchase agreements</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CRTFairValueOptionMember_88c0dcd4-7ad9-43eb-8b31-22a2f2552e87_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CRTFairValueOptionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">CRT, Fair Value Option</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeDepositsWithFinancialInstitutions_93748aa7-205d-4dac-93d2-4f0a941d3453_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeDepositsWithFinancialInstitutions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash and cash equivalent investments</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_8960b8ae-51b0-4589-a394-e4fdd94b8a5e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Tax Identification Number</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesOutstandingBalance_29c7ed8b-c5e2-4a7d-8b09-d6da43dbed5a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesOutstandingBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance Sheet Reported Amount</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_ff78a61a-90d9-40f6-94e3-7a05263ad67d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum shares authorized for grant (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedShareActivityTableTextBlock_ab42c0c8-5aa2-4629-a00d-b8dea96cf19e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedShareActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of restricted stock activity</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingNumber_cf506796-5fa3-4a93-85d6-dbf0716c4d53_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate_6bdde2f6-a9a0-4bdd-8585-48fdc8996625_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Transfer from residential whole loans to real estate owned</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_cf9e3f1d-7833-4432-a2d1-240710a3101e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Input Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Input Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityDomain_4c75abc5-6762-4ec4-a63c-f762ec73a920_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_CityAreaCode_4803fcea-8894-401e-82c3-2d4c8b03c990_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">City Area Code</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5f7191b0-469f-4a89-bebc-c288d1620c8d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Assets:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Assets [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_56db2dff-8c6a-485b-9618-7cd9517daecf_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Sale of Stock [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Sale of Stock [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_eedadc0f-e57d-442a-abde-aa1c9f123ab7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember_6bad28cf-dd65-42bf-87ff-1d4f13b324bc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Furniture, fixtures, computers and related hardwares</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_f174127f-b4c5-4950-8e0d-c1f46e6e8a36_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Expense:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Expense [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_2c62140c-3ac5-43d0-849b-3a05a526e821_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Class [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Class [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_0f198e5c-65fd-4875-9135-fc7501b6ba5d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities carried at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_09f2d8fc-b096-454c-9ba8-0fe64202252c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Earnings per Common Share ("EPS")</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_cf78ad06-3ed9-4f64-9957-d380f64b1aed_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_d1dcc046-f67c-43f9-aa2b-bf794b303376_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Additions to leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_1a703ee0-5b18-4df2-a9d5-458570e244de_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of reconciliation of the earnings and shares used in calculating basic and diluted EPS</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock_8afa1ae8-050a-4d41-84a0-335c959ce7c3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of aggregate income deferred by participants and associated liability under deferred compensation plans</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AuditorInformationAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AuditorInformationAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Auditor Information [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FNCL2121Member_ca1748e1-1159-401b-853c-78db13766bb3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FNCL2121Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">FNCL 2 1/21</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_367942fb-ea9c-4ff3-a15c-7edfcf880762_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amounts reclassified from AOCI</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_d557e3f9-a503-4e87-8ec4-f6161dcaf023_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_2c465a32-bdeb-4920-b095-36c5f251de99_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_TBASecuritiesMember_b1222418-7a93-424c-b0d6-f4882c94342d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TBASecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">TBA Securities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_7ddefb65-3408-498e-96f7-401b99e39824_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Non-Agency MBS Transfered to Consolidated VIEs</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPercentageOfNextEligibleCompensationForEmployerContributionMatch_851b3655-ef24-43e3-94a5-1a704732bfd8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPercentageOfNextEligibleCompensationForEmployerContributionMatch" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of eligible compensation deferred by employees qualifying for 50 percent matching contribution</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTable_45d37aef-4fb3-4213-b2f8-8868f8063bda_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_20c96ffe-00b1-4288-84ba-7ce1a37a3542_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, Postal Zip Code</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValuePurchasesExcludedFromLevel3FairValueMethodologyDisclosures_e857b99f-ec5f-495b-ba02-530028f2df27_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValuePurchasesExcludedFromLevel3FairValueMethodologyDisclosures" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchases excluded from level 2 fair value</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUWithMarketAndServiceConditionsMember_8132fea2-1cdd-49e7-848d-30eff6acfdbd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUWithMarketAndServiceConditionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs&#160;With Market&#160;and Service Conditions</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CapitalContributionsToLoanOriginationPartners_d99c140b-9f1b-43d0-a218-b8b99e059f17_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CapitalContributionsToLoanOriginationPartners" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Capital contributions made to loan origination partners</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant_94f91a96-c37a-4b74-b489-6d9286e55650_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum percentage of common shares that can be owned or deemed to be owned by a participant (more than)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">The maximum percentage of common shares that can be owned or deemed to be owned by a participant. If the maximum ownership or deemed ownership is attained no awards may be granted to that participant.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_f0dd7b57-1cd4-4625-90c9-7d504926bdcf_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, dividend rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_c760d7d1-4797-4e72-861a-45d10b01dc74_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Receivable [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Receivable [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember_8cc2bbee-f11b-4d8a-ac39-4f2b0d838dfe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Internally Developed Software</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Software and Software Development Costs [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares_a4816066-9a7d-4548-b484-26b5224b5678_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Shares reclassified to redeemable capital stock (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Shares Reclassified To Redeemable Capital Stock, Shares</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Shares Reclassified To Redeemable Capital Stock, Shares</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares" xlink:to="lab_mfa_SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity_c66f7a1c-3590-495b-a791-248e207aeee5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Investment Agreement</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLoansHeldForInvestment_ff29feba-e278-440d-a77a-2e748249a470_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLoansHeldForInvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchases of residential whole loans, loan related investments and capitalized advances</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLoansHeldForInvestment_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLoansHeldForInvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to Acquire Loans Held-for-investment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLoansHeldForInvestment" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLoansHeldForInvestment"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLoansHeldForInvestment" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLoansHeldForInvestment" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_8300b482-5e4c-4e42-b736-2415dfb95052_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash Flows From Investing Activities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeGainOnDerivative_422e4ef6-e996-4bb1-9a03-c87ff5243050_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeGainOnDerivative" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gain on derivative</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainOnDerivative" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainOnDerivative"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainOnDerivative" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeGainOnDerivative" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherRealizedUnrealizedTreatmentDifferences_90c2a873-3e3c-4540-adb9-ed9026e72249_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherRealizedUnrealizedTreatmentDifferences" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other realized / unrealized treatment differences</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherRealizedUnrealizedTreatmentDifferences_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherRealizedUnrealizedTreatmentDifferences" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Tax Assets, Other Realized / Unrealized Treatment Differences</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherRealizedUnrealizedTreatmentDifferences" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherRealizedUnrealizedTreatmentDifferences"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherRealizedUnrealizedTreatmentDifferences" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherRealizedUnrealizedTreatmentDifferences" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_23942e7b-d5fa-4d8b-b63f-d9c06190ce5c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Asset, Aging [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsAtCarryingValue_125cf704-f51f-48c7-9322-1003cd1fe7f9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">(Reversal of provision)/provision for credit and valuation losses on residential whole loans and other financial instruments</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralMember_b4ea9e2c-47a8-4982-8b26-e7137fab807d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Pledged as Collateral</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsComponentsAbstract_63b54ab8-d56b-4652-b95e-95edf4408a74_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsComponentsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred tax assets (DTAs):</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_RangeMember_bf44dca1-7de8-44ea-bde9-4f81c8dd676f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_RangeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statistical Measurement [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_RangeMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_RangeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statistical Measurement [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossChangeInFairValueOfFinancingAgreementsAtFairValue_879324ec-fbf0-47fe-b00d-89a90726841d_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossChangeInFairValueOfFinancingAgreementsAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Changes in fair value of financing agreements at fair value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_bd256883-0cda-4adf-9ff8-56c8435ad254_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from issuance of debt</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_a73886ff-c216-4bf0-b286-71db33a26099_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash received</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Issuance of Debt</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfInterestIncomeComponentsTableTextBlock_4ce296b5-bb19-407c-9b8a-8612522f8559_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfInterestIncomeComponentsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Interest Income Components</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfInterestIncomeComponentsTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfInterestIncomeComponentsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule Of Interest Income Components [Table Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesAtFairValue_a1ce1059-6acd-4fc1-bcc4-fbec055a5ad1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Securities, at fair value</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedAtFairValue_b7037c86-7713-4227-876c-68365b7522a3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Real estate owned at fair value</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedAtFairValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Owned At Fair Value</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance_366931c4-ba65-4510-9158-51ea32da27f7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Aging by UPB</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_95044666-0a2b-4ee4-8b6d-e8335f3d1e52_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchase Price Allocations</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_e1b9bbd6-cf6b-4857-833a-65a28af75fab_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends and dividend equivalents declared and unpaid</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_2f74a95a-2bb3-4819-b0a9-43353bc08e65_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cost for shares repurchased</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingPeriodHighEndOfRange_f11b5116-527e-41da-990f-1650d59b2f3a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingPeriodHighEndOfRange" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase financing period, high end of range</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_e3479c13-75d8-49bf-bff8-348c8a527ffb_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Income/(Loss)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_7af90c59-65a8-4cba-ab0f-3687373df6da_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DebtInstrumentTermExtension_cb92d678-5768-4dae-b690-5ede2b39d675_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DebtInstrumentTermExtension" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Extension term</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesGainLoss_8b9997cf-90f8-4744-b423-3d15f246e6ab_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesGainLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gains on securities, net</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_be0a26d0-28e2-4c74-955b-d0914c4e8294_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total assets carried at fair value</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract_54fd355e-6285-472b-9181-ea852a670948_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Liabilities [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs_2dcfaba8-d43b-4329-872f-b9019ec83200_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gross write-offs, 2019</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireePercentage_8e9d7674-745d-4fd7-8bc8-371501da0b54_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Prior ownership percentage</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1f11fc38-aac3-4015-9974-64772804a470_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Plan Name [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerMatchingContributionOnFirstTierOfEligibleCompensation_1f885fdc-9efc-4166-875c-0899ab3f0285_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerMatchingContributionOnFirstTierOfEligibleCompensation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Employer contribution percentage on first 3 percent of eligible compensation deferred by employees</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver48MonthsTo60MonthsMember_2365a471-7034-4f94-b53d-58fb22877e78_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver48MonthsTo60MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Over 48 months to 60 months</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver48MonthsTo60MonthsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver48MonthsTo60MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Period of maturity for derivative instruments which mature over 48 months and within 60 months from the reporting date.