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<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedPeriodStartLabel"/>
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  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedLabel"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTotalLabel"/>
  <link:labelLink xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/link" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TradingArrByIndTable_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TradingArrByIndTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Arrangements, by Individual</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TradingArrByIndTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TradingArrByIndTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Arrangements, by Individual [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_TradingArrByIndTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TradingArrByIndTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_TradingArrByIndTable" xlink:to="lab_ecd_TradingArrByIndTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherMBSMember_019e2292-dfef-7651-974d-e919464d470d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherMBSMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other MBS</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherMBSMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherMBSMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other MBS [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherMBSMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherMBSMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other MBS</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OtherMBSMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_OtherMBSMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_OtherMBSMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_OtherMBSMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TradingArrAxis_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TradingArrAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Arrangement:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TradingArrAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TradingArrAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Arrangement [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_TradingArrAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TradingArrAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_TradingArrAxis" xlink:to="lab_ecd_TradingArrAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalance_019e2292-e083-796e-9a02-efa8ca54b78a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unpaid Principal Balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalance_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Unpaid Principal Balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalance_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Unpaid Principal Balance</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalance"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleAmount_019e2292-dfef-78d2-89b5-7b536fe9451a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loans held for sale</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Held-for-Sale</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleAmount" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleAmount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleAmount" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleAmount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MaximumMember_019e2292-dfef-7ad6-8acb-aed92b13643a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MaximumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MaximumMember_019e2292-dfef-74df-98e8-c13a3bc26fa3_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MaximumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/srt-2026.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_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e2292-e082-73ac-8eed-2862131f9ab3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Portion at Fair Value Measurement</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyAmountAtRisk_019e2292-dfef-7dc7-a422-2fc5e7394680_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyAmountAtRisk" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_Security12bTitle_019e2292-dfef-79f0-9e73-e7749cd82d9a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Title of 12(b) Security</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_Security12bTitle_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Title of 12(b) Security</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:to="lab_dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_019e2292-dfef-7f25-86cd-988a9f73f27e_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net income/(loss) attributable to common stockholders - diluted</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_019e2292-dfef-7652-bd6b-4200413a3487_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_019e2292-e083-725b-bf39-061651d34da7_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Held at Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_019e2292-e083-7a17-8754-9fe3b99b2d0b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">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" xml:lang="en-US">Reported Value Measurement [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <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_EquityCompensationPlan2010Member_019e2292-dfef-7180-82ed-ef934302ebdb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EquityCompensationPlan2010Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Compensation Plan</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EquityCompensationPlan2010Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EquityCompensationPlan2010Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Compensation Plan 2010 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EquityCompensationPlan2010Member_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EquityCompensationPlan2010Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">It represents the 2010 Equity Compensation Plan.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_EquityCompensationPlan2010Member" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_EquityCompensationPlan2010Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_EquityCompensationPlan2010Member" xlink:to="lab_mfa_EquityCompensationPlan2010Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_019e2292-dfef-70b0-aa7c-be7237a14acb_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Cost of Funding (as a Percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_019e2292-dfef-78db-83e7-c141871d46e2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted average rate for Senior Bonds issued</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputLiquidationTimelineMember_019e2292-dfef-7a85-94fe-665629352c78_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputLiquidationTimelineMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Liquidation timeline (in years)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputLiquidationTimelineMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputLiquidationTimelineMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Input, Liquidation Timeline [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputLiquidationTimelineMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputLiquidationTimelineMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Input, Liquidation Timeline</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MeasurementInputLiquidationTimelineMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MeasurementInputLiquidationTimelineMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MeasurementInputLiquidationTimelineMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputLiquidationTimelineMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery_019e2292-e082-752b-b598-f4c769326f41_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Write-offs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Excluding Accrued Interest, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff (Recovery)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AdjToCompAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AdjToCompAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustment to Compensation, Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AdjToCompAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AdjToCompAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustment to Compensation Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AdjToCompAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AdjToCompAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AdjToCompAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AdjToCompAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PledgedStatusAxis_019e2292-dfef-7df4-9fda-e74ff4effbc6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PledgedStatusAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Pledged Status [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PledgedStatusAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PledgedStatusAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Pledged Status [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PledgedStatusAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PledgedStatusAxis"/>
    <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_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e2292-df52-7992-be6f-a919992ebd97_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_NewConstructionProjectsMember_019e2292-dfef-7bff-ac2a-c45ebb39e6ee_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NewConstructionProjectsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">New Construction Projects</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NewConstructionProjectsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NewConstructionProjectsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">New Construction Projects [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NewConstructionProjectsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NewConstructionProjectsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">New Construction Projects</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NewConstructionProjectsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_NewConstructionProjectsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NewConstructionProjectsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NewConstructionProjectsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PayableForUnsettledInvestmentPurchases_019e2292-e083-7dd0-9e86-80994cf886b0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PayableForUnsettledInvestmentPurchases" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payable for unsettled investment purchases</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PayableForUnsettledInvestmentPurchases_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PayableForUnsettledInvestmentPurchases" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payable For Unsettled Investment Purchases</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PayableForUnsettledInvestmentPurchases_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PayableForUnsettledInvestmentPurchases" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payable For Unsettled Investment Purchases</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_PayableForUnsettledInvestmentPurchases" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_PayableForUnsettledInvestmentPurchases"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_PayableForUnsettledInvestmentPurchases" xlink:to="lab_mfa_PayableForUnsettledInvestmentPurchases" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_019e2292-dfef-7a5f-9c53-a59634353eb5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">State and local taxes, net of federal income tax effect (as a percent)</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" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue_019e2292-df52-79bb-97dc-89ef9f306783_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loss contingency accrual</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loss Contingency Accrual</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_019e2292-e083-7978-993c-9e8bbf29ecbc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Guaranteed amount (up to)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e2292-dfef-74fb-a234-a8bf2a7aaa79_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Instrument [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Instrument [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_019e2292-dfef-71f2-9c55-aae4a6f70cd6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Frequency [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Frequency [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialAssetEqualToOrGreaterThan60DaysPastDueMember_019e2292-dfef-71f0-863b-2cd274f2fabd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialAssetEqualToOrGreaterThan60DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 60 Days Past Due</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialAssetEqualToOrGreaterThan60DaysPastDueMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialAssetEqualToOrGreaterThan60DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 60 Days Past Due [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialAssetEqualToOrGreaterThan60DaysPastDueMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialAssetEqualToOrGreaterThan60DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 60 Days Past Due</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancialAssetEqualToOrGreaterThan60DaysPastDueMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancialAssetEqualToOrGreaterThan60DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancialAssetEqualToOrGreaterThan60DaysPastDueMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancialAssetEqualToOrGreaterThan60DaysPastDueMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract_019e2292-df52-74c9-898e-22d4f8d8559e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred provision/(benefit)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_019e2292-e10d-7ed7-b872-f69fc5333ab3_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total current provision/(benefit)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_019e2292-dfef-7181-96f7-b62fc6e94814_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidated Entities [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidated Entities [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="lab_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_019e2292-e083-7cbe-a67e-03b2b6bc2f5e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Average cost per share (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Shares Acquired, Average Cost Per Share</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnFinancingReceivable_019e2292-e082-703a-9dc7-9bce0f9080e0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnFinancingReceivable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains or losses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnFinancingReceivable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnFinancingReceivable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Financing Receivable</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnFinancingReceivable_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnFinancingReceivable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Financing Receivable</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnFinancingReceivable" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnFinancingReceivable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnFinancingReceivable" xlink:to="lab_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnFinancingReceivable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_019e2292-dfef-7014-8255-c9e9061b1e91_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_019e2292-e082-77eb-81e6-188dab9c3257_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember_019e2292-dfef-72ae-85d0-1fc52bb14c45_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securities Investment [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues_019e2292-e083-7544-9162-daf9599fbfb6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Issuances</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Issuances</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPrincipalRepaymentsOnLoansAndLeasesHeldForInvestment_019e2292-e082-773b-ad8d-836ce8735d69_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPrincipalRepaymentsOnLoansAndLeasesHeldForInvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Principal payments on residential whole loans and loan related investments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPrincipalRepaymentsOnLoansAndLeasesHeldForInvestment_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPrincipalRepaymentsOnLoansAndLeasesHeldForInvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Principal Repayment, Loan and Lease, Held-for-Investment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPrincipalRepaymentsOnLoansAndLeasesHeldForInvestment" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPrincipalRepaymentsOnLoansAndLeasesHeldForInvestment"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract_019e2292-e082-7525-9219-9b6b4c2ba75c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DividendsDividendEquivalentRights_019e2292-df52-7041-aa6c-8a21cda5a185_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DividendsDividendEquivalentRights" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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 non-forfeitable rights to dividends.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DividendsDividendEquivalentRights" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DividendsDividendEquivalentRights"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization_019e2292-dfef-70f5-8388-3489d2ec6c6f_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_ScheduleOfAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-7bd2-9a19-f680205e2906_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Company's Assets (Based on Carrying Value) Pledged as Collateral for various Financing Arrangements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule Of Assets Pledged As Collateral [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule Of Assets Pledged As Collateral</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ScheduleOfAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_019e2292-dfef-7b34-bae7-029ce2864a66_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Acquired [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Acquired [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ContractualInterestRateReductionMember_019e2292-e082-7dba-a702-719626b4b889_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ContractualInterestRateReductionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Rate Reduction</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ContractualInterestRateReductionMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ContractualInterestRateReductionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Contractual Interest Rate Reduction [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractualInterestRateReductionMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ContractualInterestRateReductionMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractualInterestRateReductionMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ContractualInterestRateReductionMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyOneMember_019e2292-df52-7153-8ea7-81bcde690a28_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyOneMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial REO One</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyOneMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyOneMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Real Estate Owned, Property One [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyOneMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyOneMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Real Estate Owned, Property One</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyOneMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyOneMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyOneMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyOneMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MarkedToMarketApproachMember_019e2292-e082-71ec-8912-8efeb4c84934_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MarkedToMarketApproachMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Marked to Market Approach</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MarkedToMarketApproachMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MarkedToMarketApproachMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Marked To Market Approach [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MarkedToMarketApproachMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MarkedToMarketApproachMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Marked To Market Approach</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MarkedToMarketApproachMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MarkedToMarketApproachMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MarkedToMarketApproachMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MarkedToMarketApproachMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember_019e2292-df52-7613-9a7c-e134c9324066_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Related Assets</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_019e2292-dfef-7298-8ff6-aaaf710df955_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidated Entities [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidated Entities [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="lab_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_HeldAtFairValueMember_019e2292-dfef-7b0c-873b-1d725695c522_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_HeldAtFairValueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Held at Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_HeldAtFairValueMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_HeldAtFairValueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Held at Fair Value [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_HeldAtFairValueMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_HeldAtFairValueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Held at Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_HeldAtFairValueMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_HeldAtFairValueMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff_019e2292-dfef-75fd-a3d8-471b7551d25b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gross write-offs, prior</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Excluding Accrued Interest, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year, Writeoff</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ReversalOfImpairmentImpairmentOtherPortfolioInvestments_019e2292-e10d-72d1-a023-b3b6bd9ac6c4_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ReversalOfImpairmentImpairmentOtherPortfolioInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reversal of impairment/(impairment) on other portfolio investments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ReversalOfImpairmentImpairmentOtherPortfolioInvestments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ReversalOfImpairmentImpairmentOtherPortfolioInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reversal of Impairment/(Impairment) Other Portfolio Investments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ReversalOfImpairmentImpairmentOtherPortfolioInvestments_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ReversalOfImpairmentImpairmentOtherPortfolioInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reversal of Impairment/(Impairment) Other Portfolio Investments</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ReversalOfImpairmentImpairmentOtherPortfolioInvestments" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ReversalOfImpairmentImpairmentOtherPortfolioInvestments"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_019e2292-df53-782d-8afc-084c5638d2c7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Prior</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Excluding Accrued Interest, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_019e2292-dfef-72ba-a19b-67a28162ad2f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_019e2292-dfef-75ce-b758-84dd12766a89_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible assets, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_019e2292-dfef-7dbd-b2ec-f7467330da87_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Intangibles, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible Asset, Excluding Goodwill, after Accumulated Amortization</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_019e2292-df52-76b4-9e70-c169a3395e38_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of unvested shares</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_OutstandingAggtErrCompAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_OutstandingAggtErrCompAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_OutstandingAggtErrCompAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_OutstandingAggtErrCompAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_OutstandingAggtErrCompAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_OutstandingAggtErrCompAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_OutstandingAggtErrCompAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_OutstandingAggtErrCompAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMarketConditionPeriod_019e2292-df53-79d4-b099-3bb6820b0749_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMarketConditionPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Period for measuring market condition of award</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMarketConditionPeriod_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMarketConditionPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Market Condition Period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMarketConditionPeriod_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMarketConditionPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the period over which changes in the entity's closing stock price and dividends declared on the entity's common stock are measured to determine stockholder returns that represent a market condition upon which an employee's right to exercise an award is contingent.