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_6466c3eb-a234-40d0-aee5-5eb27aced4fe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Instrument [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCollectionsOfPrincipal_ec3bc101-d637-4a66-91bf-cfb53aa5521e_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCollectionsOfPrincipal" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repayments</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_17225c21-20db-485e-9590-12156ce18fc3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_78cc29cc-9e07-4dbe-a169-8339ac544902_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Level&#160;1</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToConversionOfDebtSecurities_83132cdf-1ee5-4a42-8dbb-926660bbb05e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToConversionOfDebtSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Effect of assumed Convertible Senior Notes conversion to common shares (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageInterestRate_4dd4d255-fc75-4fb9-b1a1-78d09b9ae5aa_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Coupon</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageInterestRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Weighted Average Interest Rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageInterestRate_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Weighted Average Interest Rate</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange3Member_093d8304-217f-495e-8fcd-3b6c0a152ab2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange3Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Original loan balance $300,000 - $449,999</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange3Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange3Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Original Loan Balance Range 3 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange3Member_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange3Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Original Loan Balance Range 3 [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative_ea8c253b-2d5c-44a2-bd93-0017cff621cc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loss on derivative</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative, Loss on Derivative</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_a98bbf9d-d208-405a-b4ea-b1d89a98b192_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net gain/(loss) on real estate owned</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssuedAndRepurchasedNet_39dcd16b-37f4-4588-86f4-5752d73fced7_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssuedAndRepurchasedNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Warrants issued and repurchased, net</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssuedAndRepurchasedNet_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssuedAndRepurchasedNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Warrant Issued And Repurchased, Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssuedAndRepurchasedNet" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssuedAndRepurchasedNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssuedAndRepurchasedNet" xlink:to="lab_mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssuedAndRepurchasedNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Ltv80To100PercentMember_d00d9a5b-2228-4a99-a95f-a6c2049e223e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Ltv80To100PercentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt-to-Value Ratio, 80 to 100 Percent</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Ltv80To100PercentMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Ltv80To100PercentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt-to-Value Ratio, 80 to 100 Percent [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_d9b1e676-925b-4443-bc73-ab4adfd2bde8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_40cec8a8-4803-408f-ac3a-08889fecfc12_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net cash provided by operating activities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_00e4fce1-8942-4926-86c5-87b87357d9ee_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Agency MBS</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_a686b738-2cb2-4ac8-8e50-d316cff95173_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Securities, at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage-Backed Securities, Issued by US Government Sponsored Enterprises [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageBackedSecuritiesPeriodOfFixedRateMortgagesMinimum_d33be85f-92ae-401c-8fbc-0573f203f1c0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageBackedSecuritiesPeriodOfFixedRateMortgagesMinimum" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Minimum term of fixed rate mortgages underlying MBS</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageBackedSecuritiesPeriodOfFixedRateMortgagesMinimum_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageBackedSecuritiesPeriodOfFixedRateMortgagesMinimum" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Backed Securities, Period Of Fixed Rate Mortgages Minimum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageBackedSecuritiesPeriodOfFixedRateMortgagesMinimum_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageBackedSecuritiesPeriodOfFixedRateMortgagesMinimum" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the minimum period of the fixed rate mortgages which act as security for mortgage backed securities in the entity's portfolio.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_df4ca190-34af-439e-81fb-b8bd78922e8b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_dc858341-7f4e-46c0-9c4a-a444c0f86d21_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Liabilities [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerMatchingContributionOnSecondTierOfEligibleCompensation_15f7be88-cf9d-4503-8ca1-0626cea4cbfb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerMatchingContributionOnSecondTierOfEligibleCompensation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Employer contribution percentage on next 2 percent of eligible compensation deferred by employees</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerMatchingContributionOnSecondTierOfEligibleCompensation_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerMatchingContributionOnSecondTierOfEligibleCompensation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the percentage of the employer's matching contribution on the second tier of eligible compensation deferred by employees.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerMatchingContributionOnSecondTierOfEligibleCompensation" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerMatchingContributionOnSecondTierOfEligibleCompensation"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerMatchingContributionOnSecondTierOfEligibleCompensation" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerMatchingContributionOnSecondTierOfEligibleCompensation" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_c0dd8ee9-e052-4aca-b4df-8789f52607cc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other liabilities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentCompanyDistributionToShareholdersPerShare_08db5580-12fa-4231-9942-43faa7d2daf6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentCompanyDistributionToShareholdersPerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Return of capital (in dollars per share)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_LegalEntityAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Legal Entity [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_628acb4c-0273-4b05-94f6-2861c37b6d0c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liability Class [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liability Class [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansNotesTradeAndOtherReceivablesDisclosureTextBlock_bb9eed73-f63d-414f-99c8-75bd0d0eb129_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansNotesTradeAndOtherReceivablesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossTableTextBlock_345da608-7c04-4bd8-bdeb-1e82f416259a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Credit Losses</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossTableTextBlock"/>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_cc7ecb9c-4309-4f9a-af23-9081943eabbe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash and cash equivalents</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LoansIncludingFairValueLoansCreditImpairedLoansAndOtherLoansAtCarryingValue_d66e26d6-11ca-4d5a-8131-3b4ee34bde3d_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LoansIncludingFairValueLoansCreditImpairedLoansAndOtherLoansAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total residential whole loans</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_2746ce83-f81a-4f4d-9fec-d85f4f184042_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1_058f1742-aba7-4202-8425-56aa5ebb22a5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum maturity term of swaps</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_b532629d-96bd-4065-99fd-4cb81f1383ee_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Asset, Aging [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract_5f56d32b-bb28-4c55-8c61-5c1d4d4ffa8a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SavingsPlanMember_ec9eeca0-e1b0-4d34-92dc-f06825e5c57a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SavingsPlanMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Savings Plan</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SavingsPlanMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SavingsPlanMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Savings Plan [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SavingsPlanMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SavingsPlanMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the tax-qualified employee savings plan sponsored by the entity.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SavingsPlanMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_SavingsPlanMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_SavingsPlanMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_SavingsPlanMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_8848140c-9576-4834-bc7b-442cc5349364_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Segments [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Segments [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_c397e06c-c51a-450e-a05d-0c459a7b26b8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash Flows From Operating Activities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPercentageOfFirstEligibleCompensationForEmployerContributionMatch_01d33d3c-885d-4dfb-b08e-2dd623235f5a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPercentageOfFirstEligibleCompensationForEmployerContributionMatch" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of eligible compensation deferred by employees qualifying for 100 percent matching contribution</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPercentageOfFirstEligibleCompensationForEmployerContributionMatch_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPercentageOfFirstEligibleCompensationForEmployerContributionMatch" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Percentage of First Eligible Compensation for Employer Contribution Match</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPercentageOfFirstEligibleCompensationForEmployerContributionMatch_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPercentageOfFirstEligibleCompensationForEmployerContributionMatch" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the percentage of the first tier of eligible compensation deferred by employees and receiving the highest level of employer match.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPercentageOfFirstEligibleCompensationForEmployerContributionMatch" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPercentageOfFirstEligibleCompensationForEmployerContributionMatch"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPercentageOfFirstEligibleCompensationForEmployerContributionMatch" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPercentageOfFirstEligibleCompensationForEmployerContributionMatch" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice3Member_4c0038bc-9cda-4ef7-8ab2-5c826353b0da_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice3Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Remaining RSUs With Service Condition, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Based on Share Closing Price</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice3Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice3Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs With Service Condition, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Based on Share Closing Price 3 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice3Member_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice3Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs With Service Condition, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Based on Share Closing Price 3</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice3Member" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice3Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice3Member" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice3Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedShortTermDebtNet_d448e997-bc18-4c10-bc6e-7a597b7cd761_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedShortTermDebtNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Short term debt, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedShortTermDebtNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedShortTermDebtNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Short-term Debt, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedShortTermDebtNet_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedShortTermDebtNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Short-term Debt, net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedShortTermDebtNet" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedShortTermDebtNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedShortTermDebtNet" xlink:to="lab_mfa_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedShortTermDebtNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_9da1b1be-8fcf-42a8-ad3f-373b6d1f7837_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">2022</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_f7d056c7-c1fb-43f0-9af9-e5b80997e9cf_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CertainRehabilitationLoansMember_b8f87b23-199f-40c3-bc86-c19174b37da9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CertainRehabilitationLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Certain rehabilitation loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CertainRehabilitationLoansMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CertainRehabilitationLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Certain Rehabilitation Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CertainRehabilitationLoansMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CertainRehabilitationLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Certain Rehabilitation Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CertainRehabilitationLoansMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_CertainRehabilitationLoansMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CertainRehabilitationLoansMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CertainRehabilitationLoansMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_a059dcdf-f0c6-4b99-b5e8-3a9635767abf_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Document Period End Date</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Document Period End Date</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:to="lab_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice2Member_ea2bf428-5fbb-4e77-ab4f-db13f1088322_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice2Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs With Service Condition, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Based on Share Closing Price</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice2Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice2Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs With Service Condition, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Based On Share Closing Price 2 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice2Member_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice2Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs With Service Condition, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Based On Share Closing Price 2</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice2Member" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice2Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice2Member" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice2Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsRevenuesAndGainsRecognized_b65af31f-0c4d-44ca-91e7-5c7500fc3881_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsRevenuesAndGainsRecognized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gain on investment in lima one common equity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsRevenuesAndGainsRecognized_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsRevenuesAndGainsRecognized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Revenues and Gains Recognized</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsRevenuesAndGainsRecognized" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsRevenuesAndGainsRecognized"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsRevenuesAndGainsRecognized" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsRevenuesAndGainsRecognized" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdoptionOfNewAccountingPrinciple_adfdb568-924b-4333-af21-862fa864c25b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdoptionOfNewAccountingPrinciple" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Transition adjustment on adoption of ASU 