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMarketConditionPeriod" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMarketConditionPeriod"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMarketConditionPeriod" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMarketConditionPeriod" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_019e2292-e083-795d-a15f-ae8dd3552260_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of reportable segments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of Reportable Segments</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnSecuritizedDebtAtFairValue_019e2292-dfef-7757-928e-369055fb1b7f_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnSecuritizedDebtAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net (gain)/loss on securitized debt measured at fair value through earnings</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnSecuritizedDebtAtFairValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnSecuritizedDebtAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Securitized Debt At Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnSecuritizedDebtAtFairValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnSecuritizedDebtAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Securitized Debt At Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnSecuritizedDebtAtFairValue" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnSecuritizedDebtAtFairValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnSecuritizedDebtAtFairValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnSecuritizedDebtAtFairValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A550CouponMember_019e2292-df52-7d19-8c77-7b824880dbcb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A550CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">5.50% Coupon</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A550CouponMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A550CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">5.50% Coupon [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A550CouponMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A550CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">5.50% Coupon</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_A550CouponMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_A550CouponMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_A550CouponMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_A550CouponMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherSecuritiesMember_019e2292-dfef-780b-ae15-45e3652cc77e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherSecuritiesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Securities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherSecuritiesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Securities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_OtherSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock_019e2292-e083-7ad3-8a59-f744f937ef05_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Derivative Instruments</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMember_019e2292-dfef-75a1-ba72-be670a763bba_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_019e2292-dfef-799c-a830-a8df9ae133ba_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, City or Town</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, City or Town</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_BusinessPurposeLoansMember_019e2292-e083-7221-a75e-cbe21c105510_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_BusinessPurposeLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Business purpose loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_BusinessPurposeLoansMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_BusinessPurposeLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Business Purpose Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_BusinessPurposeLoansMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_BusinessPurposeLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Business Purpose Loans</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_BusinessPurposeLoansMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_BusinessPurposeLoansMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_BusinessPurposeLoansMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_BusinessPurposeLoansMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfDerivativeEarningsTableTextBlock_019e2292-df52-716a-b6c7-faf782b2a5e0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfDerivativeEarningsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Derivative Earnings</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfDerivativeEarningsTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfDerivativeEarningsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Derivative Earnings [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfDerivativeEarningsTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfDerivativeEarningsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Derivative Earnings</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfDerivativeEarningsTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ScheduleOfDerivativeEarningsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfDerivativeEarningsTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfDerivativeEarningsTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_019e2292-dfef-73b4-9ae5-d3f0aba1d190_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Granted (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_019e2292-e083-7577-bb0e-6aca2a3cf494_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share based compensation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e2292-dfef-7a46-8494-6cb154d1fe30_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Class of Financing Receivable [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Class of Financing Receivable [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestmentReclassifiedToHeldForSale_019e2292-e083-783c-8d6c-844d75c5b546_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestmentReclassifiedToHeldForSale" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of real estate owned properties held for investment reclassified to held for sale</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestmentReclassifiedToHeldForSale_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestmentReclassifiedToHeldForSale" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of Real Estate Properties Held For Investment Reclassified To Held For Sale</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestmentReclassifiedToHeldForSale_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestmentReclassifiedToHeldForSale" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of Real Estate Properties Held For Investment Reclassified To Held For Sale</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestmentReclassifiedToHeldForSale" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestmentReclassifiedToHeldForSale"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestmentReclassifiedToHeldForSale" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestmentReclassifiedToHeldForSale" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract_019e2292-e083-7e23-b8d7-a9b655b63e38_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Receivables [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Receivables [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_019e2292-dfef-75f9-9d55-238b0ce16e9b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_019e2292-dfef-7627-afda-2d1283260b18_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Title and Position [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" xml:lang="en-US">Title and Position [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:to="lab_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PeerGroupTotalShareholderRtnAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PeerGroupTotalShareholderRtnAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PeerGroupTotalShareholderRtnAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PeerGroupTotalShareholderRtnAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_PeerGroupTotalShareholderRtnAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_PeerGroupTotalShareholderRtnAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_PeerGroupTotalShareholderRtnAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_PeerGroupTotalShareholderRtnAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_019e2292-df52-76ae-b475-15ecbf835fc4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Level&#160;2</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TotalShareholderRtnVsPeerGroupTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TotalShareholderRtnVsPeerGroupTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TotalShareholderRtnVsPeerGroupTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TotalShareholderRtnVsPeerGroupTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_TotalShareholderRtnVsPeerGroupTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TotalShareholderRtnVsPeerGroupTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_TotalShareholderRtnVsPeerGroupTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_TotalShareholderRtnVsPeerGroupTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-73ac-b67f-75673ae9eb0d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Use of Special Purpose Entities and Variable Interest Entities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Special Purpose Entities and Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the disclosure of special purpose entities and variable interest entities of the reporting entity.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_SpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <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_ecd_NonRule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NonRule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_NonRule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NonRule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_NonRule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_NonRule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_NonRule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag" xlink:to="lab_ecd_NonRule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember_019e2292-dfef-7697-aeeb-d5a81f0fa7e2_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">90 or more</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CollateralDependentMethodologyMember_019e2292-df52-71f8-84da-01cc65620c9f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CollateralDependentMethodologyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Collateral Dependent Methodology</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CollateralDependentMethodologyMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CollateralDependentMethodologyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Collateral Dependent Methodology [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CollateralDependentMethodologyMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CollateralDependentMethodologyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Collateral Dependent Methodology</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CollateralDependentMethodologyMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_CollateralDependentMethodologyMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CollateralDependentMethodologyMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CollateralDependentMethodologyMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_019e2292-e083-7a21-9956-8e4d8b5022e4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_OtherAssetsLineItems_019e2292-df52-735f-86fa-ba35ab3cc7a5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsLineItems_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">[Line Items] for Other Assets [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OtherAssetsLineItems" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_OtherAssetsLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_OtherAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgagesAndLoansMeasurementInput_019e2292-e082-71e7-9e1b-f1b692838b83_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgagesAndLoansMeasurementInput" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement input</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgagesAndLoansMeasurementInput_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgagesAndLoansMeasurementInput" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgages And Loans, Measurement Input</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgagesAndLoansMeasurementInput_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgagesAndLoansMeasurementInput" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgages And Loans, Measurement Input</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MortgagesAndLoansMeasurementInput" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MortgagesAndLoansMeasurementInput"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MortgagesAndLoansMeasurementInput" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MortgagesAndLoansMeasurementInput" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageVariableInterestRate_019e2292-df52-71dd-ae4e-726b8d9cf86c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageVariableInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAverageVariableInterestRate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageVariableInterestRate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageVariableInterestRate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ERISSwapFuturesMember_019e2292-e083-7509-97a1-ad125124b8e4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ERISSwapFuturesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">ERIS Swap Futures</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ERISSwapFuturesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ERISSwapFuturesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">ERIS Swap Futures [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ERISSwapFuturesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ERISSwapFuturesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">ERIS Swap Futures</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ERISSwapFuturesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ERISSwapFuturesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ERISSwapFuturesMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ERISSwapFuturesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LtvLessThan80PercentMember_019e2292-e10d-73b9-94d8-978c057f08f3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LtvLessThan80PercentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt-to-Value Ratio, Less Than 80 Percent</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LtvLessThan80PercentMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LtvLessThan80PercentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt-to-Value Ratio, Less than 80 Percent [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LtvLessThan80PercentMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LtvLessThan80PercentMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LtvLessThan80PercentMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LtvLessThan80PercentMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-7147-98f1-971024b84038_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans_019e2292-df52-7377-8edf-0fc9199102b2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (loss) on sale of mortgage loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) on Sale of Mortgage Loans</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_019e2292-e082-7107-95cb-4741dc024ff2_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_019e2292-dfef-7be1-b03a-c9e1788f0c4f_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceed from debt net of offering expenses and underwriting discount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest_019e2292-dfef-744d-a7ed-0145537c8b17_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Beginning balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest_019e2292-dfef-7e3d-85e8-74b3fac3745e_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Ending balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest_019e2292-dfef-7c0c-bb77-64b3ceee3bbb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Allowance for loan loss</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-77b4-aa31-7d74e7edfeb6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of 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" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_019e2292-e10c-770a-a704-6f1e8b99b517_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DebtToValueRatioGreaterThan80PercentMember_019e2292-df53-73e7-bd08-562c2a2746aa_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DebtToValueRatioGreaterThan80PercentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt-to-Value Ratio, Greater Than 80 Percent</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DebtToValueRatioGreaterThan80PercentMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DebtToValueRatioGreaterThan80PercentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt-to-Value Ratio, Greater Than 80 Percent [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DebtToValueRatioGreaterThan80PercentMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DebtToValueRatioGreaterThan80PercentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt-to-Value Ratio, Greater Than 80 Percent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DebtToValueRatioGreaterThan80PercentMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DebtToValueRatioGreaterThan80PercentMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DebtToValueRatioGreaterThan80PercentMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DebtToValueRatioGreaterThan80PercentMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_019e2292-e083-7420-93e7-2dc455b9c4b4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/dei-2026.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_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_019e2292-dfef-75e6-bd66-b2702fdfaebb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_019e2292-dfef-7f2a-807c-7983278bf882_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_019e2292-dfef-7c6d-809b-5cfd8ce47b1a_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, shares outstanding, ending balance (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_019e2292-df52-737b-b490-0641b1664dfc_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt instrument, face amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_019e2292-df52-771f-bd9f-4b579fdb75cc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt instrument, face amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Face Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWeightedAverageTermToMaturity_019e2292-dfef-773b-8038-b9d05d19c708_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Term to Maturity (Months)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWeightedAverageTermToMaturity_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Weighted Average Term To Maturity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWeightedAverageTermToMaturity_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Weighted Average Term To Maturity</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingAgreementsWeightedAverageTermToMaturity"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_019e2292-df53-79cd-9591-91138621cf38_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_019e2292-dfef-7c07-ae2d-7453dac979d0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">2028</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver3Monthsto12MonthsMember_019e2292-e082-764d-9d95-335f7b476d09_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver3Monthsto12MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_019e2292-e083-7711-91c1-736e1bc0fb94_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective interest rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_019e2292-df52-749c-9b0b-58a03665ee27_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTableTextBlock_019e2292-e10d-77a9-b236-9dacc8b2cb7a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Financing Agreements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">[Table Text Block] for Financing Agreements [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingAgreementsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase_019e2292-e10c-7fcf-ae4e-c4685d85ffb7_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_019e2292-e10d-79f6-9eed-eef4e346db32_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_TermNotesBackedByMSRCollateralMember_019e2292-dfef-7d02-87ae-fb0da2256131_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TermNotesBackedByMSRCollateralMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Term notes backed by MSR collateral</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_TermNotesBackedByMSRCollateralMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TermNotesBackedByMSRCollateralMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Term Notes Backed by MSR Collateral [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_TermNotesBackedByMSRCollateralMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TermNotesBackedByMSRCollateralMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Term Notes Backed by MSR Collateral</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_TermNotesBackedByMSRCollateralMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_TermNotesBackedByMSRCollateralMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_TermNotesBackedByMSRCollateralMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_TermNotesBackedByMSRCollateralMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInRightOfUseLeaseAssetFromLeaseModification_019e2292-dfef-7976-a1a7-ddeb01734c30_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInRightOfUseLeaseAssetFromLeaseModification" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Increase/(decrease) in right-of-use lease asset from lease modification</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInRightOfUseLeaseAssetFromLeaseModification_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInRightOfUseLeaseAssetFromLeaseModification" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) In Right-Of-Use Lease Asset From Lease Modification</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInRightOfUseLeaseAssetFromLeaseModification_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInRightOfUseLeaseAssetFromLeaseModification" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) In Right-Of-Use Lease Asset From Lease Modification</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInRightOfUseLeaseAssetFromLeaseModification" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInRightOfUseLeaseAssetFromLeaseModification"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInRightOfUseLeaseAssetFromLeaseModification" xlink:to="lab_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInRightOfUseLeaseAssetFromLeaseModification" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPaidFederalAfterRefundReceived_019e2292-df52-79f6-8bf0-0f83af6305fd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPaidFederalAfterRefundReceived" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Federal</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPaidFederalAfterRefundReceived_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPaidFederalAfterRefundReceived" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income Tax Paid, Federal, after Refund Received</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPaidFederalAfterRefundReceived" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxPaidFederalAfterRefundReceived"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPaidFederalAfterRefundReceived" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPaidFederalAfterRefundReceived" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_019e2292-dfef-7d31-82f9-b11d472aa325_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_dei_EntityShellCompany_019e2292-e083-702f-8abf-cf3aa406dbdf_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Shell Company</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityShellCompany_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Shell Company</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_019e2292-dfef-7ba9-8250-6bf5f9d43d2b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidation Items [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidation Items [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments_019e2292-df53-713e-9c85-03129d052e3d_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other adjustments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DayTo3MonthsMember_019e2292-e10c-79cc-9fff-869309b24942_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DayTo3MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Over 30 days to 3 months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DayTo3MonthsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DayTo3MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Maturity Within 30 day to 3 Months [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DayTo3MonthsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DayTo3MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Maturity Within 30 day to 3 Months</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DayTo3MonthsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DayTo3MonthsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DayTo3MonthsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DayTo3MonthsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_019e2292-e083-77db-92e5-4c3f31675ea1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Trademarks / Trade Names</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_019e2292-e10c-701c-9eb0-813be322ca9b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_EarningsPerShareAbstract_019e2292-e082-7a57-8882-0e3f48aeeef1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_019e2292-dfef-70db-a666-7ec506273422_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Document Fiscal Period Focus</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Document Fiscal Period Focus</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:to="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PeerGroupIssuersFnTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PeerGroupIssuersFnTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Peer Group Issuers, Footnote</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PeerGroupIssuersFnTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PeerGroupIssuersFnTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Peer Group Issuers, Footnote [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_PeerGroupIssuersFnTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_PeerGroupIssuersFnTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_PeerGroupIssuersFnTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_PeerGroupIssuersFnTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Liabilities_019e2292-e083-7a59-9cac-2eb387cd6bd5_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Liabilities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_TradingSymbol_019e2292-dfef-7786-9ac1-582beff8cc93_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Symbol</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_TradingSymbol_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Symbol</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:to="lab_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageInterestRateDecreaseFromModification_019e2292-dfef-7f58-b39b-f4dd7be2dbfc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageInterestRateDecreaseFromModification" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest rate reduction (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageInterestRateDecreaseFromModification_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageInterestRateDecreaseFromModification" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Modified, Weighted-Average Interest Rate Decrease from Modification</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageInterestRateDecreaseFromModification" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageInterestRateDecreaseFromModification"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageInterestRateDecreaseFromModification" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageInterestRateDecreaseFromModification" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember_019e2292-e10d-7212-9a61-83051e9afa21_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Discount rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTable_019e2292-e082-73a0-ba04-1cfdde011a8c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTable_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTable" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingAgreementsTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTable" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyTable_019e2292-e082-7cdb-895b-61a44319e263_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase Agreement, Counterparty [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase Agreement, Counterparty [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_019e2292-e082-7062-8af9-7e26b68e4600_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ecd_CoSelectedMeasureName_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_CoSelectedMeasureName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Company Selected Measure Name</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_CoSelectedMeasureName_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_CoSelectedMeasureName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Company Selected Measure Name</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_CoSelectedMeasureName" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_CoSelectedMeasureName"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_CoSelectedMeasureName" xlink:to="lab_ecd_CoSelectedMeasureName" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateValuationAdjustments_019e2292-e083-72dc-820d-f89fc86728ca_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateValuationAdjustments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other real estate, valuation adjustments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateValuationAdjustments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateValuationAdjustments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Real Estate, Valuation Adjustments</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateValuationAdjustments" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRealEstateValuationAdjustments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateValuationAdjustments" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateValuationAdjustments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_019e2292-dfef-7dcc-8443-2920421764ff_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Sale of Stock [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Sale of Stock [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LiquidationModelMember_019e2292-dfef-725a-bf5f-7b2d9e3ac47c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LiquidationModelMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Liquidation model</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LiquidationModelMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LiquidationModelMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Liquidation Model [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LiquidationModelMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LiquidationModelMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Liquidation Model [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_LiquidationModelMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_LiquidationModelMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_LiquidationModelMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_LiquidationModelMember" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_019e2292-df52-7591-aa15-187e83e52e1d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Coupon rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedMember_019e2292-dfef-7dd9-bee2-bb720fe2319a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial REO</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Real Estate Owned [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Real Estate Owned</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_019e2292-dfef-7028-9438-78db60d88c52_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of debt with fixed rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Long-Term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherMember_019e2292-e082-7fd4-ac5f-0e902806091a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OtherMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_OtherMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_OtherMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_OtherMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_019e2292-dfef-72e6-87f5-c22dc687ab7b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Diluted Earnings/(Loss) per Share:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis_019e2292-df53-7a2a-936a-07095acc1b41_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearOneOriginatedCurrentFiscalYear_019e2292-e082-7bf0-b1c8-8b9ea83aa2b9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearOneOriginatedCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">2026</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearOneOriginatedCurrentFiscalYear_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearOneOriginatedCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Excluding Accrued Interest, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearOneOriginatedCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearOneOriginatedCurrentFiscalYear"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearOneOriginatedCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearOneOriginatedCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus_019e2292-e10d-7d39-9cbf-601b43924345_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AccretionIncome_019e2292-dfef-73bb-bbd0-623659c9f13b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AccretionIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accretion income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AccretionIncome_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AccretionIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accretion Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AccretionIncome_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AccretionIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accretion Income</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AccretionIncome" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_AccretionIncome"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_AccretionIncome" xlink:to="lab_mfa_AccretionIncome" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A500CouponMember_019e2292-e10d-7b07-a742-53b36b0002e0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A500CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">5.00% Coupon</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A500CouponMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A500CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">5.00% Coupon [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A500CouponMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A500CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">5.00% Coupon</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_A500CouponMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_A500CouponMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_A500CouponMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_A500CouponMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativesPriceAlignmentExpenseOnMarginCollateralReceived_019e2292-e083-7f65-91d8-13aa8af6d030_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativesPriceAlignmentExpenseOnMarginCollateralReceived" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net price alignment expense on margin collateral received</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativesPriceAlignmentExpenseOnMarginCollateralReceived_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativesPriceAlignmentExpenseOnMarginCollateralReceived" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivatives Price Alignment Expense On Margin Collateral Received</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativesPriceAlignmentExpenseOnMarginCollateralReceived_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativesPriceAlignmentExpenseOnMarginCollateralReceived" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivatives Price Alignment Expense On Margin Collateral Received</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DerivativesPriceAlignmentExpenseOnMarginCollateralReceived" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DerivativesPriceAlignmentExpenseOnMarginCollateralReceived"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DerivativesPriceAlignmentExpenseOnMarginCollateralReceived" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DerivativesPriceAlignmentExpenseOnMarginCollateralReceived" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForSale_019e2292-df52-72a0-a6c5-3b4648e857e3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForSale" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of real estate properties held for sale</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForSale_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForSale" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of Real Estate Properties Held For Sale</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForSale_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForSale" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of Real Estate Properties Held For Sale</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForSale" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForSale"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForSale" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForSale" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Property, Plant, and Equipment, Useful Life</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends Payable</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntitiesTable_019e2292-dfef-7740-a8d9-0042cc6c63f0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntitiesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Entities [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainLossBeforeTax_019e2292-dfef-7fb3-b63c-e718e9d30934_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainLossBeforeTax"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Arrangements by Share-Based Payment Award [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowanceAmountsApplied_019e2292-e083-76c5-b47f-8344ef464f14_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowanceAmountsApplied" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowanceAmountsApplied"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfBusinessCombinationTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfBusinessCombinationTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Intangible Asset, Acquired, Finite-Lived [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfBusinessCombinationTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfBusinessCombinationTable"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_019e2292-e082-7475-89d3-0e5d3ca60a72_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredChargesPolicyTextBlock_019e2292-df53-7aaa-814b-03dcef93f4c1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredChargesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Securitization and Other Debt Issuance Costs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredChargesPolicyTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredChargesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredChargesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredChargesPolicyTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_019e2292-df52-7ff5-b26d-fa1d56092565_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other general and administrative expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_019e2292-df52-732f-a4ae-d0a72324f9cc_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other general and administrative expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other General and Administrative Expense</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_019e2292-df52-7364-b5b5-a543442ef754_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardTmgPredtrmndFlag_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardTmgPredtrmndFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award Timing Predetermined</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardTmgPredtrmndFlag_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardTmgPredtrmndFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award Timing Predetermined [Flag]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartiesWithWhomTheRepurchaseAgreementsExceeds5PercentOfStockholdersEquityTableTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-733a-ac90-0e16bb404146_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartiesWithWhomTheRepurchaseAgreementsExceeds5PercentOfStockholdersEquityTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Information about Counterparty for Financing Agreements for which Entity had Greater than 5% of Stockholders' Equity at risk</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsGeneralTextBlock_019e2292-df52-7e86-aaf8-f034dad5cfe9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsGeneralTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Compensation and Other Benefit Plans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsGeneralTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsGeneralTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation Related Costs, General [Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract_019e2292-dfef-7ec9-afd7-b42437ce5e53_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Income:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest and Dividend Income, Operating [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_019e2292-e083-7fc3-b67f-eb57f1f8e46e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity based compensation expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">APIC, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_019e2292-e082-7fa9-813c-b97aaf3e42a9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Level&#160;1</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialLoansReceivable_019e2292-dfef-7d7c-ae55-0c9426f75223_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialLoansReceivable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialLoansReceivable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialLoansReceivable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Loans Receivable</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialLoansReceivable_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialLoansReceivable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Loans Receivable</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CommercialLoansReceivable" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_CommercialLoansReceivable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CommercialLoansReceivable" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CommercialLoansReceivable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_019e2292-e082-7703-86a9-7067cc9dbc15_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective tax rate (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetAxis_019e2292-df52-70b4-beb8-ef91e77d91cd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Remaining Period before Interest Rate Reset [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Remaining Period before Interest Rate Reset [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetAxis_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Information by periods before interest rate reset for a group of securities or other assets sold under repurchase agreements.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetAxis" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetAxis" xlink:to="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfNotesReceivable_019e2292-df52-746d-bdd4-fdc66930af5e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfNotesReceivable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (loss) realized from sale</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfNotesReceivable"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_019e2292-e082-75a1-9de9-f30b3a16ca7e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Measurements and the Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_019e2292-e083-77cf-ad0b-dbf1b29bb2ef_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unvested and vested restricted stock units (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-Based Payment Arrangements</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e2292-e10d-74b1-a0d7-73bb3f022051_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfGainLossOnMortgageLoansMeasuredAtFairValueThroughEarningsTableTextBlock_019e2292-e083-7901-a8bf-4d905b2282b8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfGainLossOnMortgageLoansMeasuredAtFairValueThroughEarningsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Net Gain/(Loss) on Residential Whole Loans Measured at Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfGainLossOnMortgageLoansMeasuredAtFairValueThroughEarningsTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfGainLossOnMortgageLoansMeasuredAtFairValueThroughEarningsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule Of Gain (Loss) On Mortgage Loans Measured At Fair Value Through Earnings [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfGainLossOnMortgageLoansMeasuredAtFairValueThroughEarningsTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfGainLossOnMortgageLoansMeasuredAtFairValueThroughEarningsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule Of Gain (Loss) On Mortgage Loans Measured At Fair Value Through Earnings</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfGainLossOnMortgageLoansMeasuredAtFairValueThroughEarningsTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ScheduleOfGainLossOnMortgageLoansMeasuredAtFairValueThroughEarningsTableTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_019e2292-df52-793e-a3e3-4e87da0ec41e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueAndCarryingValue_019e2292-e10d-7a58-b1a2-db5480a3bf75_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueAndCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans transferred to consolidated VIEs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueAndCarryingValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueAndCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans, At Fair Value And Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueAndCarryingValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueAndCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans, At Fair Value And Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueAndCarryingValue" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueAndCarryingValue"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock_019e2292-e10c-724e-b77b-b4a3f8303e0a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_019e2292-df52-78e8-bdef-5675c983925c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Plan Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_019e2292-dfef-7d4c-9918-07f0004f2f9f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Antidilutive Securities [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Antidilutive Securities [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveYieldAdjustmentSecuritiesMortgageBacked_019e2292-e082-7234-8232-8ec861d6326f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveYieldAdjustmentSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective yield adjustment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveYieldAdjustmentSecuritiesMortgageBacked_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveYieldAdjustmentSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Yield Adjustment Securities Mortgage Backed</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_EffectiveYieldAdjustmentSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_EffectiveYieldAdjustmentSecuritiesMortgageBacked"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis_019e2292-dff0-72b9-ac10-130516067d1a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument Measurement [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument Measurement [Axis]</link:label>
    <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" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument Measurement</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_019e2292-df53-7609-8818-0c5e60ef90c6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lease right-of-use asset</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_019e2292-dfef-768b-b131-3be0dccb8dce_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Renewal term</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_019e2292-e10d-7755-af21-78cfc0332e38_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_019e2292-e083-738d-ae88-335a1528a3d3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_019e2292-e082-77ba-b756-42972ed484c5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securities, at Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment in Debt and Equity Securities and Other Trading Assets [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameAxis_019e2292-e082-7ed1-bff6-225870bbfca6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Restructuring Modification Name [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Restructuring Modification Name [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_019e2292-e10c-71d6-96ca-8e0baff96b85_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends paid on common stock and dividend equivalents</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TrdArrExpirationDate_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TrdArrExpirationDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Expiration Date</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TrdArrExpirationDate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TrdArrExpirationDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Arrangement Expiration Date</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_TrdArrExpirationDate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TrdArrExpirationDate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_TrdArrExpirationDate" xlink:to="lab_ecd_TrdArrExpirationDate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonQMLoansMember_019e2292-e082-7f31-b475-8e272340f87b_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonQMLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-QM loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonQMLoansMember_019e2292-e082-7ede-b571-cd0b784ee239_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonQMLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-QM loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonQMLoansMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonQMLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-QM Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonQMLoansMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonQMLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-QM Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NonQMLoansMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_NonQMLoansMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NonQMLoansMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NonQMLoansMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinanceAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock_019e2292-df53-7a50-b388-397726a6230c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinanceAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Financing Agreements with Non-Mark-to-Market Collateral Provisions and Associated Assets Pledged as Collateral</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinanceAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinanceAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Finance Agreements With Non Mark To Market Collateral Provisions And Associated Assets Pledged As Collateral [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinanceAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinanceAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Finance Agreements With Non Mark to Market Collateral Provisions and Associated Assets Pledged as Collateral [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinanceAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinanceAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinanceAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinanceAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_019e2292-df52-738e-8d5a-0215c4dd93ce_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_019e2292-e083-7e7d-8412-592516d223c6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted cash</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_019e2292-dfef-72ab-beb7-cca957177802_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash and cash equivalents</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalOptionsNumber_019e2292-e083-7155-9946-25da802496ab_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalOptionsNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of renewal options</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalOptionsNumber_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalOptionsNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Options, Number</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalOptionsNumber_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalOptionsNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Options, Number</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalOptionsNumber" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalOptionsNumber"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalOptionsNumber" xlink:to="lab_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalOptionsNumber" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss_019e2292-dfef-7cdd-87a8-8ff3979459ac_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Estimate of possible loss</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueSalesAndRepurchases_019e2292-e083-7af6-8beb-0b54fce36ad1_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueSalesAndRepurchases" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loan sales and repurchases</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueSalesAndRepurchases_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueSalesAndRepurchases" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Sales And Repurchases</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueSalesAndRepurchases_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueSalesAndRepurchases" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Sales And Repurchases</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueSalesAndRepurchases" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueSalesAndRepurchases"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueSalesAndRepurchases" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueSalesAndRepurchases" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AggtPnsnAdjsSvcCstMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AggtPnsnAdjsSvcCstMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AggtPnsnAdjsSvcCstMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AggtPnsnAdjsSvcCstMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AggtPnsnAdjsSvcCstMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AggtPnsnAdjsSvcCstMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AggtPnsnAdjsSvcCstMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AggtPnsnAdjsSvcCstMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDefaultRateMember_019e2292-dfef-75f8-91db-43692adb301e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDefaultRateMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Default rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDefaultRateMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDefaultRateMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Input, Default Rate [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_019e2292-e10d-7edc-93f2-687075d871af_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unrecognized compensation cost</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e2292-df52-7306-83ab-377d477b5b2b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Segments [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherGainsLossesOnDebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherPortfolioInvestmentsNet_019e2292-df52-71b3-9cf8-cfd1a654791d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherGainsLossesOnDebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherPortfolioInvestmentsNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Impairment and other net (gain)/loss on securities and other portfolio investments, net</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAvailableToCommonShareholdersDiluted_019e2292-e083-7bcf-8c5d-76711c4c7fb1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAvailableToCommonShareholdersDiluted" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends, dividend equivalents and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfLoans_019e2292-e082-742c-8801-f58a417c0528_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfLoans" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfLoans_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfLoans" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of Loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfLoans_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfLoans" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans arising from the Company&#8217;s 100% equity interest in certificates issued by certain trusts established to acquire the loans.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NumberOfLoans" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_NumberOfLoans"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NumberOfLoans" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NumberOfLoans" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_019e2292-e083-7317-aa66-055bcf499560_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Disposal Group Classification [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Disposal Group Classification [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsResaleAgreementsSecuritiesBorrowedAndSecuritiesLoanedDisclosureTextBlock_019e2292-df52-7dfe-bc0e-121104a4b887_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsResaleAgreementsSecuritiesBorrowedAndSecuritiesLoanedDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsResaleAgreementsSecuritiesBorrowedAndSecuritiesLoanedDisclosureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsResaleAgreementsSecuritiesBorrowedAndSecuritiesLoanedDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase Agreements, Resale Agreements, Securities Borrowed, and Securities Loaned Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsResaleAgreementsSecuritiesBorrowedAndSecuritiesLoanedDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsResaleAgreementsSecuritiesBorrowedAndSecuritiesLoanedDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsResaleAgreementsSecuritiesBorrowedAndSecuritiesLoanedDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsResaleAgreementsSecuritiesBorrowedAndSecuritiesLoanedDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LimaOneMember_019e2292-dfef-7390-b2de-98869d96072a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LimaOneMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lima One</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LimaOneMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LimaOneMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lima One [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LimaOneMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LimaOneMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lima One</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_LimaOneMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_LimaOneMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_LimaOneMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_LimaOneMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PeoActuallyPaidCompAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PeoActuallyPaidCompAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PeoActuallyPaidCompAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PeoActuallyPaidCompAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_PeoActuallyPaidCompAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_PeoActuallyPaidCompAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_PeoActuallyPaidCompAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_PeoActuallyPaidCompAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_019e2292-e10d-7ef4-abe4-27f290a62196_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Secured debt</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Secured Debt [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_019e2292-e083-7064-87b4-f4f32152db10_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Operating and Other Expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Costs and Expenses</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_019e2292-e10d-77e0-a6f7-b2459b55c6a3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stated interest rate (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_019e2292-df52-7a33-90e4-dcfe7be5364c_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Stockholders&#8217; Equity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_019e2292-df52-74fc-b074-61a6ca3d3787_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Beginning balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_019e2292-df52-76fc-be4b-53bfcb2aec98_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Ending balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity, Attributable to Parent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_019e2292-df53-76e8-aadf-434d6550845d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:to="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_019e2292-df52-795c-a621-f9ee98b06ff2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMaximumLossExposureAmount_019e2292-dfef-7db4-b7cc-be39412a08b4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMaximumLossExposureAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Primary beneficiary, maximum loss exposure, amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMaximumLossExposureAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMaximumLossExposureAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMaximumLossExposureAmount" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMaximumLossExposureAmount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMaximumLossExposureAmount" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMaximumLossExposureAmount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_019e2292-e082-7a96-8d71-3f0bf29ccf2b_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gross Amortized Cost Basis</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-7ec1-a7ff-e97ce7502e05_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_InsiderTradingPoliciesProcLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_InsiderTradingPoliciesProcLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_InsiderTradingPoliciesProcLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_InsiderTradingPoliciesProcLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_InsiderTradingPoliciesProcLineItems" xlink:to="lab_ecd_InsiderTradingPoliciesProcLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember_019e2292-df52-7874-bd91-ba1f1bcd37f4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Nonperforming</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Nonperforming Financial Instruments [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_019e2292-dfef-7e4c-b57e-c7232cb0df09_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_019e2292-e10d-7883-a2dd-2bdcacd22199_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total deferred provision/(benefit)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansGainLoss_019e2292-e082-7c8d-b831-d6f53e07831c_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansGainLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net (gain)/loss on residential whole loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansGainLoss_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansGainLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans, Gain (Loss)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansGainLoss_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansGainLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans, Gain (Loss)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansGainLoss" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansGainLoss"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansGainLoss" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansGainLoss" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityDomain_019e2292-df52-7107-bdc9-8bb214dd63e8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative by Maturity [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative by Maturity [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityDomain_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Identification of the periods of maturities for groups of derivatives.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityDomain" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DerivativeByMaturityDomain"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver60MonthsTo72MonthsMember_019e2292-e082-7975-9b29-6eb439c36028_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver60MonthsTo72MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Over 60 months to 72 months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver60MonthsTo72MonthsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver60MonthsTo72MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Maturity Over 60 Months to 72 Months [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver60MonthsTo72MonthsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver60MonthsTo72MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Maturity Over 60 Months to 72 Months</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver60MonthsTo72MonthsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver60MonthsTo72MonthsMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_019e2292-df52-7736-a4d0-8ff71a432577_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings per share calculations (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_019e2292-dff0-79d2-bde5-570324af11f4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Central Index Key</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Central Index Key</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss_019e2292-dfef-7073-bee2-7611a61e51bd_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Interest Income/(Expense) after Reversal/(Provision) for Credit Losses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Income (Expense), after Provision for Loan Loss</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_ecd_DvddsOrOthrErngsPdOnEqtyAwrdsNtOthrwsRflctdInTtlCompForCvrdYrMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_DvddsOrOthrErngsPdOnEqtyAwrdsNtOthrwsRflctdInTtlCompForCvrdYrMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_DvddsOrOthrErngsPdOnEqtyAwrdsNtOthrwsRflctdInTtlCompForCvrdYrMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_DvddsOrOthrErngsPdOnEqtyAwrdsNtOthrwsRflctdInTtlCompForCvrdYrMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_019e2292-e083-7e43-bb8f-666de04f951e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">U.S. Federal statutory tax rate</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_019e2292-e083-7462-b64e-cab59c99992f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_019e2292-df53-71fe-bcf8-13ffdd1c204f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment, Name [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_019e2292-df53-783d-87e1-d8540373513e_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment, Name [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment, Name [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_019e2292-e10c-70f1-9447-ab05cbf255c9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]</link:label>
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    <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_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_019e2292-df52-7345-9d46-f65495d92ea2_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, dividend rate (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_019e2292-df52-7477-a40e-f20aa250cf42_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Annual 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock_019e2292-df52-7dda-a476-2abab6f4fca4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Income Tax Provision (Benefit)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteRedeemablePreferredStockIssuePolicy_019e2292-e082-7310-849b-8227d8b4e7c8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteRedeemablePreferredStockIssuePolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Redeemable [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteRedeemablePreferredStockIssuePolicy" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteRedeemablePreferredStockIssuePolicy"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_019e2292-e083-7aac-966a-9fd7cdbe8d0e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_019e2292-e10d-7a6d-b15f-dabb63ebc673_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_019e2292-e082-75f6-bc5b-117180fa71d7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_019e2292-e10c-7e19-b560-5bc91965c861_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total&#160;AOCI</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ecd_AllIndividualsMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AllIndividualsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">All Individuals</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AllIndividualsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AllIndividualsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">All Individuals [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AllIndividualsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AllIndividualsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AllIndividualsMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AllIndividualsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_019e2292-e082-7b48-8bb4-b2e23b56d051_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">AFS securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage-Backed Securities, Issued by Private Enterprises [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity_019e2292-e083-732b-a554-72aedc8fbb34_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Term to Maturity (Months)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Weighted Average Term To Maturity</link:label>
    <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" 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-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_019e2292-df52-703f-9142-372dac77b988_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_019e2292-df52-7fa1-820e-67d3811ed722_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Period for recognizing unrecognized compensation cost</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1_019fba21-196a-7c90-894a-8c6a558da91a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lease term for lease not yet commenced</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Term of Contract</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_019e2292-dfef-7e45-b5de-6e63ad92995e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Statement [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Statement [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Assets_019e2292-df52-76b7-b7cd-b3fafd5afbc3_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Assets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Assets_019e2292-df52-79b6-89df-8db8bf533252_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Assets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ParticipatingMortgageLoansNumberOfParticipation_019e2292-e10d-7c47-b57b-43c6642f3f28_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ParticipatingMortgageLoansNumberOfParticipation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Participating mortgage loans, number of participation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ParticipatingMortgageLoansNumberOfParticipation_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ParticipatingMortgageLoansNumberOfParticipation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Participating Mortgage Loans, Number Of Participation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ParticipatingMortgageLoansNumberOfParticipation_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ParticipatingMortgageLoansNumberOfParticipation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Participating Mortgage Loans, Number Of Participation</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ParticipatingMortgageLoansNumberOfParticipation" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ParticipatingMortgageLoansNumberOfParticipation"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ParticipatingMortgageLoansNumberOfParticipation" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ParticipatingMortgageLoansNumberOfParticipation" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityMember_019e2292-df52-7378-8678-bd574ac781f2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Term Extension</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Extended Maturity [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOperating_019e2292-dfef-7daa-a20a-94ad8c2fc786_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOperating" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOperating_019e2292-dfef-7d48-b58d-b1a568f51e5e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOperating" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOperating_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOperating" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Expense, Operating</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOperating" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseOperating"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOperating" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOperating" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_019e2292-e082-77d1-9564-781c1a7da27a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Net Deferred Tax Assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetDomain_019e2292-e10d-7624-bb97-6dfa1a66d3a4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Remaining Period before Interest Rate Reset [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Remaining Period before Interest Rate Reset [Domain]</link:label>
    <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" 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>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetDomain" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetDomain"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_019e2292-e10d-7f0b-aec0-37f7dfdff4b2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Internal Credit Assessment [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Internal Credit Assessment [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MaximumTimesSeriesBReceivesNoDividendsInOrderForVotingRights_019e2292-df53-747b-8d47-3c43d9dfb551_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MaximumTimesSeriesBReceivesNoDividendsInOrderForVotingRights" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum quarters without dividends to get voting rights, in quarters</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MaximumTimesSeriesBReceivesNoDividendsInOrderForVotingRights_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MaximumTimesSeriesBReceivesNoDividendsInOrderForVotingRights" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum Times Series B Receives No Dividends In Order For Voting Rights</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MaximumTimesSeriesBReceivesNoDividendsInOrderForVotingRights_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MaximumTimesSeriesBReceivesNoDividendsInOrderForVotingRights" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum Times Series B Receives No Dividends In Order For Voting Rights</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MaximumTimesSeriesBReceivesNoDividendsInOrderForVotingRights" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MaximumTimesSeriesBReceivesNoDividendsInOrderForVotingRights"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MaximumTimesSeriesBReceivesNoDividendsInOrderForVotingRights" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MaximumTimesSeriesBReceivesNoDividendsInOrderForVotingRights" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseLineItems_019e2292-e082-78a0-b258-bf65bbfbe2b8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsTableTextBlock_019e2292-df53-776e-a62c-809d71ca7586_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Assets Pledged as Collateral Against Derivative Contracts</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule Of Collateral Pledged Against Derivative Contracts [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Tabular disclosure of assets held by the entity and pledged as collateral against derivative contracts.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ScheduleOfCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_019e2292-e083-76bf-b94b-c1e6a8bc0689_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Segments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Segments [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTable_019e2292-e083-7c08-ac93-1ecd2d7c42aa_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Sold under Agreement to Repurchase [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Sold under Agreement to Repurchase [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTable"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_019e2292-dff0-76b0-8865-4526572105af_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gross Unrealized Gains</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_019e2292-dff0-79c4-a501-d668342150c5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAnnualDividendRatePercentage_019e2292-e083-77ef-8aac-87fbb0db4952_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAnnualDividendRatePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Annual Dividend Rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAnnualDividendRatePercentage_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAnnualDividendRatePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Annual Dividend Rate, Percentage</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAnnualDividendRatePercentage_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAnnualDividendRatePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Annual Dividend Rate, Percentage</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_PreferredStockAnnualDividendRatePercentage" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_PreferredStockAnnualDividendRatePercentage"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_PreferredStockAnnualDividendRatePercentage" xlink:to="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAnnualDividendRatePercentage" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTaxAttributableToParent_019e2292-df52-7508-89e7-da2ab78ff48a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">OCI before reclassifications</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTaxAttributableToParent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">OCI, before Reclassifications, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTaxAttributableToParent"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PeoMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PeoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">PEO</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PeoMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PeoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">PEO [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_PeoMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_PeoMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_PeoMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_PeoMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossToTotalPercent_019e2292-dfef-7348-ba84-917633078d30_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossToTotalPercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Participation range to total UPB (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossToTotalPercent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossToTotalPercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, to Total, Percent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossToTotalPercent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossToTotalPercent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossToTotalPercent" xlink:to="lab_srt_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossToTotalPercent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnFinancingAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions_019e2292-dfef-7aa9-b0c7-4da211be93e5_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnFinancingAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Principal payments on other collateralized financing agreements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnFinancingAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnFinancingAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Principal Payments on Financing Agreements with Non Mark to Market Collateral Provisions</link:label>
    <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" 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-20260630.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_Goodwill_019e2292-df52-7920-b667-9b607b05aae8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToViolationOfHomeCountryLawAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToViolationOfHomeCountryLawAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToViolationOfHomeCountryLawAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToViolationOfHomeCountryLawAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToViolationOfHomeCountryLawAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToViolationOfHomeCountryLawAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToViolationOfHomeCountryLawAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToViolationOfHomeCountryLawAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedMarkToMarketImpairmentsAndLossProvisions_019e2292-df52-72c2-8782-cc9a3dee9825_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedMarkToMarketImpairmentsAndLossProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.xsd#mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedMarkToMarketImpairmentsAndLossProvisions"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumber_019e2292-df52-78af-8426-92023bc0c75c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of loan modifications during the past 12 months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumber_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumber_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumber" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumber"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_019e2292-dfef-7280-add2-09fd66843332_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Deficit</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Retained Earnings [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember_019e2292-df52-7769-9dc4-fe272a98ec49_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Software, In-Development, Internally Developed, and Purchased [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_019e2292-e082-721a-920d-9624c830613e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_019e2292-e083-792e-a133-d4d1c973a9ce_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_019e2292-dfef-7829-b13c-d232b2cb5011_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Internal Credit Assessment [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Internal Credit Assessment [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember_019e2292-e082-7568-8512-62cbb65e8ae0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Wholly Owned Properties</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_019e2292-dff0-7f50-a321-e23fefab3771_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_019e2292-dfef-71b5-9a44-8c33456e0099_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_019e2292-dfef-7430-aa72-36fcd73ba82d_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock repurchased, value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Repurchased During Period, Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjFnTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjFnTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_019e2292-df52-7bc6-ad3b-f72525f87490_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage-Backed Security, Issued by US Government-Sponsored Enterprise [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_019e2292-dfef-7e0a-bc78-991b9da4dc05_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Finite-lived intangible assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible Asset, Excluding Goodwill, before Accumulated Amortization</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver12MonthsTo24MonthsMember_019e2292-df53-7e95-9718-bfb3e7b3bfc3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver12MonthsTo24MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Over 12 months to 24 months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver12MonthsTo24MonthsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver12MonthsTo24MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Maturity Over 12 Months to 24 Months [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver12MonthsTo24MonthsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver12MonthsTo24MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Period of maturity for derivative instruments which mature over 12 months and within 24 months from the reporting date.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver12MonthsTo24MonthsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver12MonthsTo24MonthsMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_019e2292-dfef-76cc-b340-418037c6efdb_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">State and local taxes, net of federal income tax effect</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherNonCashLossesIncludedInNetIncome_019e2292-dfef-7900-b9b8-b4915d576469_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherNonCashLossesIncludedInNetIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net other non-cash (gains)/losses included in net income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherNonCashLossesIncludedInNetIncome_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherNonCashLossesIncludedInNetIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Non-Cash Losses Included in Net Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherNonCashLossesIncludedInNetIncome_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherNonCashLossesIncludedInNetIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Non-Cash Losses Included in Net Income</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OtherNonCashLossesIncludedInNetIncome" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_OtherNonCashLossesIncludedInNetIncome"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_019e2292-df52-76c4-b66a-e9532642410e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements with Mark to Market Collateral Provisions [Member]</link:label>
    <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" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements with Mark to Market Collateral Provisions</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DiscountedCashFlowAndLiquidationModelMember_019e2292-dfef-74e1-b51a-5b54cd50bd87_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DiscountedCashFlowAndLiquidationModelMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Discounted Cash Flow and Liquidation Model</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DiscountedCashFlowAndLiquidationModelMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DiscountedCashFlowAndLiquidationModelMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Discounted Cash Flow And Liquidation Model [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DiscountedCashFlowAndLiquidationModelMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DiscountedCashFlowAndLiquidationModelMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Discounted Cash Flow And Liquidation Model</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DiscountedCashFlowAndLiquidationModelMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DiscountedCashFlowAndLiquidationModelMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DiscountedCashFlowAndLiquidationModelMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DiscountedCashFlowAndLiquidationModelMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems_019e2292-df52-7c98-94f5-5e6163747232_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Activity</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_019e2292-df52-79eb-94d6-c4ee10c96c6e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Title and Position [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Title and Position [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_019e2292-df52-7fdc-b7c2-48ec623ef469_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_019e2292-e083-7c3f-8b6d-cc95106a8f40_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Debt-to-Value [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain"/>