2016-13</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdoptionOfNewAccountingPrinciple_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdoptionOfNewAccountingPrinciple" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Allowance For Credit Loss, Adoption Of New Accounting Principle</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdoptionOfNewAccountingPrinciple_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdoptionOfNewAccountingPrinciple" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Allowance For Credit Loss, Adoption Of New Accounting Principle</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdoptionOfNewAccountingPrinciple" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdoptionOfNewAccountingPrinciple"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_d48589e6-a913-4dd8-9429-963e0612d479_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of changes in balances in each component of the entity's AOCI</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Assets_af0bd028-6dfa-40f3-8b48-347364598fe9_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Assets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total Assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Assets_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Assets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Assets</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_Assets" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod_22b42103-11cf-4542-b3f8-2e261a6aafc5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt instrument, coupon step-up period</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Coupon Step-Up Period</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MFAFinancialMember_3ca8f810-02c4-4a50-a7dd-c094465d097f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MFAFinancialMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">MFA Financial</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MFAFinancialMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MFAFinancialMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">MFA Financial [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MFAFinancialMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MFAFinancialMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">MFA Financial</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MFAFinancialMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_MFAFinancialMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MFAFinancialMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MFAFinancialMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_7e6750d2-e696-466a-a571-772275c35387_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Earnings Per Share [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Earnings Per Share [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AtTheMarketPotentialProceeds_e40e8369-27e8-4bca-8df5-c12d3958d51d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AtTheMarketPotentialProceeds" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">At-the-market, maximum potential proceeds</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AtTheMarketPotentialProceeds_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AtTheMarketPotentialProceeds" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">At The Market, Potential Proceeds</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AtTheMarketPotentialProceeds" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_AtTheMarketPotentialProceeds"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_83bc4422-9a15-411e-8dfe-cd5de7db0b1a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Antidilutive Securities [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_214f7656-39a0-4c22-ab4e-a24e1d2cab98_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Swaps</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_e857c802-8cf7-4115-8838-fd751ccad633_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Swaps, at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Rate Swap [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SharesIssued_c84f71b3-c7f2-4abb-b8a0-3341e2674ede_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SharesIssued_f3a2c4b4-1dfc-4d6f-8f56-9f5e37c13a9b_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SharesIssued_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Shares, Issued</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstruments_8c1b493b-798b-4976-a2df-b6e69b010192_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstruments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Reversal/(Provision) for credit and valuation losses on residential whole loans and other financial instruments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstruments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstruments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Reversal (Provision) For Credit And Valuation Losses On Residential Whole Loans And Other Financial Instruments</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstruments" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstruments"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_1f8e714c-5b9c-4b9e-99ff-721cbfcba01f_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_16f9a251-88ef-4aac-bbc4-9867c7c094bd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">2026</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfInterestExpenseWeightedAverageInterestRatesPaidReceivedTableTextBlock_9111746e-9f97-4e76-8e46-9de438895f69_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfInterestExpenseWeightedAverageInterestRatesPaidReceivedTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of interest expense and the weighted average interest rate paid and received on swaps</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities_541b7c2c-4570-4c63-ad9b-457c42d5004d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amortized Cost Basis</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities_47ec9e92-d39e-4597-93bd-f3e5969d5f05_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_c716dac3-103f-4c38-9852-647afe7d0483_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stock repurchase program, authorized amount</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_021a73c8-93ef-4620-9614-595e31f43cc9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross_0829241e-567b-4e27-859b-89ca68c4b32b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross_1d4facac-7b7e-415b-84a8-17e72c639f9c_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross_a760d574-24cf-4ef3-95f1-8dcef752eb48_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans, total or weighted average</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_063c3f93-bf00-460e-96b0-72fb62e37520_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Segments [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Segments [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1_3176f475-7299-4f45-a76a-f36c41d9c466_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Average maturity term of swaps</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_52114f60-ea7c-4fba-9bc3-bee579972885_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends paid on preferred stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ConvertibleSeniorNotesMember_215f8be2-e953-452a-a2d2-868b3c064a98_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ConvertibleSeniorNotesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Convertible senior notes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ConvertibleSeniorNotesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ConvertibleSeniorNotesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Convertible Senior Notes [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ConvertibleSeniorNotesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ConvertibleSeniorNotesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Convertible Senior Notes [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ConvertibleSeniorNotesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ConvertibleSeniorNotesMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_f0fa4dee-1c43-4b29-9d22-94988ea99e84_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">EPS Calculation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Earnings Per Share [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansInProcessOfForeclosureAmount_c8a5b564-7e8e-4757-a172-1debc21c7e65_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansInProcessOfForeclosureAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage loans in process of foreclosure</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansInProcessOfForeclosureAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansInProcessOfForeclosureAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans in Process of Foreclosure, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansInProcessOfForeclosureAmount" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansInProcessOfForeclosureAmount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansInProcessOfForeclosureAmount" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansInProcessOfForeclosureAmount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithoutRightMember_3060c487-e3f7-4b78-a9a0-bbf69b87263a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithoutRightMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Pledged as Collateral without Right</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithoutRightMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithoutRightMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Pledged as Collateral without Right [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithoutRightMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithoutRightMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithoutRightMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithoutRightMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock_3b1bcef3-3f16-411e-ac43-40f985542f91_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash and Cash Equivalents</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_d4ec4cb5-eba3-47bf-a5ca-464928477eee_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Award Type [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Award Type [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember_d8706cd2-175b-46b5-9aab-15d5e384638e_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Over 30 days to 3 months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Rate Reset Over 30 Days To 3 Months [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Period until interest rate reset for a group of securities or other assets sold under repurchase agreements for which the time until interest rate reset is over 30 days to 3 months from the reporting date.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_c0f5731b-09ad-473f-958d-4a87bc123754_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">2019</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_0e8558fb-e9a7-424a-b741-9c4684744c67_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash Flows From Financing Activities:</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_3a801635-9915-4f4c-8871-d817bc2e91a4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Issuance of stock, net of expenses (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_a7039764-dd38-4d3c-ae8c-fa516072d7fd_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Shares issued (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues"/>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MSRRelatedAssetsMember_18eeaa7d-2c7b-4cda-8be5-6b920bd0758c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MSRRelatedAssetsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">MSR related assets</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MSRRelatedAssetsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MSRRelatedAssetsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">MSR Related Assets [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_a46e99f7-b081-431c-82dd-74babae6b048_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted cash</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_087a28c5-bad6-4050-9ca0-707cdfb5604b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome_6b7053ff-0c3f-4c26-bd43-7813609bb38e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other interest-earning assets</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_0cb20179-2fff-4e2e-9dcf-5530d95b0ba3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Comprehensive (Loss):</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfBorrowingsUnderRepurchaseAgreementsAndAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock_fac90799-8f42-4e9f-9d58-9976da04ed21_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfBorrowingsUnderRepurchaseAgreementsAndAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Company's borrowings under repurchase agreements and associated assets pledged as collateral</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_eda721de-5e3e-4fa0-874f-d1239ebb287a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Securities, at Fair Value</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansFairValeComponentOfNetIncomeTableTextBlock_1e0e0a7e-a5e6-402c-9211-ba2908b825d2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansFairValeComponentOfNetIncomeTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans, Fair Value, Component of Net gain on residential whole loans</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_bd21abac-f3cf-42fb-9ae8-b85aad329583_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">State</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate_51fa3fac-e98a-4cfc-8454-a9b577bd49cc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Rate</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_6c1f7390-ff20-4e4a-bf3d-21c1862ea5f6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">2024</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_c3fe453f-474a-4f4c-bd8b-222bb201bbfb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_c108f7ed-a101-44c8-896d-cddac18b9d86_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Counterparty Name [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_034e4c83-9de4-4c08-801c-9780713be611_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total Stockholders&#8217; Equity</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_DirectorMember_8fb06f42-bb25-4cfc-ac6c-0844c8ac3b9e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_DirectorMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Non-employee directors</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_70a26457-27ff-4f05-9297-6b3c9d4a53fb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cancelled/forfeited (in dollars per share)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_b7752658-7adc-470e-b322-bbccf5581594_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Shares Issued (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForwardTableTextBlock_0342c37d-bc66-4b45-949e-01e4d239c486_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForwardTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of activity for real estate owned</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyLineItems_9bb07faa-3dc5-4d48-bbc7-c490466279a2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase agreements counterparty risk</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_5a30e8ab-ad6e-4729-95df-197400cee221_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue_407d67bf-5a5b-4d45-85b6-c3a0b18d6a19_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Overnight money market funds</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_2b3bdfaf-208a-4904-ae5f-60a11f2c8406_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of reportable segments</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RatedandNonRatedCertificatesMember_c463f453-2fd3-416c-81ce-57452a44a414_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RatedandNonRatedCertificatesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Support Certificates</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueOfCollateral_7c60bb11-d5f7-4fb6-bf18-89db2f21913d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueOfCollateral" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair value of securities pledged against the repurchase agreements</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossCreditLossExpenseReversalWithAPriorLossAllowance_becc1555-29ca-484a-abe8-42947b36617d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossCreditLossExpenseReversalWithAPriorLossAllowance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Securities with a prior loss allowance</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNumberVested_fa4c0554-fd56-4b67-b0db-a2ae8f92cb2d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNumberVested" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs vested but not settled at end of year (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansFairValueNetIncomeLossCouponPaymentsRealizedGainsAndOtherIncomeReceived_6a4cd38d-7369-4f12-8269-cea3095530fd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansFairValueNetIncomeLossCouponPaymentsRealizedGainsAndOtherIncomeReceived" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other income/(loss)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_65a04db4-3d74-4660-87fd-68a6edd1eaa1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_ad3e2b4e-6bf8-4f1e-9d62-5f1ac4f89a34_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gross unrealized losses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_31b34b27-b62f-48c9-853d-c9883c59678c_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gross Unrealized Losses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_7b219e3e-e431-4fc0-a9e8-89b422b33ea7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationLiabilityTransfersOutOfLevel3_b9942c5d-46b6-492d-be85-284ed1e7e7ed_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationLiabilityTransfersOutOfLevel3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Transfer from Level 2</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationLiabilityTransfersOutOfLevel3_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationLiabilityTransfersOutOfLevel3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationLiabilityTransfersOutOfLevel3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationLiabilityTransfersOutOfLevel3"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SingleFamilyRentalLoansMember_2de3b261-7a7c-4e7f-9478-414cbb36c887_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SingleFamilyRentalLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Single-family rental loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SingleFamilyRentalLoansMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SingleFamilyRentalLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Single-Family Rental Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SingleFamilyRentalLoansMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SingleFamilyRentalLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Single-Family Rental Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SingleFamilyRentalLoansMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_SingleFamilyRentalLoansMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_SingleFamilyRentalLoansMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_SingleFamilyRentalLoansMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_AuditorFirmId_51f49d67-34ba-4a9e-98c8-728abae97c60_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_AuditorFirmId" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Auditor Firm ID</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_AuditorFirmId_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_AuditorFirmId" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Auditor Firm ID</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_AuditorFirmId" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_AuditorFirmId"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_AuditorFirmId" xlink:to="lab_dei_AuditorFirmId" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver36MonthsTo48MonthsMember_f09212dd-0081-4e34-98af-422c57c649f6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver36MonthsTo48MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Over 36 months to 48 months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver36MonthsTo48MonthsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver36MonthsTo48MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Maturity Over 36 Months to 48 Months [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver36MonthsTo48MonthsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver36MonthsTo48MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Period of maturity for derivative instruments which mature over 36 months and within 48 months from the reporting date.