    <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_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses_019e2292-e082-73f2-bfc4-198c07f0cc55_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reversal/(Provision) for Credit Losses on Other Assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses_019e2292-e082-7c19-b0db-585edde01e08_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reversal/(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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_019e2292-dfef-7db6-af75-0815e901b3e3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Continuing Operation [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_019e2292-e082-7e90-b906-995a545bf8ce_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net margin received/(paid) for derivatives</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DividendsDeclaredTableTextBlock_019e2292-e10d-74ff-ad46-6dea1f019c12_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DividendsDeclaredTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Cash Dividends on its Preferred Stock and Common Stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DividendsDeclaredTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DividendsDeclaredTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsDeclaredTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsDeclaredTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DividendsDeclaredTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DividendsDeclaredTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesMortgageBacked_019e2292-e082-70dc-bf58-6f7ee47f8674_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securities, at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesMortgageBacked_019e2292-e082-7923-8d5c-f64b610447c8_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesMortgageBacked_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Income, Securities, Mortgage-Backed</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesMortgageBacked"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_019e2292-df53-7595-b986-13f7f81db9fb_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash received</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_019e2292-df53-71d8-b7fe-c71993c2015e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from issuance of debt</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualUndistributedIncomeDeferred_019e2292-dfef-7a2a-8775-dd0bbd13657b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualUndistributedIncomeDeferred" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Represents undistributed income deferred by participants under a deferred compensation arrangement as of the balance sheet date.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualUndistributedIncomeDeferred" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualUndistributedIncomeDeferred"/>
    <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_us-gaap_CollateralAxis_019e2292-dfef-7f20-ba26-cbf44771ce9d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CollateralAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Collateral Held [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CollateralAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CollateralAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Collateral Held [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CollateralAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsAmortizedCost_019e2292-dfef-730a-adf4-9710294b13e5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsAmortizedCost" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing agreements, amortized cost</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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Amortized Cost</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsAmortizedCost" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.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_ecd_Rule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_Rule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_Rule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_Rule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_Rule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_Rule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_Rule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag" xlink:to="lab_ecd_Rule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_019e2292-df52-7030-990e-9484700f1575_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Anti-dilutive securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList_019e2292-dfef-702d-a488-095aa251ebe4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ScheduleOfSecuritizationTransactionsTableTextBlock_019e2292-e10d-7d9b-9469-5430267aaa89_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfSecuritizationTransactionsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Loan Securitization Transaction</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfSecuritizationTransactionsTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfSecuritizationTransactionsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule Of Securitization Transactions [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfSecuritizationTransactionsTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfSecuritizationTransactionsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Tabular disclosure of key details related to securitization transactions.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfSecuritizationTransactionsTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ScheduleOfSecuritizationTransactionsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfSecuritizationTransactionsTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfSecuritizationTransactionsTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock_019e2292-dff0-7d26-9f9e-bb848e238563_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_019e2292-dfef-7cb9-bbe8-8eb442531cd9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock, shares issued (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, Shares, Issued</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue_019e2292-e10d-7c6a-9e48-0eac0723c8cc_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Balance at beginning of period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue_019e2292-e10d-7bb4-9b01-7fa4645ea3c8_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Balance at end of period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_019e2292-e082-74ea-b2ef-9e16884ddb1c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Information [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Information [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAverageMarketPricePercentage_019e2292-e083-71b1-a7c7-b8d86d37aca4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAverageMarketPricePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Market Price (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAverageMarketPricePercentage_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAverageMarketPricePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Weighted Average Market Price, Percentage</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAverageMarketPricePercentage_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAverageMarketPricePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Weighted Average Market Price, Percentage</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAverageMarketPricePercentage" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAverageMarketPricePercentage"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAverageMarketPricePercentage" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAverageMarketPricePercentage" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_019e2292-df52-70fc-af15-aa89bc740f1d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <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_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans_019e2292-df53-76a8-991d-494fb6c5cef1_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reversal/(Provision) for Credit Losses on Residential Whole Loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">(Reversal) Provision For Credit Losses on Residential Whole Loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">(Reversal) Provision For Credit Losses on Residential Whole Loans</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A4.50CouponMember_019e2292-df52-7d49-932d-265c9fbb2599_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A4.50CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">4.50% Coupon</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A4.50CouponMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A4.50CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">4.50% Coupon [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A4.50CouponMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A4.50CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">4.50% Coupon</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_A4.50CouponMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_A4.50CouponMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_A4.50CouponMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_A4.50CouponMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e2292-dfef-7ca6-9cef-6339cb1d5215_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Class of Stock [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Class of Stock [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems"/>
    <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_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskMinimumAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity_019e2292-dfef-7f21-b724-d625369feed5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskMinimumAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percent 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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the minimum percentage of stockholders' equity at risk with respect to repurchase agreements with any single counterparty.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskMinimumAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskMinimumAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity"/>
    <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_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate_019e2292-dfef-7753-be2d-ca9e74ffb5fc_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract_019e2292-e082-708d-bce5-df5856503837_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver24MonthsTo36MonthsMember_019e2292-dfef-71cf-9278-981cf2f756a0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver24MonthsTo36MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Over 24 months to 36 months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver24MonthsTo36MonthsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver24MonthsTo36MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Maturity Over 24 Months to 36 Months [Member]</link:label>
    <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" 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>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver24MonthsTo36MonthsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver24MonthsTo36MonthsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver24MonthsTo36MonthsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver24MonthsTo36MonthsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_019e2292-e082-7384-9c8a-2466a1c0c82b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAvailableToCommonShareholdersBasic_019e2292-e083-741b-9c00-04d2375561bc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAvailableToCommonShareholdersBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends, dividend equivalents and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAvailableToCommonShareholdersBasic_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAvailableToCommonShareholdersBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders, Basic</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAvailableToCommonShareholdersBasic" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAvailableToCommonShareholdersBasic"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAvailableToCommonShareholdersBasic" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAvailableToCommonShareholdersBasic" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsOtherMeasureTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsOtherMeasureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsOtherMeasureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsOtherMeasureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsOtherMeasureTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsOtherMeasureTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsOtherMeasureTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsOtherMeasureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_019e2292-dfef-7041-b4ab-6aae948e338a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net gain/(loss) on real estate owned</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_019e2292-dfef-74dd-a1b9-fa1747e1735d_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_019e2292-e082-7486-ab70-06df6e850c0a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Changes in unrealized 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" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Liability, Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentTrustsREITTaxableIncomeDistributionObjectivePercent_019e2292-e082-7c0c-af2f-fe38c8929a6e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentTrustsREITTaxableIncomeDistributionObjectivePercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_019e2292-e082-7af7-8d9b-32e2d0b02913_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">2029</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TrdArrTerminationDate_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TrdArrTerminationDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Termination Date</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TrdArrTerminationDate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TrdArrTerminationDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Arrangement Termination Date</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_TrdArrTerminationDate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TrdArrTerminationDate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_TrdArrTerminationDate" xlink:to="lab_ecd_TrdArrTerminationDate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_019e2292-df52-71d8-a5ad-45d4babfacb3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Commitments [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Commitments [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_019e2292-df53-7adb-9cec-eb63dcb4c047_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_019e2292-e082-7a7e-865d-10140606167d_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Identifiable Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_019e2292-df53-77e1-8ba8-bdc303e394a5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">U.S. Federal statutory tax rate (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsTotalShareholderRtnTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsTotalShareholderRtnTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsTotalShareholderRtnTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsTotalShareholderRtnTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsTotalShareholderRtnTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsTotalShareholderRtnTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsTotalShareholderRtnTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsTotalShareholderRtnTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonAgencyMBSMember_019e2292-dfef-77f2-b6b5-1689904ddaca_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonAgencyMBSMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-agency MBS</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonAgencyMBSMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonAgencyMBSMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-Agency MBS [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonAgencyMBSMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonAgencyMBSMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-Agency MBS [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NonAgencyMBSMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_NonAgencyMBSMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NonAgencyMBSMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NonAgencyMBSMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetWithin30DaysMember_019e2292-dfef-759b-b544-082d23a5b2cd_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetWithin30DaysMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet_019e2292-df52-757b-bda1-23321b51ef3a_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Transfer to REO</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract_019e2292-e082-790b-b69a-15d666740e93_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Liabilities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Liabilities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ecd_AwardGrantDateFairValue_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardGrantDateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value as of Grant Date</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardGrantDateFairValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardGrantDateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award Grant Date Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AwardGrantDateFairValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AwardGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AwardGrantDateFairValue" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AwardGrantDateFairValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage_019e2292-e10c-7cba-b60e-61d9d1220ebe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Redemption price as percentage of principal amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-7248-813d-30aef2ae3f88_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Information about MBS and CRT Securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedMember_019e2292-dfef-79d6-987d-03c61ce94128_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by real estate owned</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedMember_019e2292-dfef-7779-97f1-7ebf59a3c473_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other assets: REO</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Owned [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Owned</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_RealEstateOwnedMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PvpTableTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PvpTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Pay vs Performance Disclosure, Table</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PvpTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PvpTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Pay vs Performance [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_PvpTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_PvpTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_PvpTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_PvpTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1_019e2292-dfef-706e-8f59-33b91b531cf2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Share Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ecd_TrdArrDuration_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TrdArrDuration" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Arrangement Duration</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TrdArrDuration_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TrdArrDuration" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Arrangement Duration</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_TrdArrDuration" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TrdArrDuration"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_TrdArrDuration" xlink:to="lab_ecd_TrdArrDuration" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseCollateralRightToReclaimCash_019e2292-dfef-764e-bc7c-6e137cce7cfc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseCollateralRightToReclaimCash" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash pledged as collateral</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseCollateralRightToReclaimCash_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseCollateralRightToReclaimCash" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Security Sold under Agreement to Repurchase, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Not Offset</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseCollateralRightToReclaimCash" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseCollateralRightToReclaimCash"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseCollateralRightToReclaimCash" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseCollateralRightToReclaimCash" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_019e2292-df52-75c9-a5e7-9ade1cd3de9f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidation Items [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidation Items [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_019e2292-dfef-7dd9-9910-7f1da1fb6119_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, Postal Zip Code</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, Postal Zip Code</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityRegistrantName_019e2292-e083-711a-a6b6-f59826fd3860_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Registrant Name</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityRegistrantName_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Registrant Name</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcNotAdoptedTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcNotAdoptedTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcNotAdoptedTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcNotAdoptedTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcNotAdoptedTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcNotAdoptedTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcNotAdoptedTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcNotAdoptedTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther_019e2292-e10d-7282-a902-45d855081336_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other interest expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Expense, Other</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ComprehensiveIncomeLossToCommonStockholdersAndParticipatingSecurities_019e2292-df52-77c7-9ff2-2650261f808e_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ComprehensiveIncomeLossToCommonStockholdersAndParticipatingSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stock and Participating Securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ComprehensiveIncomeLossToCommonStockholdersAndParticipatingSecurities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ComprehensiveIncomeLossToCommonStockholdersAndParticipatingSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Comprehensive Income (Loss) to Common Stockholders and Participating Securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ComprehensiveIncomeLossToCommonStockholdersAndParticipatingSecurities_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ComprehensiveIncomeLossToCommonStockholdersAndParticipatingSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Comprehensive Income (Loss) after adjustments for dividends on preferred stock (declared in the period) and/or cumulative preferred stock (accumulated for the period).</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ComprehensiveIncomeLossToCommonStockholdersAndParticipatingSecurities" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ComprehensiveIncomeLossToCommonStockholdersAndParticipatingSecurities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ComprehensiveIncomeLossToCommonStockholdersAndParticipatingSecurities" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ComprehensiveIncomeLossToCommonStockholdersAndParticipatingSecurities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxExemptIncome_019e2292-e10d-734f-aa34-91d0aeba9960_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxExemptIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Changes in valuation allowances</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxExemptIncome_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxExemptIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Exempt Income, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxExemptIncome" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxExemptIncome"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxExemptIncome" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxExemptIncome" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic_019e2292-e083-71cb-8142-8fc9da326e2c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_EntityOwningANewlyConstructedIndustrialPropertyMember_019e2292-e082-74c2-9fe3-3c1295a76770_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EntityOwningANewlyConstructedIndustrialPropertyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Owning a Newly Constructed Industrial Property</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EntityOwningANewlyConstructedIndustrialPropertyMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EntityOwningANewlyConstructedIndustrialPropertyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Owning A Newly Constructed Industrial Property [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EntityOwningANewlyConstructedIndustrialPropertyMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EntityOwningANewlyConstructedIndustrialPropertyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Owning A Newly Constructed Industrial Property</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_EntityOwningANewlyConstructedIndustrialPropertyMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_EntityOwningANewlyConstructedIndustrialPropertyMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_EntityOwningANewlyConstructedIndustrialPropertyMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_EntityOwningANewlyConstructedIndustrialPropertyMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OfficePropertyMember_019e2292-df52-701b-bd80-4805f900bb94_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OfficePropertyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Office Property</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OfficePropertyMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OfficePropertyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Office Property [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OfficePropertyMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OfficePropertyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Office Property</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OfficePropertyMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_OfficePropertyMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_OfficePropertyMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_OfficePropertyMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToExpenseOfEnforcementAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToExpenseOfEnforcementAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToExpenseOfEnforcementAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToExpenseOfEnforcementAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToExpenseOfEnforcementAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToExpenseOfEnforcementAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToExpenseOfEnforcementAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToExpenseOfEnforcementAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalanceWithCallProvision_019e2292-df52-7046-a70f-696c7da6ceaa_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalanceWithCallProvision" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unpaid principal balance, with 60-day call provision</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalanceWithCallProvision_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalanceWithCallProvision" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Unpaid Principal Balance, With Call Provision</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalanceWithCallProvision_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalanceWithCallProvision" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Unpaid Principal Balance, With Call Provision</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalanceWithCallProvision" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalanceWithCallProvision"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalanceWithCallProvision" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalanceWithCallProvision" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis_019e2292-dfef-75cb-97c1-b1171a898edc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Restructuring Modification [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Restructuring Modification [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_019e2292-e10d-7916-b056-36f52cd119f0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award vesting period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NetGainLossOnRealEstateOwned_019e2292-dfef-7c2b-be06-c5de2ecf9bba_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NetGainLossOnRealEstateOwned" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net (gain)/loss on real estate owned</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NetGainLossOnRealEstateOwned_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NetGainLossOnRealEstateOwned" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Gain (Loss) On Real Estate Owned</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NetGainLossOnRealEstateOwned_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NetGainLossOnRealEstateOwned" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Gain (Loss) On Real Estate