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver36MonthsTo48MonthsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver36MonthsTo48MonthsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver36MonthsTo48MonthsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver36MonthsTo48MonthsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_7bcfb767-c717-4409-b04a-95d762d013a5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Local Phone Number</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Local Phone Number</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_d5591332-65a9-4fe7-8582-9a66d83b6bc4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic_72d42d6d-f5d2-44af-a78f-2c4f9036bf90_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Federal net operating loss carryforward</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_ef0809f1-aeed-42bf-845e-71ea4215dc5d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">New Accounting Standards and Interpretations</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_e0f3b804-4440-4683-a9e4-b57705e56c43_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loan servicing, financing and other related costs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Cost and Expense, Operating</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDiscountDesignatedAsCreditReserveAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_7cec742c-474b-47d1-8ff1-f94ea8d8be7f_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDiscountDesignatedAsCreditReserveAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Discount Designated as Credit Reserve</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDiscountDesignatedAsCreditReserveAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDiscountDesignatedAsCreditReserveAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Available For Sale Securities, Discount Designated As Credit Reserve And Other Than Temporary Impairments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDiscountDesignatedAsCreditReserveAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDiscountDesignatedAsCreditReserveAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represent the amount of purchase discount designated as credit reserves and not expected to be accreted into interest income. Also includes other than temporary impairments which are not expected to be accreted into interest income.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDiscountDesignatedAsCreditReserveAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDiscountDesignatedAsCreditReserveAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDiscountDesignatedAsCreditReserveAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:to="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDiscountDesignatedAsCreditReserveAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate_b4e6c67c-44ae-4912-8b0c-dabbb6d3664c_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Allowance for Credit Losses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SalesCommissionGrossSalesPrice_bfd361c5-a9b2-49d8-9fd4-79a5a6428f10_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SalesCommissionGrossSalesPrice" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Sales commission, percent of gross sales price</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SalesCommissionGrossSalesPrice_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SalesCommissionGrossSalesPrice" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Sales Commission, Gross Sales Price</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SalesCommissionGrossSalesPrice_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SalesCommissionGrossSalesPrice" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Sales Commission, Gross Sales Price</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SalesCommissionGrossSalesPrice" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_SalesCommissionGrossSalesPrice"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_SalesCommissionGrossSalesPrice" xlink:to="lab_mfa_SalesCommissionGrossSalesPrice" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfOtherInvestments_ba3a80f9-5240-44d0-9b03-10e3a0215419_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfOtherInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Principal payments on securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfOtherInvestments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfOtherInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Other Investments</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfOtherInvestments" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfOtherInvestments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfOtherInvestments" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfOtherInvestments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities_8c0d8f48-764b-48cd-8ee3-35a91bf88166_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued expenses and other</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_9f3b1433-32b5-471d-90e4-3671f8adb9bc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherRealEstateFairValue_ce594455-f653-4bc7-bcfb-d83d6fe52d1c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherRealEstateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other real estate, fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherRealEstateFairValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherRealEstateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Real Estate, Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherRealEstateFairValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherRealEstateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Real Estate, Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OtherRealEstateFairValue" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_OtherRealEstateFairValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_OtherRealEstateFairValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_OtherRealEstateFairValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonMarktoMarketFinancingFacilitiesMember_6e33a978-994b-4da8-a397-d33fb31bc91f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonMarktoMarketFinancingFacilitiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Non-mark-to-market financing secured by residential whole loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonMarktoMarketFinancingFacilitiesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonMarktoMarketFinancingFacilitiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Non Mark to Market Financing Facilities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonMarktoMarketFinancingFacilitiesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonMarktoMarketFinancingFacilitiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Non Mark to Market Financing Facilities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NonMarktoMarketFinancingFacilitiesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_NonMarktoMarketFinancingFacilitiesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NonMarktoMarketFinancingFacilitiesMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NonMarktoMarketFinancingFacilitiesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_3a081f9b-470f-4ac1-82d8-1a14ed2f0cc0_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total liabilities carried at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AlternativeInvestmentMeasurementInput_f960f409-2c8e-4b66-b1cf-b6e220179952_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AlternativeInvestmentMeasurementInput" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement input</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AlternativeInvestmentMeasurementInput_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AlternativeInvestmentMeasurementInput" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Alternative Investment, Measurement Input</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AlternativeInvestmentMeasurementInput" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AlternativeInvestmentMeasurementInput"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AlternativeInvestmentMeasurementInput" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AlternativeInvestmentMeasurementInput" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingCollateralizedPeriodHighEndOfRange_54b9d542-d132-42a5-af22-a1884b70c313_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingCollateralizedPeriodHighEndOfRange" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase Agreements Financing Collateralized, Period, High End of Range</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingCollateralizedPeriodHighEndOfRange_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingCollateralizedPeriodHighEndOfRange" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase Agreements Financing Collateralized, Period, High End Of Range</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingCollateralizedPeriodHighEndOfRange_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingCollateralizedPeriodHighEndOfRange" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase Agreements Financing Collateralized, Period, High End Of Range</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingCollateralizedPeriodHighEndOfRange" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingCollateralizedPeriodHighEndOfRange"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingCollateralizedPeriodHighEndOfRange" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingCollateralizedPeriodHighEndOfRange" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_7e216fbe-acd6-46f8-9ac7-666b68f0daea_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A7.50SeriesBCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember_6c1a8db9-641b-4099-92cf-f00c898b083c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A7.50SeriesBCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A7.50SeriesBCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A7.50SeriesBCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">7.50% Series B Cumulative RedeemablePreferred Stock [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A7.50SeriesBCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A7.50SeriesBCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">7.50% Series B Cumulative RedeemablePreferred Stock [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_A7.50SeriesBCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_A7.50SeriesBCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_A7.50SeriesBCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_A7.50SeriesBCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDividendEquivalentRightsPayment_4c08de10-8391-4ff8-95bd-4c1ffab09a52_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDividendEquivalentRightsPayment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments attributable to DERs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDividendEquivalentRightsPayment_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDividendEquivalentRightsPayment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Dividend, Equivalent Rights Payment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDividendEquivalentRightsPayment_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDividendEquivalentRightsPayment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate payments on account of dividend equivalent rights during the period. Dividend equivalent rights relate to participating securities representing share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDividendEquivalentRightsPayment" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDividendEquivalentRightsPayment"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDividendEquivalentRightsPayment" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDividendEquivalentRightsPayment" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_2a5a3afb-2c74-4a56-9802-55ec454759a2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_d594a5e5-e17b-430f-9977-08a60d60cf42_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">2025</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_82f53f8d-c21f-4a85-b85b-0b99f37da708_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Statement [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Statement [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_ab17613b-799a-493e-a805-902f04c75909_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Federal</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_baf4d63c-9256-4fbc-8b7d-5f5170de709c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Additional Paid-in Capital</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForward_7714cdee-a505-499e-ba9e-e6029d6ab2fe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Owned [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForward_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Real Estate [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForward" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForward"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForward" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForward" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBSCategorizedAsAvailableForSale_4dc695e3-a729-4672-a982-8400660ead50_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBSCategorizedAsAvailableForSale" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Sales Proceeds</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBSCategorizedAsAvailableForSale_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBSCategorizedAsAvailableForSale" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Sale of Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS), Available-for-Sale</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBSCategorizedAsAvailableForSale" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBSCategorizedAsAvailableForSale"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBSCategorizedAsAvailableForSale" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBSCategorizedAsAvailableForSale" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_88add670-838b-47eb-a732-33cea683b511_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Basic Earnings/(Loss) per Share:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OriginationServicingAndOtherFeeIncome_4e0dae68-8f67-4596-9003-54670c5b5299_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OriginationServicingAndOtherFeeIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lima One - origination, servicing and other fee income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OriginationServicingAndOtherFeeIncome_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OriginationServicingAndOtherFeeIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Origination, Servicing And Other Fee Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OriginationServicingAndOtherFeeIncome_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OriginationServicingAndOtherFeeIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Origination, Servicing And Other Fee Income</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_37440c0d-cf88-40b9-a067-e9e2aa6753b8_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_3fbeb234-b7c5-41a7-a4ed-eaf5f6086965_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMember_880e635e-df48-4b49-889d-b81a116109ff_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Prepayment rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NewCorporateHeadquartersLocationMember_391b51d1-b56d-45aa-9745-7c045b19286e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NewCorporateHeadquartersLocationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">New Corporate Headquarters Location</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NewCorporateHeadquartersLocationMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NewCorporateHeadquartersLocationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">New Corporate Headquarters Location [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NewCorporateHeadquartersLocationMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NewCorporateHeadquartersLocationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">New Corporate Headquarters Location [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NewCorporateHeadquartersLocationMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_NewCorporateHeadquartersLocationMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NewCorporateHeadquartersLocationMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NewCorporateHeadquartersLocationMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableValuationAllowanceAdjustment_d61f0f48-7ce3-405d-9b31-c040746bd335_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableValuationAllowanceAdjustment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Valuation adjustment on loans held for sale</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableValuationAllowanceAdjustment_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableValuationAllowanceAdjustment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Valuation Allowance Adjustment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableValuationAllowanceAdjustment_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableValuationAllowanceAdjustment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Valuation Allowance Adjustment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableValuationAllowanceAdjustment" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_FinancingReceivableValuationAllowanceAdjustment"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableValuationAllowanceAdjustment" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableValuationAllowanceAdjustment" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_83b74e80-34ad-4d9b-b5f7-6ad586037809_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Expected term</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases_2613ce7d-e912-41b3-975a-dd2ff2895f44_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest and Fee Income, Loans and Leases</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_StockRepurchaseProgramStockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_82d24646-8ed6-417f-971a-d2afec8b7046_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_StockRepurchaseProgramStockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Shares repurchased and retired (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_StockRepurchaseProgramStockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_StockRepurchaseProgramStockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Repurchase Program Stock Repurchased And Retired During Period Shares</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_StockRepurchaseProgramStockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_StockRepurchaseProgramStockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of shares that have been repurchased and retired during the period under a stock repurchase plan.</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_StockRepurchaseProgramStockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:to="lab_mfa_StockRepurchaseProgramStockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_536c83b7-7d6a-4391-9ca2-e2152584509f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other general and administrative expense</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_6a5db32d-7eef-49d0-adfb-bafce543a581_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod_774abf9a-9923-48e3-a6a2-dc030041089e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Period during which a participant can be awarded the maximum number of shares allowable under the Plan</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the period during which an employee can be awarded the maximum number of shares allowable under the Plan.</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_165ad8c4-7a46-4c35-bf8f-c795681effbb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Held at Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Reported Value Measurement [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember_1bed9132-61c4-4065-b502-77fc85ce3f5f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">6.50% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">6.50% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">6.50% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsNumberOfAdditionalDirectorsThatCanBeElected_d94e64ee-ec7b-41aa-bbf4-f567da61bf85_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsNumberOfAdditionalDirectorsThatCanBeElected" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of additional directors that can be elected by preferred stock holders</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsNumberOfAdditionalDirectorsThatCanBeElected_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsNumberOfAdditionalDirectorsThatCanBeElected" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Voting Rights, Number Of Additional Directors That Can Be Elected</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsNumberOfAdditionalDirectorsThatCanBeElected_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsNumberOfAdditionalDirectorsThatCanBeElected" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">The number of additional directors that can be elected by the preferred stock holders on getting the voting rights.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsNumberOfAdditionalDirectorsThatCanBeElected" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsNumberOfAdditionalDirectorsThatCanBeElected"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsNumberOfAdditionalDirectorsThatCanBeElected" xlink:to="lab_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsNumberOfAdditionalDirectorsThatCanBeElected" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntities_2282b4ce-86e2-4b52-9f1b-1a808109782b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Use of Special Purpose Entities and Variable Interest Entities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Use Of Special Purpose Entities And Variable Interest Entities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntities_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntities" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntities" xlink:to="lab_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_3cfaf80a-4357-4951-a277-8947018b54f6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Granted (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff_0a94609f-5d43-4f05-8ec5-7b414572785a_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Write-offs, including allowance related to securities the Company intended to sell</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualContributionsByEmployer_b21ef744-4790-4683-8563-d8d4087fa27c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualContributionsByEmployer" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Expenses for matching contributions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualContributionsByEmployer_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualContributionsByEmployer" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Contributions by Employer</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualContributionsByEmployer" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualContributionsByEmployer"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualContributionsByEmployer" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualContributionsByEmployer" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_0ced79ae-2f90-437f-8fd5-63481afd84df_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Convertible Debt</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Convertible Debt [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SeniorSecuredTermLoanFacilityMember_144fa830-fc4a-4711-91c2-3cd90def8ec7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SeniorSecuredTermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Secured Term Loan Facility</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SeniorSecuredTermLoanFacilityMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SeniorSecuredTermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Secured Term Loan Facility [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SeniorSecuredTermLoanFacilityMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SeniorSecuredTermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Secured Term Loan Facility [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SeniorSecuredTermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_SeniorSecuredTermLoanFacilityMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_SeniorSecuredTermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_SeniorSecuredTermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions_17b8ade6-468d-498e-af0b-aa41de24eb3e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from borrowings under financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Securities Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase With Mark To Market Collateral Provisions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Securities Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase With Mark To Market Collateral Provisions</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_5a3c15d7-7d32-4783-85bd-8a923b93830d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_4bc9627b-226e-4a64-b0d1-9a1da4c11bd5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_bb1695a7-7719-4eee-8fc5-0c3de0de3cf8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_1697d2b8-ef79-4d7d-80d8-ed0af83640bd_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Mark-to-Market</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_d53466a0-b698-4941-b28f-0374c96d430f_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Agreements with Mark-to-market Collateral Provisions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Agreements With Mark-To-Market Collateral Provisions [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Agreements With Mark-To-Market Collateral Provisions [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBS_c1f81f5e-b29f-4268-b81c-3c6e5b7d2718_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBS" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gains/(Losses)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBS_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBS" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) on Sales of Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBS" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBS"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBS" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBS" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityAxis_bbf9c66c-682d-4c16-bec0-4d35c7262713_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative by Maturity [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative by Maturity [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityAxis_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Categorization of derivative instruments by maturity periods.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesNetOfExpenses_796539d0-18b0-41b0-a42e-39c0248d437f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesNetOfExpenses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Value of shares issued net of expenses</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_5de04c11-3b5c-4c97-ab9e-b9bd5d346df3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net income/(loss) to common stockholders - basic</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_2b06af51-2886-4987-b674-9f5432f7f869_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock, shares issued (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValue_8b4eaee5-d3c0-4792-b9df-f90ece58628a_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans, at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValue_dbb68a21-c670-409f-9707-543749d25a3f_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans, at fair value, beginning balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValue_5857c5a2-7446-4fb1-a397-074d528c1242_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans, at fair value, ending balance</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_97ce4b63-27d2-4575-ab91-6f2728c6dc02_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Equity method investments</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PledgedStatusDomain_be5613e2-cb73-4462-862d-b4ba9c829a15_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PledgedStatusDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Pledged Status [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PledgedStatusDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PledgedStatusDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Pledged Status [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PledgedStatusDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PledgedStatusDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PledgedStatusDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PledgedStatusDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_006fba7d-698b-427f-bf86-eb28299dc382_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Securitized debt</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_2ed740e2-8d5f-458d-bc68-5fc9746c55da_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember_309aa0c7-c606-486e-95fd-904702100995_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Mortgage Securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Mortgage Securities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Mortgage Securities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_2335bfb3-7f50-43c1-86bb-a76ca4d014fc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Acquisition related costs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfNotesReceivable_38281bf7-cde8-4356-ac1d-2b87ab75d65c_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfNotesReceivable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loss on sale of financing receivable</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfNotesReceivable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfNotesReceivable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) on Sale of Financing Receivable</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfNotesReceivable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfNotesReceivable"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_6e6b5886-8f4b-4e9c-9753-20a4da11b717_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Prior</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_eac19396-4f4e-46fa-b3d2-241c930be381_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Components of financial instruments carried at fair value</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_b0f98cba-7bc9-473c-b97e-6b5759cb7c5a_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_6ecdd412-3d8c-48c5-8360-a5e554744ac9_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Comprehensive income/(loss) before preferred stock dividends</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DividendEquivalentRightsMember_03c4135a-84e0-4782-a9c3-2bd65539e0c4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DividendEquivalentRightsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">DER</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PledgedFinancialInstrumentsNotSeparatelyReportedSecuritiesPledgedAggregateFairValueAndAccruedInterest_50a6914a-b4cb-41c4-8c74-cc158eb1fbb1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PledgedFinancialInstrumentsNotSeparatelyReportedSecuritiesPledgedAggregateFairValueAndAccruedInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued interest on assets</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating_1601084e-5286-47e5-8b0c-fdf97d5337d5_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Income</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_WarrantsRepurchasedRate_429328a2-45cc-48d3-82a5-047f541bdc96_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_WarrantsRepurchasedRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Warrants Repurchased Rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_WarrantsRepurchasedRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_WarrantsRepurchasedRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Warrants Repurchased Rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_WarrantsRepurchasedRate_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_WarrantsRepurchasedRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Warrants Repurchased Rate</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_WarrantsRepurchasedRate" xlink:to="lab_mfa_WarrantsRepurchasedRate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DistributionAgreementTerm_44b2c758-99f4-4707-99e2-76e044557857_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DistributionAgreementTerm" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Distribution agreement term</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DistributionAgreementTerm_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DistributionAgreementTerm" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Distribution Agreement, Term</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DistributionAgreementTerm_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DistributionAgreementTerm" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Distribution Agreement, Term</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DistributionAgreementTerm" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_DistributionAgreementTerm"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DistributionAgreementTerm" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DistributionAgreementTerm" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherAdvances_4a0dd551-e597-4b76-b9e1-d34cdfa3bc94_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherAdvances" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Principal payments on financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherAdvances_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherAdvances" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Principal Payments On Securities Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase And Other Advances</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherAdvances_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherAdvances" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">The cash outflow from investments sold under the agreement to repurchase such investments and other advances.