Owned</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NetGainLossOnRealEstateOwned" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_NetGainLossOnRealEstateOwned"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NetGainLossOnRealEstateOwned" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NetGainLossOnRealEstateOwned" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_019e2292-e082-72fe-be33-20bc9c83f845_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Class [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Class [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentExcludingCumulativeEffectNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_019e2292-e10d-7bb2-92ae-990ebe36437e_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentExcludingCumulativeEffectNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Change in AOCI from AFS securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentExcludingCumulativeEffectNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentExcludingCumulativeEffectNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-For-Sale Securities Adjustment Excluding Cumulative Effect, Net Of Tax, Portion Attributable To Parent</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentExcludingCumulativeEffectNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentExcludingCumulativeEffectNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-For-Sale Securities Adjustment Excluding Cumulative Effect, Net Of Tax, Portion Attributable To Parent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentExcludingCumulativeEffectNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentExcludingCumulativeEffectNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueDisclosure_019e2292-dfef-7d5d-94c2-e5b125fa587b_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing agreements held at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueDisclosure_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueDisclosure_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DividendsAndDividendEquivalentsPayable_019e2292-e082-7510-9434-54c544336bd5_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DividendsAndDividendEquivalentsPayable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends and dividend equivalents payable</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DividendsAndDividendEquivalentsPayable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DividendsAndDividendEquivalentsPayable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends And Dividend Equivalents Payable</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DividendsAndDividendEquivalentsPayable_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DividendsAndDividendEquivalentsPayable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends And Dividend Equivalents Payable</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DividendsAndDividendEquivalentsPayable" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DividendsAndDividendEquivalentsPayable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DividendsAndDividendEquivalentsPayable" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DividendsAndDividendEquivalentsPayable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_019e2292-df53-7c9b-a82c-da5b22e019d8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_019e2292-dfef-783a-b8a5-14b170efe372_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">2026</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Remainder of Fiscal Year</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-76d1-b68d-8780d9e43f8f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value of Financial Instruments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_019e2292-dfef-7079-a08f-c97be201632a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Level&#160;3</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralMember_019e2292-dfef-712b-8747-28759fce5a5d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Pledged as Collateral</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Pledged as Collateral [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_019e2292-e082-7564-b8f4-d0408362afda_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lease term</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable_019e2292-df52-7b43-b9c7-3d9499670592_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transaction [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transaction [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCash_019e2292-dfef-7f84-8d5c-746b4a572396_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCash" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Cash</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCash_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCash" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Cash</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCash" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCash"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCash" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedCash" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureAbstract_019e2292-e083-7785-a78d-aef342e92593_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Use of Special Purpose Entities and Variable Interest Entities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Use of Special Purpose Entities and Variable Interest Entities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureAbstract_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="lab_mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssets_019e2292-df52-7d2a-af33-cd0df896de3e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssets_019e2292-df52-7c0f-b123-3102fcd6c744_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember_019e2292-dff0-7664-8d8e-206a20347710_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsPercentageRequiredForMakingMaterialAndAdverseChangesToTermsMinimum_019e2292-e083-7830-ba39-4943e6343384_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsPercentageRequiredForMakingMaterialAndAdverseChangesToTermsMinimum" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Minimum percentage of preferred shareholders required for approval</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsPercentageRequiredForMakingMaterialAndAdverseChangesToTermsMinimum_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsPercentageRequiredForMakingMaterialAndAdverseChangesToTermsMinimum" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Voting Rights, Percentage Required For Making Material And Adverse Changes To Terms Minimum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsPercentageRequiredForMakingMaterialAndAdverseChangesToTermsMinimum_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsPercentageRequiredForMakingMaterialAndAdverseChangesToTermsMinimum" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The minimum percentage of preferred stock holders' affirmative vote necessary to make certain material and adverse changes to the terms of the preferred stock.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsPercentageRequiredForMakingMaterialAndAdverseChangesToTermsMinimum" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsPercentageRequiredForMakingMaterialAndAdverseChangesToTermsMinimum"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsPercentageRequiredForMakingMaterialAndAdverseChangesToTermsMinimum" xlink:to="lab_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsPercentageRequiredForMakingMaterialAndAdverseChangesToTermsMinimum" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_019e2292-df52-7020-aeb2-1f6bf3365ffd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_019e2292-e082-7eb9-937b-f5dabc71b9a9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Lease, Description [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Lease, Description [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_019e2292-dfef-7a07-aedc-bb9190a0bc4c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Income/(Loss), net:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Noninterest Income [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_019e2292-e082-71f7-8c16-1e8cc34c3327_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_019e2292-e082-771b-a59b-edeac4d25c8d_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Continuing Operation</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingInGreaterThan12MonthsMember_019e2292-dfef-7b7f-bb71-3bf787ca2a1a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingInGreaterThan12MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Greater than 12 Months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingInGreaterThan12MonthsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingInGreaterThan12MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unpaid Principal Balance, Maturing In Greater than 12 Months [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingInGreaterThan12MonthsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingInGreaterThan12MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unpaid Principal Balance, Maturing In Greater than 12 Months</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingInGreaterThan12MonthsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingInGreaterThan12MonthsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingInGreaterThan12MonthsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingInGreaterThan12MonthsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver12MonthsMember_019e2292-e083-770a-bc91-4dbca65cf749_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver12MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_ecd_NonNeosMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NonNeosMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-NEOs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_NonNeosMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NonNeosMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-NEOs [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_NonNeosMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_NonNeosMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_NonNeosMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_NonNeosMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_019e2292-e083-7874-9603-d4d5ac01b45f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_019e2292-e083-7813-8a7e-f397c2c3585f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Ownership percentage</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateUnpaidPrincipal_019e2292-e082-7653-94e2-075c9f1231aa_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateUnpaidPrincipal" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate unpaid principal balance of residential whole loans sold</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateUnpaidPrincipal_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateUnpaidPrincipal" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans, Aggregate Unpaid Principal</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateUnpaidPrincipal_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateUnpaidPrincipal" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans, Aggregate Unpaid Principal</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateUnpaidPrincipal" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateUnpaidPrincipal"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateUnpaidPrincipal" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateUnpaidPrincipal" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LoanOriginationPartnersMember_019e2292-df53-7ae7-9d6c-43e4d18e0d87_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LoanOriginationPartnersMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Origination Partners</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LoanOriginationPartnersMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LoanOriginationPartnersMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Origination Partners [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LoanOriginationPartnersMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LoanOriginationPartnersMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Originators [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_LoanOriginationPartnersMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_LoanOriginationPartnersMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_LoanOriginationPartnersMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_LoanOriginationPartnersMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_019e2292-dfef-7ec0-a226-4dfa22fc6876_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment, Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_019e2292-dfef-7484-8ad4-7e2fc16b28dc_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment, Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment, Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="lab_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_019e2292-df52-788d-af46-9701e6b3c189_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwned_019e2292-df53-707f-9729-f87c5a9128d2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwned" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial REO</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwned_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwned" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Real Estate Owned</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwned_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwned" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Real Estate Owned</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwned" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwned"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwned" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwned" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_019e2292-df52-7948-9fac-c153164735e8_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments made for the repurchase of common stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_RangeAxis_019e2292-e082-7b95-b8cb-9ec031bc03d9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_RangeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Statistical Measurement [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_RangeAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_RangeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Statistical Measurement [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="lab_srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingFairValue_019e2292-dfef-7bee-8e32-0b93e7358fb0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Outstanding amount of Senior Bonds, at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingFairValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Bonds Outstanding, Fair Value</link:label>
    <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" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Bonds Outstanding, Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingFairValue" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.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_mfa_MultiFamilyTransitionalLoansMember_019e2292-e082-79e3-85f7-e3bdc57dd3e0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MultiFamilyTransitionalLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Multifamily transitional loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MultiFamilyTransitionalLoansMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MultiFamilyTransitionalLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Multi-Family Transitional Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MultiFamilyTransitionalLoansMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MultiFamilyTransitionalLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Multi-Family Transitional Loans</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MultiFamilyTransitionalLoansMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MultiFamilyTransitionalLoansMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MultiFamilyTransitionalLoansMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MultiFamilyTransitionalLoansMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember_019e2292-df52-7fed-b846-dd8d94b23716_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock ATM Program</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock At-the-Market Offering Program [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock At-the-Market Offering Program</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_PreferredStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_PreferredStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_PreferredStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_019e2292-dfef-7dac-9029-46bd5525ca0d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <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_ecd_NamedExecutiveOfficersFnTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NamedExecutiveOfficersFnTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Named Executive Officers, Footnote</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_NamedExecutiveOfficersFnTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NamedExecutiveOfficersFnTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Named Executive Officers, Footnote [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_NamedExecutiveOfficersFnTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_NamedExecutiveOfficersFnTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_NamedExecutiveOfficersFnTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_NamedExecutiveOfficersFnTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_019e2292-e10c-7950-a367-787cf4e8708c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated deficit</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesAmount_019e2292-df52-7538-b600-34d238ed91ae_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">TRS permanent differences</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, TRS Permanent Differences, Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesAmount_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, TRS Permanent Differences, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesAmount" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesAmount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesAmount" xlink:to="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesAmount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialMortgageBridgeLoanMember_019e2292-e10d-72d8-b216-d4a6aaaa78b2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialMortgageBridgeLoanMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Mortgage Bridge Loan</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialMortgageBridgeLoanMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialMortgageBridgeLoanMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Mortgage Bridge Loan [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialMortgageBridgeLoanMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialMortgageBridgeLoanMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Mortgage Bridge Loan</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CommercialMortgageBridgeLoanMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_CommercialMortgageBridgeLoanMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CommercialMortgageBridgeLoanMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CommercialMortgageBridgeLoanMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTable_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTable" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_019e2292-df52-7151-932e-4aa3c9f52fd6_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_019e2292-df52-7736-8226-b6b63ba24970_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_019e2292-df52-7769-aa6e-dac00727cd80_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securities, at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_019e2292-df52-7bcf-9bd1-dae5d1ac600d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_019e2292-df52-7cce-ae36-630433fd2c6c_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securities, at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DaysMember_019e2292-e082-7dca-b347-4fd2685e2101_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DaysMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Within 30 days</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DaysMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DaysMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Maturity Within 30 days [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DaysMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DaysMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Maturity Within 30 days</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DaysMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DaysMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DaysMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DaysMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryDepreciationAndAmortizationPolicy_019e2292-dfef-79fb-8c3a-6040420b239f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryDepreciationAndAmortizationPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Leasehold Improvements, Real Estate and Other Depreciable Assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryDepreciationAndAmortizationPolicy_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryDepreciationAndAmortizationPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory Depreciation and Amortization, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryDepreciationAndAmortizationPolicy" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryDepreciationAndAmortizationPolicy"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryDepreciationAndAmortizationPolicy" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryDepreciationAndAmortizationPolicy" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingCarryingValue_019e2292-e083-7b11-824a-6c7d65e2e641_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Bonds Outstanding, Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingCarryingValue" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.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_mfa_A8.875SeniorNotesDue2029Member_019e2292-dfef-7258-ae8f-64001f33e92e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A8.875SeniorNotesDue2029Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">8.875% Senior Notes due 2029</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A8.875SeniorNotesDue2029Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A8.875SeniorNotesDue2029Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">8.875% Senior Notes Due 2029 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A8.875SeniorNotesDue2029Member_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A8.875SeniorNotesDue2029Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">8.875% Senior Notes Due 2029</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_A8.875SeniorNotesDue2029Member" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_A8.875SeniorNotesDue2029Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_A8.875SeniorNotesDue2029Member" xlink:to="lab_mfa_A8.875SeniorNotesDue2029Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_019e2292-df53-79ad-b746-6f01090ffb72_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_CurrentFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract_019e2292-e083-7496-a52e-949b54dd015d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CurrentFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Current provision/(benefit)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CurrentFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CurrentFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Current Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CurrentFederalStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefitAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_VariableInterestEntityNumberOfEntities_019e2292-e082-709f-9e4c-5eeb555b95d9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_VariableInterestEntityNumberOfEntities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable interest entity, number of entities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_VariableInterestEntityNumberOfEntities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_VariableInterestEntityNumberOfEntities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Interest Entity, Number Of Entities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_VariableInterestEntityNumberOfEntities_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_VariableInterestEntityNumberOfEntities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Interest Entity, Number Of Entities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_VariableInterestEntityNumberOfEntities" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_VariableInterestEntityNumberOfEntities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_VariableInterestEntityNumberOfEntities" xlink:to="lab_mfa_VariableInterestEntityNumberOfEntities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputLossSeverityMember_019e2292-dfef-747d-a0e8-267f68e9a249_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputLossSeverityMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loss severity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputLossSeverityMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputLossSeverityMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Input, Loss Severity [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputLossSeverityMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputLossSeverityMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputLossSeverityMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputLossSeverityMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e2292-df52-73a8-99a1-1d3fc6197648_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Contract [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Contract [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_019e2292-e083-78e9-8279-b3a92ab4a436_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_019e2292-e083-7614-93af-15b3ddb21a66_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_SecuritizedTransactionsMember_019e2292-e10c-7f7a-aff5-58f68e5d3254_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SecuritizedTransactionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securitized</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SecuritizedTransactionsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SecuritizedTransactionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securitized Transactions [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SecuritizedTransactionsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SecuritizedTransactionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securitized Transactions</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SecuritizedTransactionsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_SecuritizedTransactionsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_SecuritizedTransactionsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_SecuritizedTransactionsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_019e2292-e083-7646-b5af-c3a746c35bbf_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net realized gain/(loss) on other portfolio investments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Realized Investment Gains (Losses)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Employee Stock Option</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases_019e2292-e082-7892-bf6a-52d6d64afe77_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Purchases and originations</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_019e2292-e083-738e-ab02-873eada3e4c0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ecd_Additional402vDisclosureTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_Additional402vDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Additional 402(v) Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_Additional402vDisclosureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_Additional402vDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Additional 402(v) Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_Additional402vDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_Additional402vDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_Additional402vDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_Additional402vDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_019e2292-df52-7f9b-a87e-690cf6cde91a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_HaircutOnSecuritiesWeightedAveragePercentage_019e2292-e082-70eb-b483-f3f697c5543d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_HaircutOnSecuritiesWeightedAveragePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted average haircut (percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_HaircutOnSecuritiesWeightedAveragePercentage_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_HaircutOnSecuritiesWeightedAveragePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Haircut on Securities Weighted Average Percentage</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_HaircutOnSecuritiesWeightedAveragePercentage_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_HaircutOnSecuritiesWeightedAveragePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The weighted average percentage amount by which the collateral value is contractually required to exceed the loan amount on the Company's repurchase agreements borrowings.