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherAdvances" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherAdvances"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherAdvances" xlink:to="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherAdvances" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward_5e073bf5-2eb1-4c47-91e8-4d5c30ec351e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Movement in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Movement in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LoanSecuritizationMember_76b1e6b8-0c24-42e9-8e6b-1084399df87e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LoanSecuritizationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Securitization</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LoanSecuritizationMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LoanSecuritizationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Securitization [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LoanSecuritizationMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LoanSecuritizationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Securitization [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_LoanSecuritizationMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_LoanSecuritizationMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_LoanSecuritizationMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_LoanSecuritizationMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember_5def0a20-e691-4408-b9f5-358531dc4795_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">30-59</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_0e915833-af38-4d83-be4e-a44fff85d1c3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_f2892daa-4fbf-4d45-bebe-61b4d40f2a62_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">State and local taxes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyWeightedAverageMaturityOfAgreements1_55aa7974-839b-4efd-8782-fdace35af0eb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyWeightedAverageMaturityOfAgreements1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted&#160; Average&#160;Months&#160; to&#160;Repricing&#160;for Repurchase Agreements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyWeightedAverageMaturityOfAgreements1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyWeightedAverageMaturityOfAgreements1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase Agreement Counterparty, Weighted Average Maturity of Agreements</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_95fa1549-f708-428f-bfc9-63ec83a4d76d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntitiesTable_fd18e410-4327-4f61-a94e-5a3cca3f25f0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntitiesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entities [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntitiesTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntitiesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entities [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitiesTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntitiesTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntitiesTable" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntitiesTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_af90db8f-d326-421a-b1b6-3c942e064d93_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Title of Individual [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Title of Individual [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember_27dd6aca-9770-498b-910d-d02c94e48071_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchased Performing Loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember_2e868105-5ea9-4abe-afb0-3b681c4038af_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchased Performing Loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchased Performing Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchased Performing Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_a6582f75-3f1f-4260-af7e-289990ec4314_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Outstanding amount of Senior Bonds, total</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-Term Debt</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_53a5121c-b6dc-437e-acf2-6a766b7a1218_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cancelled, forfeited or expired (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity_afd6bee9-bedb-44a2-a8cb-562c90c3ba98_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Threshold of stockholders' equity at risk with single counterparty to repurchase agreements or linked transactions (greater than) (percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase Agreement Counterparty, Risk As Percentage Of Stockholders' Equity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the percentage of stockholders' equity at risk with respect to repurchase agreements with any single counterparty, used as a threshold for disclosure.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_39669190-e6bf-44d6-b611-adb4796e2a41_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance Sheet Location [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance Sheet Location [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueRepurchases_3052db62-cf18-4f7b-ac53-c048c7ab97f2_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueRepurchases" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loan sales and repurchases</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueRepurchases_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueRepurchases" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Repurchases</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueRepurchases_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueRepurchases" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Repurchases</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueRepurchases" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueRepurchases"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueRepurchases" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueRepurchases" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare_82fc51f6-7728-4ff0-bf4a-a39f3372ea18_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gross proceeds (usd per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Sale of Stock, Price Per Share</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase_2dd45418-fee3-4509-8262-628036b3bf09_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_164f09af-0294-445b-ad3b-71e445f9b25b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated other comprehensive income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLineItems_9c08c95b-39dc-4d45-ae18-5849724c3e71_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLineItems_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">[Line Items] for Financing Agreements [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLineItems" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_FinancingAgreementsLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_ac8183d8-c40e-4587-81cf-d8400a8faafd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common Class A [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_361e8794-d0ac-4529-8793-a1f29af449d0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Cash</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUsWithServiceConditionsMember_8f635b16-faec-4d92-a0f8-63c3dc3baeb1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUsWithServiceConditionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs&#160;With Service Condition</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUsWithServiceConditionsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUsWithServiceConditionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) With Service Conditions [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUsWithServiceConditionsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUsWithServiceConditionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the restricted stock units with service conditions as awarded by the company to their employees as a form of incentive compensation.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUsWithServiceConditionsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUsWithServiceConditionsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUsWithServiceConditionsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUsWithServiceConditionsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfDaysConsideredToClassifyLoansDelinquent_2b7d3bc8-de92-4392-bc8e-973658bc8445_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfDaysConsideredToClassifyLoansDelinquent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of days considered to classify loans delinquent</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfDaysConsideredToClassifyLoansDelinquent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfDaysConsideredToClassifyLoansDelinquent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of Days Considered To Classify Loans Delinquent</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfDaysConsideredToClassifyLoansDelinquent_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfDaysConsideredToClassifyLoansDelinquent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the number of days considered to classify loans delinquent.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NumberOfDaysConsideredToClassifyLoansDelinquent" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_NumberOfDaysConsideredToClassifyLoansDelinquent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NumberOfDaysConsideredToClassifyLoansDelinquent" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NumberOfDaysConsideredToClassifyLoansDelinquent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_fa757e9e-00a2-4013-8f5c-923f25fb199d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Basis [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Basis [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_988e05a1-c357-42f3-844c-fd0af57939f8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Commitments [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Commitments [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant_7429aeb0-9880-48ea-9422-458419a5bbd4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum number of common shares that can be granted to participant in any one year (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Maximum Number Of Shares Per Participant</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">The highest quantity of shares a participant can be awarded in any one year under the plan.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_6440c95b-dec4-4583-a4cb-34bf0adab16f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_e77d3453-fcc8-4ea6-bab5-b9118731569e_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock, cash dividends declared (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityPolicyTextBlock_e5ef60f3-9b7e-49c2-96ef-b3c21532de29_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Comprehensive Income/(Loss)</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_f1229a26-4e4a-4793-ad82-812ac9bcf658_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lease liability</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Lease, Liability</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery_f7d73988-e49a-4527-bd9a-9eb544b0a622_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Recoveries</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_9895342a-0d91-4908-bc72-4724e51779e7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Equity-Based Compensation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_beee8609-1237-4561-ac5f-3c7d6aaadad2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrants_15070b50-f954-480a-8097-61e92cdab9dd_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrants" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments made for the repurchase of warrants</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrants_011517a4-3da8-4942-bb95-6b548157031a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrants" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments for Repurchase of Warrants</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrants_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrants" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments for Repurchase of Warrants</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrants" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrants"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrants" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrants" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CreditSuisseMember_155e1b6d-6127-4d9b-afa7-d99d5d48aecc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CreditSuisseMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Credit Suisse</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CreditSuisseMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CreditSuisseMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Credit Suisse [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CreditSuisseMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CreditSuisseMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Credit Suisse [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CreditSuisseMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_CreditSuisseMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CreditSuisseMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CreditSuisseMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue_573dfd49-8f9e-4d63-aa30-888d28b6e42d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing agreements ($3,266,773 and $3,366,772 held at fair value, respectively)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue_bc0978ce-adda-42a9-b963-58f750a44895_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair value / Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue_e1de141d-1f8d-4545-b9ce-85c11a24c4f0_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial instruments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Fair Value And Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Fair Value And Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSeniorBondsSoldWithStepUpFeature_120da74d-62c1-4a66-a46e-2632360a358f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSeniorBondsSoldWithStepUpFeature" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Senior bond sold with Step up feature</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSeniorBondsSoldWithStepUpFeature_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSeniorBondsSoldWithStepUpFeature" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds From Senior Bonds Sold With Step Up Feature</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSeniorBondsSoldWithStepUpFeature_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSeniorBondsSoldWithStepUpFeature" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds From Senior Bonds Sold With Step Up Feature</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ProceedsFromSeniorBondsSoldWithStepUpFeature" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ProceedsFromSeniorBondsSoldWithStepUpFeature"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ProceedsFromSeniorBondsSoldWithStepUpFeature" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSeniorBondsSoldWithStepUpFeature" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_ebede57f-5f20-4ca9-bff8-facacd73f375_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gross Amortized Cost</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PrincipalReceivableAdvancesSuspenseAccountsAndOther_81a22fc6-9f53-4a48-8761-1384e2ed92d8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PrincipalReceivableAdvancesSuspenseAccountsAndOther" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other loan related receivables</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PrincipalReceivableAdvancesSuspenseAccountsAndOther_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PrincipalReceivableAdvancesSuspenseAccountsAndOther" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Principal Receivable, Advances, Suspense Accounts And Other</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PrincipalReceivableAdvancesSuspenseAccountsAndOther_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PrincipalReceivableAdvancesSuspenseAccountsAndOther" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Principal Receivable, Advances, Suspense Accounts And Other</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_PrincipalReceivableAdvancesSuspenseAccountsAndOther" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_PrincipalReceivableAdvancesSuspenseAccountsAndOther"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_PrincipalReceivableAdvancesSuspenseAccountsAndOther" xlink:to="lab_mfa_PrincipalReceivableAdvancesSuspenseAccountsAndOther" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction_ac616d1b-8792-45ae-a1a1-f1e57d3097be_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from sale of stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_4418abef-9ca9-4c20-bd76-af829ff410cb_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">(Increase)/Decrease in other assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses_5b5d60cf-8efc-49a8-a995-b660afd71314_negatedNetLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedNetLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Provision for Credit Losses on Other Assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Provision for Other Credit Losses</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate_b5746e03-723e-43f0-bd03-e50d371c4f10_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gain on sales of real estate owned</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gains (Losses) on Sales of Other Real Estate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_f160edf3-0a91-4a26-8a39-1f8f6c2bb0a9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Hedging Designation [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Hedging Designation [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_AuditorLocation_2331705d-1b8b-43c8-b020-fbdd5dee2a69_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_AuditorLocation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Auditor Location</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_AuditorLocation_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_AuditorLocation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Auditor Location</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_AuditorLocation" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_AuditorLocation"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_AuditorLocation" xlink:to="lab_dei_AuditorLocation" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommonStockDividendsCapitalGains_f968afbf-5bde-4882-8e13-954b8e7f2d1f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommonStockDividendsCapitalGains" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock dividends, capital gains (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommonStockDividendsCapitalGains_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommonStockDividendsCapitalGains" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock Dividends, Capital Gains</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommonStockDividendsCapitalGains_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommonStockDividendsCapitalGains" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock Dividends, Capital Gains</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CommonStockDividendsCapitalGains" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_CommonStockDividendsCapitalGains"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CommonStockDividendsCapitalGains" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CommonStockDividendsCapitalGains" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CouponInterestSecuritiesMortgageBacked_ea70ffcf-b49a-4d9f-8f3e-12ef913234a0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CouponInterestSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Coupon interest</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CouponInterestSecuritiesMortgageBacked_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CouponInterestSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Coupon Interest Securities Mortgage Backed</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CouponInterestSecuritiesMortgageBacked_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CouponInterestSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the coupon interest income derived from securities backed by a pool of mortgages or trust deeds.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CouponInterestSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_CouponInterestSecuritiesMortgageBacked"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CouponInterestSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CouponInterestSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NatureOfOperations_207c4006-efef-401b-9dc2-a1609926ca5d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NatureOfOperations" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Organization</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NatureOfOperations_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NatureOfOperations" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Nature of Operations [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NatureOfOperations" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NatureOfOperations"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NatureOfOperations" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NatureOfOperations" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_900a5ef1-b3f4-4423-9984-c3faa0ed091e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Federal</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties_31c365c0-3900-4118-ac90-b5ca2abfd121_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of counterparties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase Agreements Number Of Counterparties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the number of parties with whom the entity had repurchase agreements on the balance sheet date.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_4e5910f5-e177-441f-af5a-f3446465aafa_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansCarryingValue_ada36557-b550-418f-a720-4d1ffb1dff2f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans, at carrying value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansCarryingValue_df07ae42-160a-4f12-aeaf-4078ede43843_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans, Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansCarryingValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans, Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansCarryingValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans, Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansCarryingValue" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansCarryingValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansCarryingValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansCarryingValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_3ef50108-a3c8-4098-a031-bcb9b02f9398_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Expense related to equity-based compensation instruments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_792dee67-9234-41a6-886c-8cf685dd694f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Commitments and contingencies (See Note 9)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Commitments and Contingencies</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName_316189b9-ec8e-477b-89b0-6793d6c4d226_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Security Exchange Name</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Security Exchange Name</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:to="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_37ad2302-85f6-4512-bce6-5c4a25a5db4b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amortization Period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_fab0da2f-63d1-4fc3-afa5-d904af9d9344_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems_9d9e2f1e-b139-40f5-8731-7c8f00d9bd70_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-Based Payments [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RehabilitationLoanCommitmentsMember_234fa372-d156-4923-83e1-d505946a4b0e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RehabilitationLoanCommitmentsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Rehabilitation Loan Commitments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RehabilitationLoanCommitmentsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RehabilitationLoanCommitmentsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Rehabilitation Loan Commitments [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RehabilitationLoanCommitmentsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RehabilitationLoanCommitmentsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Rehabilitation Loan Commitments</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RehabilitationLoanCommitmentsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_RehabilitationLoanCommitmentsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RehabilitationLoanCommitmentsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RehabilitationLoanCommitmentsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_1a72a073-8c2c-4610-b46f-214bd12dafb5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Liabilities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RightOfUseLeaseAndAssetLeaseLiability_19617c8b-3d2f-4712-bdf9-f3c534546c58_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RightOfUseLeaseAndAssetLeaseLiability" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Right-of-use lease asset and lease liability</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RightOfUseLeaseAndAssetLeaseLiability_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RightOfUseLeaseAndAssetLeaseLiability" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Right Of Use Lease And Asset Lease Liability</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RightOfUseLeaseAndAssetLeaseLiability_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RightOfUseLeaseAndAssetLeaseLiability" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Right Of Use Lease And Asset Lease Liability</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RightOfUseLeaseAndAssetLeaseLiability" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_RightOfUseLeaseAndAssetLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RightOfUseLeaseAndAssetLeaseLiability" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RightOfUseLeaseAndAssetLeaseLiability" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestExpenseAssetBackedAndCollateralizedFinancingAgreements_7e7e7e65-1450-4a26-b11b-ebe91257ea1f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestExpenseAssetBackedAndCollateralizedFinancingAgreements" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Asset-backed and other collateralized financing arrangements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestExpenseAssetBackedAndCollateralizedFinancingAgreements_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestExpenseAssetBackedAndCollateralizedFinancingAgreements" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Expense, Asset-Backed And Collateralized Financing Agreements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestExpenseAssetBackedAndCollateralizedFinancingAgreements_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestExpenseAssetBackedAndCollateralizedFinancingAgreements" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Expense, asset-backed and collateralized financing agreements</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_InterestExpenseAssetBackedAndCollateralizedFinancingAgreements" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_InterestExpenseAssetBackedAndCollateralizedFinancingAgreements"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_InterestExpenseAssetBackedAndCollateralizedFinancingAgreements" xlink:to="lab_mfa_InterestExpenseAssetBackedAndCollateralizedFinancingAgreements" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeBookValue_73aac605-c384-4abb-98ed-79e5869235ee_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeBookValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Comment equity interest, book value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeBookValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeBookValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest In Acquiree, Book Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeBookValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeBookValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest In Acquiree, Book Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeBookValue" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeBookValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeBookValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeBookValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable_c475af4b-6a0a-4de1-b656-4d33892f373e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Equity method investment at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetCollectionOfPrincipal_605fd3c4-d657-463d-bf26-0bcc2ad51309_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetCollectionOfPrincipal" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repayments</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetCollectionOfPrincipal_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetCollectionOfPrincipal" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Collection Of Principal</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetCollectionOfPrincipal" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetCollectionOfPrincipal"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetCollectionOfPrincipal" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetCollectionOfPrincipal" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember_712ce339-ec40-478b-9abc-2277ee3f477b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Exercise Price Range Two</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Exercise Price Range Two [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Exercise Price Range Two [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember_1eb634ab-dce3-437b-b471-e026bcc4a52b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">60-89</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_e36be78d-3e5a-4955-9e80-b1380b6bf7b6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Shares of common stock authorized and available for issuance (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets_4d51f6a0-52b3-43ee-9e7f-97dbadadf01f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Prepaid Expense and Other Assets</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember_54f5dabc-9021-4042-ba8c-1d04ac5fae4e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Asset-Backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_CoverAbstract_28d4aafb-f54b-4c21-8109-df479873c639_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cover [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_CoverAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cover [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_CoverAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="lab_dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowanceAmountsApplied_5272bd3c-07d2-413a-8063-71bbd4a258e3_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowanceAmountsApplied" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments to record at lower of cost or fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowanceAmountsApplied_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowanceAmountsApplied" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Owned, Valuation Allowance, Amounts Applied</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowanceAmountsApplied" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowanceAmountsApplied"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowanceAmountsApplied" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowanceAmountsApplied" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssets_c7e599ee-8a3e-4a93-845c-be2e45c74e55_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssets_0a617204-2ea3-4cdf-af07-f787c1f8a708_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total Other Assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssets_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccretablePurchaseDiscounts_c4a3589e-3ed5-4c67-96c0-5b811735fa8a_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccretablePurchaseDiscounts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accretable Purchase Discounts</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccretablePurchaseDiscounts_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccretablePurchaseDiscounts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Available For Sale Securities, Accretable Purchase Discounts</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccretablePurchaseDiscounts_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccretablePurchaseDiscounts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the amount of unamortized accretable purchase discounts related to available-for-sale securities.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccretablePurchaseDiscounts" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccretablePurchaseDiscounts"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccretablePurchaseDiscounts" xlink:to="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccretablePurchaseDiscounts" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition_864a5cbb-dbb5-4737-b245-5f81f02f29d7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Increase in cash balances resulting from Lima One purchase transaction, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash Acquired from Acquisition</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CorporateMember_f7d38c72-5cd6-4eae-baa4-15da0932b04b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CorporateMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Corporate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CorporateMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CorporateMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Corporate Segment [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CorporateMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_c07ada5c-9922-4690-bad4-b2b1e324c5ec_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Investments [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Investments [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_51486ae7-9cef-456e-97df-6e21d56dde37_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted average risk-free rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_WellsFargoMember_02ab156d-e62e-4943-89ff-cdd8939383ad_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_WellsFargoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Wells Fargo</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_WellsFargoMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_WellsFargoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Wells Fargo [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_WellsFargoMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_WellsFargoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the counterparty, Wells Fargo.