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_HaircutOnSecuritiesWeightedAveragePercentage" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_HaircutOnSecuritiesWeightedAveragePercentage"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_HaircutOnSecuritiesWeightedAveragePercentage" xlink:to="lab_mfa_HaircutOnSecuritiesWeightedAveragePercentage" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherSecuredFinancings_019e2292-e082-7da8-a4e8-2685928181a0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherSecuredFinancings" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securitized debt</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherSecuredFinancings_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherSecuredFinancings" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Secured Financings</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherSecuredFinancings" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSecuredFinancings"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherSecuredFinancings" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherSecuredFinancings" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TabularListTableTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TabularListTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Tabular List, Table</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TabularListTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TabularListTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Tabular List [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_TabularListTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TabularListTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_TabularListTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_TabularListTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_019e2292-e083-737d-a15b-76dbe732b85c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Additional paid-in capital, in excess of par</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Additional Paid in Capital</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LoansCarryingBalance_019e2292-df52-7d5a-b86b-c1f1715d7c69_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LoansCarryingBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Loans, Carrying Balance</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_LoansCarryingBalance" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_LoansCarryingBalance"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_LoansCarryingBalance" xlink:to="lab_mfa_LoansCarryingBalance" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet_019e2292-df52-7a8a-80be-6f4012d7a401_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet_019e2292-df52-792b-8dcf-4d905ce8ce38_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscIndName_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscIndName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Name</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscIndName_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscIndName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Individual Name</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscIndName" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscIndName"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscIndName" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscIndName" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_019e2292-e082-7b67-b43a-a52ebda35aad_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Properties [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Properties [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_YrEndFrValOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInCvrdYrOutsdngAndUnvstdMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_YrEndFrValOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInCvrdYrOutsdngAndUnvstdMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_YrEndFrValOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInCvrdYrOutsdngAndUnvstdMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_YrEndFrValOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInCvrdYrOutsdngAndUnvstdMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_YrEndFrValOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInCvrdYrOutsdngAndUnvstdMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_YrEndFrValOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInCvrdYrOutsdngAndUnvstdMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_YrEndFrValOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInCvrdYrOutsdngAndUnvstdMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_YrEndFrValOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInCvrdYrOutsdngAndUnvstdMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis_019e2292-df53-76e3-a5b3-452bdd4251b0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt-to-Value [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt-to-Value [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_019e2292-df52-7ff2-b419-6d6459134dc8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Long-Lived Asset, Class [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Long-Lived Asset, Class [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_019e2292-e082-7737-9e73-3a4c222807d8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MultifamilyREOPropertiesMember_019e2292-dfef-7d1c-b608-eedea7822ef7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MultifamilyREOPropertiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Multifamily REO properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MultifamilyREOPropertiesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MultifamilyREOPropertiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Multifamily REO Properties [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MultifamilyREOPropertiesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MultifamilyREOPropertiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Multifamily REO Properties</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MultifamilyREOPropertiesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MultifamilyREOPropertiesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MultifamilyREOPropertiesMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MultifamilyREOPropertiesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate_019e2292-e10c-76b2-a518-fac43cd68318_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Transfer from residential whole loans to real estate owned</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate_019e2292-e10c-7843-a674-c7e3471b981b_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Transfer from residential whole loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Owned, Transfer to Real Estate Owned</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_019e2292-e083-75be-9f99-4fd57f8d725d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Property, Plant, and Equipment [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Property, Plant, and Equipment [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_019e2292-df52-70ce-9bec-dd9c0770899f_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ecd_AdjToCompAxis_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AdjToCompAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustment to Compensation:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AdjToCompAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AdjToCompAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustment to Compensation [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AdjToCompAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AdjToCompAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AdjToCompAxis" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AdjToCompAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageFixedInterestRate_019e2292-dfef-769d-9a2a-d71257a627c4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageFixedInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Fixed-Pay Interest Rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageFixedInterestRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageFixedInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageFixedInterestRate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAverageFixedInterestRate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageFixedInterestRate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageFixedInterestRate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_Rule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_Rule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_Rule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_Rule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_Rule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_Rule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_Rule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag" xlink:to="lab_ecd_Rule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AggtErrCompAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AggtErrCompAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AggtErrCompAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AggtErrCompAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AggtErrCompAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AggtErrCompAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AggtErrCompAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AggtErrCompAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_019e2292-e082-7c21-838d-96e62937b219_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash paid for interest</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activity</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_019e2292-e10c-7eba-bc58-59e879a641a6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember_019e2292-e10c-7606-9509-95512a2ae4c8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingMember_019e2292-dfef-7b41-a56f-0df47c2c1b26_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other secured financing</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Secured Financing [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Secured Financing</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_019e2292-df52-7d43-bf08-d37e8ca60572_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total assets carried at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Assets, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour_019e2292-dfef-7d97-bf46-b53e7500f8ab_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Thereafter</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, To Be Paid, After Year Four</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, To Be Paid, After Year Four</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" xlink:to="lab_mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_MeasureName_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_MeasureName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Name</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_MeasureName_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_MeasureName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measure Name</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_MeasureName" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_MeasureName"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_MeasureName" xlink:to="lab_ecd_MeasureName" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementsByRepricingPeriodTableTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-79d1-a845-16235105c788_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementsByRepricingPeriodTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Repricing Information about Borrowings under Financing Agreements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementsByRepricingPeriodTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementsByRepricingPeriodTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Repurchase Agreements by Repricing Period [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementsByRepricingPeriodTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementsByRepricingPeriodTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Tabular disclosure of the amounts and weighted average interest rates of repurchase agreements by length of time until interest rate reset.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementsByRepricingPeriodTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementsByRepricingPeriodTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementsByRepricingPeriodTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementsByRepricingPeriodTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PayVsPerformanceDisclosureLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PayVsPerformanceDisclosureLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_PayVsPerformanceDisclosureLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_PayVsPerformanceDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_PayVsPerformanceDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="lab_ecd_PayVsPerformanceDisclosureLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e2292-dfef-7050-9fc8-ce79dd0364ee_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AccruedInterestSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase_019e2292-df52-727e-b7a7-fbc670cd4501_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AccruedInterestSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued interest</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AccruedInterestSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AccruedInterestSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued Interest, Securities Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AccruedInterestSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AccruedInterestSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued Interest, Securities Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AccruedInterestSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_AccruedInterestSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_AccruedInterestSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:to="lab_mfa_AccruedInterestSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_019e2292-dfef-7e5a-8c0e-fb2abf4cf1a5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases_019e2292-dff0-76d0-822b-da864091ba4b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Interest and Fee Income, Financing Receivable</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_019e2292-df52-73c4-bd56-8bdf1655f307_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_FinanceLoansAndLeasesReceivablePolicy_019e2292-dfef-7e6d-b6bc-73cb082e240c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLoansAndLeasesReceivablePolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans (including Residential Whole Loans transferred to consolidated VIEs)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLoansAndLeasesReceivablePolicy_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLoansAndLeasesReceivablePolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLoansAndLeasesReceivablePolicy" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLoansAndLeasesReceivablePolicy"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLoansAndLeasesReceivablePolicy" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLoansAndLeasesReceivablePolicy" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLoansHeldForInvestment_019e2292-dfef-7b12-a9af-d1d36d31d48a_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLoansHeldForInvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Purchases and origination 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" xml:lang="en-US">Payment for Acquisition, Loan, Held-for-Investment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLoansHeldForInvestment" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyTwoMember_019e2292-df52-74b3-8964-48530335c94d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyTwoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial REO Two</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyTwoMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyTwoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Real Estate Owned, Property Two [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyTwoMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyTwoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Real Estate Owned, Property Two</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyTwoMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyTwoMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyTwoMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyTwoMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_019e2292-df52-7eee-826e-42ecd8385059_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Goodwill, impairment loss</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Goodwill, Impairment Loss</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_019e2292-dfef-7a15-aaa9-277a7ad39bb6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued expenses and other</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestReceivable_019e2292-dfef-79ed-907e-3fbc4055d5ee_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestReceivable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest receivable</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestReceivable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestReceivable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Receivable</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestReceivable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestReceivable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestReceivable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestReceivable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TrdArrIndName_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TrdArrIndName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Name</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TrdArrIndName_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TrdArrIndName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Arrangement, Individual Name</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_TrdArrIndName" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TrdArrIndName"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_TrdArrIndName" xlink:to="lab_ecd_TrdArrIndName" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_019e2292-e083-7756-a44b-3aed8645884c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_019e2292-e083-7d12-ad81-32bf10a45ff4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Cash and Cash Equivalent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationDeferrablePercentageMaximum_019e2292-dfef-7a7c-b25f-8fb0abcea796_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationDeferrablePercentageMaximum" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferrable compensation by the employee, maximum (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationDeferrablePercentageMaximum_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationDeferrablePercentageMaximum" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual Compensation Deferrable Percentage, Maximum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationDeferrablePercentageMaximum_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationDeferrablePercentageMaximum" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the maximum percentage of certain compensation that may be deferred by the senior officers and non-employee directors pursuant to Deferred Plans.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationDeferrablePercentageMaximum" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationDeferrablePercentageMaximum"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationDeferrablePercentageMaximum" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationDeferrablePercentageMaximum" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense_019e2292-e082-77ff-94ae-25b1ef5a628a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract_019e2292-e10d-71f3-a1f0-67780a78ec32_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ecd_CoSelectedMeasureAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_CoSelectedMeasureAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Company Selected Measure Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_CoSelectedMeasureAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_CoSelectedMeasureAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Company Selected Measure Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_CoSelectedMeasureAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_CoSelectedMeasureAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_CoSelectedMeasureAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_CoSelectedMeasureAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiUnrealizedGainLoss_019e2292-e082-7092-b70a-d54a8c2044a1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net unrealized gain/(loss) on securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiUnrealizedGainLoss_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Securities, FV-NI, Unrealized Gain (Loss)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiUnrealizedGainLoss"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncomeTableTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-76ab-96be-3a882a1a1882_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncomeTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_019e2292-dfef-722b-8418-583648f5899f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accounts and Financing Receivables [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accounts and Financing Receivables [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment_019e2292-df52-74aa-8b4c-a8399ef81f4f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from sales of real estate owned</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Sale, Real Estate, Held-for-Investment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyLineItems_019e2292-dfef-7c5d-ad9b-3ce2fe50ced2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase agreements counterparty risk</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase Agreement Counterparty [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_NonPeoNeoMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NonPeoNeoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-PEO NEO</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_NonPeoNeoMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NonPeoNeoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-PEO NEO [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_NonPeoNeoMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_NonPeoNeoMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_NonPeoNeoMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_NonPeoNeoMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsTable_019e2292-df53-7c5c-af78-737b8701a1f8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-Based Payment [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-Based Payment [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardTmgMethodTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardTmgMethodTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award Timing Method</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardTmgMethodTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardTmgMethodTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award Timing Method [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AwardTmgMethodTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AwardTmgMethodTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AwardTmgMethodTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AwardTmgMethodTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1_019e2292-dfef-7dd7-a857-bff621f6b87c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum maturity term of swaps (in months)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative, Remaining Maturity</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_019e2292-df52-7f95-a807-6c4d36959b29_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect and Discontinued Operation</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryExplanationOfImpracticabilityTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryExplanationOfImpracticabilityTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryExplanationOfImpracticabilityTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryExplanationOfImpracticabilityTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryExplanationOfImpracticabilityTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_ForgoneRecoveryExplanationOfImpracticabilityTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryExplanationOfImpracticabilityTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryExplanationOfImpracticabilityTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_019e2292-dfef-726d-a75d-93c1d224fc94_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net deferred tax assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_019e2292-df52-7b48-b1ce-191a0503aff2_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_NetIncomeLoss_019e2292-df52-7ebe-b4e6-b60501d54fd1_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Income/(Loss)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_019e2292-df52-72fa-a946-33d64f96e9c8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net income/(loss)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_019e2292-df52-7bf8-b317-e5ef7814d459_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Income/(Loss)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_019e2292-df52-736c-8d5d-c8ebdd13a00f_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net income/(loss) to common stockholders</link:label>