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_WellsFargoMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_WellsFargoMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_WellsFargoMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_WellsFargoMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_77a7fbad-f6f4-4806-b61b-0ae42411a1bc_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total Liabilities and Stockholders&#8217; Equity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities and Equity</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PortionAtOtherThanFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_7fa65468-b0ab-4b90-a16a-2217768d4033_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PortionAtOtherThanFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Carrying value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PortionAtOtherThanFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PortionAtOtherThanFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtOtherThanFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtOtherThanFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtOtherThanFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PortionAtOtherThanFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_26f6250a-decb-47e0-995b-9cf67347d595_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_071af6f4-f7ff-4bfd-b16e-f7b74297ff47_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNumberOfLoans_5a620b22-6a80-4ddd-94e0-f90840955b83_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNumberOfLoans" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNumberOfLoans_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNumberOfLoans" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Number of Loans</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNumberOfLoans" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNumberOfLoans"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNumberOfLoans" xlink:to="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNumberOfLoans" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1_1ff6e4e3-9791-4b48-a8c0-bae7b25a9313_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Remaining authorized repurchase amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions_d7bae23e-9315-4e98-b40f-384a628e10e7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from borrowings under other collateralized financing agreements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds From Securities Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase With Non Mark To Market Collateral Provisions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds From Securities Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase With Non Mark To Market Collateral Provisions</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DiscountWaiverDirectStockPurchaseAndDividendReinvestmentPlanMember_20b6c065-9304-42e5-8f2f-071c768f6e99_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DiscountWaiverDirectStockPurchaseAndDividendReinvestmentPlanMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">DRSPP</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DiscountWaiverDirectStockPurchaseAndDividendReinvestmentPlanMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DiscountWaiverDirectStockPurchaseAndDividendReinvestmentPlanMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Discount Waiver Direct Stock Purchase And Dividend Reinvestment Plan [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DiscountWaiverDirectStockPurchaseAndDividendReinvestmentPlanMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DiscountWaiverDirectStockPurchaseAndDividendReinvestmentPlanMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the Discount Waiver, Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("DRSPP") of the entity through which existing stockholders and new investors can purchase shares of common stock through the automatic reinvestment of dividends and/or optional cash investments.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DiscountWaiverDirectStockPurchaseAndDividendReinvestmentPlanMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_DiscountWaiverDirectStockPurchaseAndDividendReinvestmentPlanMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DiscountWaiverDirectStockPurchaseAndDividendReinvestmentPlanMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DiscountWaiverDirectStockPurchaseAndDividendReinvestmentPlanMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_62be4e8e-acd5-4f5f-943c-a19a511d2fab_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total deferred tax assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Tax Assets, Gross</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_c54be22a-4ef3-41fa-8a9b-8fd31432bbab_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Not Designated as Hedging Instrument</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AccretionOfPurchaseDiscounts_233fb938-da58-4354-9a17-37292c77d218_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AccretionOfPurchaseDiscounts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accretion of purchase discounts and amortization of purchase premiums on residential whole loans and securities, and amortization of terminated hedging instruments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AccretionOfPurchaseDiscounts_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AccretionOfPurchaseDiscounts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accretion Of Purchase Discounts</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AccretionOfPurchaseDiscounts_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AccretionOfPurchaseDiscounts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">The sum of the periodic adjustments of the differences between securities' or loans' face values and purchase prices that are charged against earnings. This is called accretion if the security or loan was purchased at a discount . As a noncash item, this element is an adjustment to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AccretionOfPurchaseDiscounts" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_AccretionOfPurchaseDiscounts"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_AccretionOfPurchaseDiscounts" xlink:to="lab_mfa_AccretionOfPurchaseDiscounts" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementMember_66a70fcc-ed4e-401e-96ea-289081a5ca51_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreement</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreement [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreement [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementMember" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_FinancingAgreementMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments_e4202ffd-4a92-45b4-8ddd-6ed475a62780_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchases of securities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs_3d24f10b-ee2f-4a3a-8851-d1f2e52975bb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gross write-offs, 2017</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Originated Four Years Before Latest Fiscal Year, Gross Write-Offs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Originated Four Years Before Latest Fiscal Year, Gross Write-Offs</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery_0f3d2de9-afdc-4873-9b50-be4398ab4205_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net write-offs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery_191017b9-920d-49e7-9c04-9e16b82a9316_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Net write-offs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff, after Recovery</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_GainLossRecordedOnTransferFromResidentialWholeLoansToRealEstateOwned_4760148e-80b4-474b-a546-3df4e821b09f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_GainLossRecordedOnTransferFromResidentialWholeLoansToRealEstateOwned" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gain recorded on transfer from residential whole loans to real estate owned</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_GainLossRecordedOnTransferFromResidentialWholeLoansToRealEstateOwned_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_GainLossRecordedOnTransferFromResidentialWholeLoansToRealEstateOwned" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) Recorded On Transfer From Residential Whole Loans To Real Estate Owned</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_GainLossRecordedOnTransferFromResidentialWholeLoansToRealEstateOwned_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_GainLossRecordedOnTransferFromResidentialWholeLoansToRealEstateOwned" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) Recorded On Transfer From Residential Whole Loans To Real Estate Owned</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_GainLossRecordedOnTransferFromResidentialWholeLoansToRealEstateOwned" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_GainLossRecordedOnTransferFromResidentialWholeLoansToRealEstateOwned"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_GainLossRecordedOnTransferFromResidentialWholeLoansToRealEstateOwned" xlink:to="lab_mfa_GainLossRecordedOnTransferFromResidentialWholeLoansToRealEstateOwned" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals_5f4c415b-82e3-4d18-9ac0-73b44de7c702_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Disposals and other</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Investments, Disposals</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Investments, Disposals</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember_aa03b6b6-5722-4bcd-8119-c9191b29f0d8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:to="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossFromPriceRiskManagementActivity_0d4fed45-cc63-4ae0-b3ea-41e069d1901e_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossFromPriceRiskManagementActivity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net gain on derivatives used for risk management purposes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossFromPriceRiskManagementActivity_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossFromPriceRiskManagementActivity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) from Price Risk Management Activity</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossFromPriceRiskManagementActivity" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossFromPriceRiskManagementActivity"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainLossFromPriceRiskManagementActivity" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_GainLossFromPriceRiskManagementActivity" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesImpairment_072dd4ea-1f78-4dcf-a31a-b242207bb772_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesImpairment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Impairment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesImpairment_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesImpairment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instruments, Owned, Mortgages, Mortgage-Backed And Asset-Backed Securities, Impairment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesImpairment_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesImpairment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instruments, Owned, Mortgages, Mortgage-Backed And Asset-Backed Securities, Impairment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesImpairment" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesImpairment"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesImpairment" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesImpairment" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_764ccaa9-5815-4178-94e7-c90edfe89f10_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Class of Financing Receivable [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Class of Financing Receivable [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization_639ff574-622b-404e-8010-c4228a6f338b_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amortization</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amortization</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_a4ddadd9-b926-406f-8c77-31a89f7f95dc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2_da65b1e1-fa47-48f2-907b-1237cc99555e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, Address Line Two</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, Address Line Two</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_072e2d49-1729-4e8c-a3c0-04a49c73b1ef_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, Address Line One</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, Address Line One</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPrincipalPayDowns_f3591525-9a12-4827-ace3-0d78bcfa32a6_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPrincipalPayDowns" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payment of principal</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPrincipalPayDowns_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPrincipalPayDowns" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Principal Pay-Downs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPrincipalPayDowns_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPrincipalPayDowns" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Principal Pay-Downs</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPrincipalPayDowns" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPrincipalPayDowns"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPrincipalPayDowns" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPrincipalPayDowns" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MatchingContributionByEmployerVestingPercent_438e61d7-fafa-4356-8a45-17eca6026c6e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MatchingContributionByEmployerVestingPercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of employer matching contributions that vest immediately</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MatchingContributionByEmployerVestingPercent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MatchingContributionByEmployerVestingPercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Matching Contribution by Employer Vesting Percent</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MatchingContributionByEmployerVestingPercent_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MatchingContributionByEmployerVestingPercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">The percentage of employer matching contributions under a deferred compensation arrangement that vest immediately.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MatchingContributionByEmployerVestingPercent" xlink:href="mfa-20220927.xsd#mfa_MatchingContributionByEmployerVestingPercent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MatchingContributionByEmployerVestingPercent" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MatchingContributionByEmployerVestingPercent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonMarkToMarketFinancingSecuredByRealEstateOwnedMember_16234647-bd3e-465c-9303-e7a6b5f25e15_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonMarkToMarketFinancingSecuredByRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Non-mark-to-market financing secured by real estate owned</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonMarkToMarketFinancingSecuredByRealEstateOwnedMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonMarkToMarketFinancingSecuredByRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Non Mark To Market Financing Secured By Real Estate Owned [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoans_882cd7a6-f6d5-4ed4-82ea-5664ce3562b3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoans" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchased performing loans</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossRollForward_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossRollForward" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossRollForward"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_ed0c3beb-5eb3-44cb-b26c-55a4f15f1218_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Class of Stock [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Class of Stock [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpense_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Expense</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesAmortizedCosts_f1834794-c956-4834-b9e3-80b83f22a63a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesAmortizedCosts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amortized costs</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_e2fbe3ab-7b4c-4e84-b5b6-bbd43e7f8d66_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt-to-Value [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt-to-Value [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure_ea4ba3a3-5f42-4195-b532-5b7ee5f4a074_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans acquired through foreclosure ordered in lieu</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BuildingMember_f1aba456-cb74-4fd2-8824-261e8babb22a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BuildingMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Building</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BuildingMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BuildingMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Building [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants_8bf4402e-017b-4ae7-ac0c-22ee1492e05b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from the issuance of warrants</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_19c6cdae-0418-4206-a3b7-296c15407821_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Impairment (reversal) on investment</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems_4879a03b-70c4-43e0-a505-26e73caa9474_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowancePolicy_fefc70ad-b922-4abb-b90c-5d914ec7fd73_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowancePolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Owned (REO)</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember"/>
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