    <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" xml:lang="en-US">Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_019e2292-dfef-7ae4-a235-e76dcd0212ea_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ecd_ErrCompAnalysisTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ErrCompAnalysisTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Erroneous Compensation Analysis</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ErrCompAnalysisTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ErrCompAnalysisTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Erroneous Compensation Analysis [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_ErrCompAnalysisTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_ErrCompAnalysisTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_ErrCompAnalysisTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_ErrCompAnalysisTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionLocationBalanceAxis_019e2292-e083-71b9-955d-4263e188f292_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionLocationBalanceAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Balance Sheet Location [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionLocationBalanceAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionLocationBalanceAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Location, Statement of Financial Position, Balance [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionLocationBalanceAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionLocationBalanceAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionLocationBalanceAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionLocationBalanceAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_RestatementDateAxis_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_RestatementDateAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restatement Determination Date:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_RestatementDateAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_RestatementDateAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restatement Determination Date [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_RestatementDateAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_RestatementDateAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_RestatementDateAxis" xlink:to="lab_ecd_RestatementDateAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember_019e2292-df53-70bd-b975-4d565e376605_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_019e2292-df52-749f-ac2d-316deeb087b0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Changes in Balances of 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" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_019e2292-e083-7260-905b-99f6e5d8a716_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <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_mfa_NoninterestIncomeLossNet_019e2292-e082-70e4-b2a9-763b6a42def3_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NoninterestIncomeLossNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Income/(Loss), net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NoninterestIncomeLossNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NoninterestIncomeLossNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Noninterest Income (Loss), Net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NoninterestIncomeLossNet_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NoninterestIncomeLossNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Noninterest Income (Loss), Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NoninterestIncomeLossNet" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_NoninterestIncomeLossNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NoninterestIncomeLossNet" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NoninterestIncomeLossNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSale_019e2292-e083-737f-9c4a-724c040f1fbb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSale" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing receivable, sale</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSale_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSale" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Sale</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSale" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSale"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSale" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSale" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherAssetsTableTextBlock_019e2292-e10d-7ff0-a811-017eb4d887ed_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Other Assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherAssetsTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherAssetsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_019e2292-e10d-76fb-a903-7425eeea52f0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans, net ($7,765,065 and $7,717,007 held at fair value, respectively)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_019e2292-e10d-775e-bb5e-832852a859ef_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Residential whole loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_019e2292-e10d-7445-93cc-de77530904ab_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Residential whole loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_019e2292-e10d-781a-a672-0af0c00c1e17_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_019e2292-dfef-7410-91d9-f93832d81e6b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock_019e2292-e10c-719f-847e-7e477f20cf92_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Aggregate Income Deferred by Participants and Associated Liability Under Deferred Compensation Plans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual Deferred Income and Associated Liability [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Tabular disclosure of the aggregate amount of income deferred by participants in deferred compensation plans and the entity's associated liability for such deferrals.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLoss1_019e2292-e10d-744f-8050-90e116bccf02_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLoss1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loss from changes in fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLoss1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLoss1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Option, Changes in Fair Value, Gain (Loss)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLoss1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLoss1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLoss1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLoss1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PnsnBnftsAdjFnTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PnsnBnftsAdjFnTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PnsnBnftsAdjFnTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PnsnBnftsAdjFnTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_PnsnBnftsAdjFnTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_PnsnBnftsAdjFnTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_PnsnBnftsAdjFnTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_PnsnBnftsAdjFnTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_RangeMember_019e2292-df52-7587-80f8-ec00db487565_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_RangeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Statistical Measurement [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="lab_srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_TBASecuritiesMember_019e2292-dfef-7b78-97bc-a205953f2e69_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TBASecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">TBA Securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_TBASecuritiesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TBASecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">TBA Securities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_TBASecuritiesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TBASecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">TBA Securities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_TBASecuritiesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_TBASecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_TBASecuritiesMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_TBASecuritiesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_019e2292-df52-71c1-ba21-df90235d88f2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Document Fiscal Year Focus</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Document Fiscal Year Focus</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:to="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate_019e2292-df52-78ec-a993-71540af93f18_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Borrowing rate (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Discount Rate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_019e2292-dfef-7610-a407-37f5cb782b7c_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock, $0.01 par value; 866,300 and 866,300 shares authorized, respectively; 101,088 and 101,663 shares issued and outstanding, respectively</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, Value, Issued</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_019e2292-dfef-703f-8b93-128b8e48c360_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">2027</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_CapitalContributionsToLoanOriginationPartners_019e2292-dfef-7d33-91e9-e72b5316fcfd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CapitalContributionsToLoanOriginationPartners" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Capital contributions made to loan origination partners</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CapitalContributionsToLoanOriginationPartners_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CapitalContributionsToLoanOriginationPartners" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Capital Contributions To Loan Origination Partners</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CapitalContributionsToLoanOriginationPartners_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CapitalContributionsToLoanOriginationPartners" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Capital Contributions To Loan Origination Partners</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CapitalContributionsToLoanOriginationPartners" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_CapitalContributionsToLoanOriginationPartners"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CapitalContributionsToLoanOriginationPartners" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CapitalContributionsToLoanOriginationPartners" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant_019e2292-df52-738e-8c61-ee6f62132af9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Maximum Percentage of Shares Per Participant</link:label>
    <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" 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-20260630.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_ecd_RestatementDeterminationDate_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_RestatementDeterminationDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restatement Determination Date</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_RestatementDeterminationDate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_RestatementDeterminationDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restatement Determination Date</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_RestatementDeterminationDate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_RestatementDeterminationDate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_RestatementDeterminationDate" xlink:to="lab_ecd_RestatementDeterminationDate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TaxJurisdictionOfDomicileExtensibleEnumeration_019fb5da-21d7-7eb5-adf9-71b037086e07_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TaxJurisdictionOfDomicileExtensibleEnumeration" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Tax Jurisdiction of Domicile [Extensible Enumeration]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TaxJurisdictionOfDomicileExtensibleEnumeration_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TaxJurisdictionOfDomicileExtensibleEnumeration" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Tax Jurisdiction of Domicile [Extensible Enumeration]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxJurisdictionOfDomicileExtensibleEnumeration" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TaxJurisdictionOfDomicileExtensibleEnumeration"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxJurisdictionOfDomicileExtensibleEnumeration" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_TaxJurisdictionOfDomicileExtensibleEnumeration" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_019e2292-dfef-767f-ada4-57003d8231ed_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Changes in valuation allowances</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativesIncomeOnSwapVariableReceiveLeg_019e2292-e083-7472-a45a-d0493ca6066c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativesIncomeOnSwapVariableReceiveLeg" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income on Swaps variable receive leg</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativesIncomeOnSwapVariableReceiveLeg_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativesIncomeOnSwapVariableReceiveLeg" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivatives Income on Swap Variable Receive Leg</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativesIncomeOnSwapVariableReceiveLeg_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativesIncomeOnSwapVariableReceiveLeg" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivatives Income on SWAP Variable Receive Leg</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DerivativesIncomeOnSwapVariableReceiveLeg" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DerivativesIncomeOnSwapVariableReceiveLeg"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DerivativesIncomeOnSwapVariableReceiveLeg" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DerivativesIncomeOnSwapVariableReceiveLeg" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares_019e2292-df52-7416-89d3-fc8d9178a1dc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock_019e2292-e082-7855-a1f4-0932e581e64b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Statutory Federal Tax Rate to our Effective Tax Rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModifiedPast12Months_019e2292-dfef-7080-9c54-5b5d9f0ad0dd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModifiedPast12Months" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Carrying value of loans past 12 months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModifiedPast12Months_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModifiedPast12Months" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Excluding Accrued Interest, Modified, after 12 Months</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModifiedPast12Months" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModifiedPast12Months"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModifiedPast12Months" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModifiedPast12Months" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_AmendmentFlag_019e2292-e10d-7531-b43b-bd9bdbcaac3b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Amendment Flag</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_AmendmentFlag_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Amendment Flag</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:to="lab_dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherRealizedUnrealizedTreatmentDifferences_019e2292-df52-76b1-94d7-105fae492e42_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherRealizedUnrealizedTreatmentDifferences" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Tax Assets, Other Realized / Unrealized Treatment Differences</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherRealizedUnrealizedTreatmentDifferences_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherRealizedUnrealizedTreatmentDifferences" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Tax Assets, Other Realized / Unrealized Treatment Differences</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherRealizedUnrealizedTreatmentDifferences" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.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_mfa_NotHeldAtFairValueMember_019e2292-e082-7999-abe9-bdb87424b90c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NotHeldAtFairValueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Not Held at Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NotHeldAtFairValueMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NotHeldAtFairValueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Not Held at Fair Value [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NotHeldAtFairValueMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NotHeldAtFairValueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Not Held at Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NotHeldAtFairValueMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_NotHeldAtFairValueMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NotHeldAtFairValueMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NotHeldAtFairValueMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputAnnualChangeInHomePricesMember_019e2292-e083-7374-8eb1-d553fbbc822e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputAnnualChangeInHomePricesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Annual change in home prices</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputAnnualChangeInHomePricesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputAnnualChangeInHomePricesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Input, Annual Change In Home Prices [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputAnnualChangeInHomePricesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputAnnualChangeInHomePricesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Input, Annual Change In Home Prices</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MeasurementInputAnnualChangeInHomePricesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MeasurementInputAnnualChangeInHomePricesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MeasurementInputAnnualChangeInHomePricesMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputAnnualChangeInHomePricesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare_019e2292-e082-7d7a-8d6d-97cd18d8021a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, redemption price (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsAtCarryingValue_019e2292-e083-7003-99e3-f395a4579c0b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Provision/(reversal of provision) for credit losses on residential whole loans and other assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsAtCarryingValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Provision For Credit and Valuation Losses on Residential Whole Loans And Other Financial Instruments At Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsAtCarryingValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Provision For Credit and Valuation Losses on Residential Whole Loans And Other Financial Instruments At Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_019e2292-df52-7c37-b6a8-039305af52d2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Disposal Group Classification [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Disposal Group Classification [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_019e2292-df52-71fe-a23f-7e664ad13456_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gross unrealized losses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_019e2292-df52-7086-b891-bd252a2cc6a5_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_ScheduleOfInterestIncomeComponentsTableTextBlock_019e2292-e082-78f0-ae7e-3c0ef9087707_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfInterestIncomeComponentsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule Of Interest Income Components [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfInterestIncomeComponentsTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfInterestIncomeComponentsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Interest Income Components [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfInterestIncomeComponentsTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ScheduleOfInterestIncomeComponentsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfInterestIncomeComponentsTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfInterestIncomeComponentsTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-751e-bb7b-d4bc65911ad8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <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_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-7f7a-86e0-8eba663f3b24_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Agency MBS Portfolio</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedAtFairValue_019e2292-df52-7a7a-aed1-bfb6c8bc0b05_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real estate owned at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedAtFairValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Owned At Fair Value</link:label>
    <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" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Owned At Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RealEstateOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_RealEstateOwnedAtFairValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RealEstateOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RealEstateOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_019e2292-df52-7ab8-ba72-226c58a85656_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loss Contingencies [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loss Contingencies [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e2292-e10d-755b-ab34-1e77cbd96307_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance_019e2292-df52-7f6b-9e0f-75de1b4a7b8a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unpaid Principal Balance (&#8220;UPB&#8221;)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance_019e2292-df52-7947-ad30-55cc560e2cc3_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldforsaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember_019e2292-df52-7e62-968a-c8b1435a018a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldforsaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Held for sale</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldforsaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldforsaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Disposal Group, Held-for-Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldforsaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldforsaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldforsaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldforsaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ExpenseOnSwapFixedPayLeg_019e2292-e10c-7199-b843-1a491833b55f_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ExpenseOnSwapFixedPayLeg" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Expense on Swaps fixed pay leg</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ExpenseOnSwapFixedPayLeg_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ExpenseOnSwapFixedPayLeg" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Expense on swap Fixed Pay Leg</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ExpenseOnSwapFixedPayLeg_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ExpenseOnSwapFixedPayLeg" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Expense on swap Fixed Pay Leg</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ExpenseOnSwapFixedPayLeg" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ExpenseOnSwapFixedPayLeg"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ExpenseOnSwapFixedPayLeg" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ExpenseOnSwapFixedPayLeg" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock_019e2292-e10d-7fdc-89b1-0f1777d2cbcd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Financing Agreements with Mark-to-Market Collateral Provisions and Associated Assets Pledged as Collateral</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements with Mark-to-market Collateral Provisions and Associated Assets Pledged as Collateral [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements with Mark-to-market Collateral Provisions and Associated Assets Pledged as Collateral</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AdjToNonPeoNeoCompFnTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AdjToNonPeoNeoCompFnTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AdjToNonPeoNeoCompFnTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AdjToNonPeoNeoCompFnTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AdjToNonPeoNeoCompFnTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AdjToNonPeoNeoCompFnTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AdjToNonPeoNeoCompFnTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AdjToNonPeoNeoCompFnTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_019e2292-df52-7f31-a728-c993e7cfb707_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, State or Province</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_019e2292-dfef-7864-b7a8-98c94bd6e16c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Series C Preferred Stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Series C Preferred Stock [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PeoTotalCompAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PeoTotalCompAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">PEO Total Compensation Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PeoTotalCompAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PeoTotalCompAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">PEO Total Compensation Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_PeoTotalCompAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_PeoTotalCompAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_PeoTotalCompAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_PeoTotalCompAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e2292-df53-725d-91e1-4637394b9543_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Assets:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_019e2292-e082-79ee-a539-fcd3067d7b19_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_019e2292-e082-78c2-b18a-37b9ed8b2c04_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_DerivativeNotionalAmount_019e2292-dfef-78e1-b360-ba85ca5edb93_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative, notional amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_019e2292-dfef-76a6-aa71-369ee7f7f088_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Notional Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_019e2292-dfef-76f5-b30d-9a1a8e257c93_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">&#160;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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_GainLossOnLeaseContractModification_019e2292-dfef-7aaf-8762-cbf36a88eb36_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_GainLossOnLeaseContractModification" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gain on lease contract modification</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_GainLossOnLeaseContractModification_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_GainLossOnLeaseContractModification" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) On Lease Contract Modification</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_GainLossOnLeaseContractModification_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_GainLossOnLeaseContractModification" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) On Lease Contract Modification</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_GainLossOnLeaseContractModification" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_GainLossOnLeaseContractModification"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_GainLossOnLeaseContractModification" xlink:to="lab_mfa_GainLossOnLeaseContractModification" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithRightMember_019e2292-e10d-7cf0-8d4d-0165be2acc7c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithRightMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Pledged as Collateral with Right</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithRightMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithRightMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Pledged as Collateral with Right [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithRightMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithRightMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithRightMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithRightMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommonStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember_019e2292-e082-71ce-be7a-218eff782970_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommonStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock ATM Program</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommonStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommonStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock At-the-Market Offering Program [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommonStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommonStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">At The Market Offering</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CommonStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_CommonStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CommonStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CommonStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_019e2292-e083-72bb-9cc8-a91786bca52b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_019e2292-df52-7f3c-bfe5-ff67eed73866_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loss Contingencies [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loss Contingencies [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockBasisSpreadOnVariableRate_019e2292-e083-7f9b-a682-97cd68bb017f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockBasisSpreadOnVariableRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockBasisSpreadOnVariableRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockBasisSpreadOnVariableRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Basis Spread On Variable Rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockBasisSpreadOnVariableRate_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockBasisSpreadOnVariableRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Basis Spread On Variable Rate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_PreferredStockBasisSpreadOnVariableRate" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_PreferredStockBasisSpreadOnVariableRate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_PreferredStockBasisSpreadOnVariableRate" xlink:to="lab_mfa_PreferredStockBasisSpreadOnVariableRate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_019e2292-e082-7544-b017-b25a195a4b7c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">2030</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_019e2292-df52-729a-90ec-d44f5fd91d02_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UnfundedLoanCommitmentMember_019e2292-df52-7e88-a036-371cdfbb4c8e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UnfundedLoanCommitmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unfunded Loan Commitment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UnfundedLoanCommitmentMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UnfundedLoanCommitmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unfunded Loan Commitment [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome_019e2292-e082-714b-8146-5c22e3733974_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual, Interest Income</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver48MonthsTo60MonthsMember_019e2292-df52-7ae5-8665-c2c1ed181c24_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver48MonthsTo60MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Over 48 months to 60 months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver48MonthsTo60MonthsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver48MonthsTo60MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Maturity Over 48 Months to 60 Months [Member]</link:label>
    <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" 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>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver48MonthsTo60MonthsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver48MonthsTo60MonthsMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowSupplementalDisclosuresTableTextBlock_019e2292-e082-7dda-8b21-932d70377e1a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowSupplementalDisclosuresTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowSupplementalDisclosuresTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowSupplementalDisclosuresTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowSupplementalDisclosuresTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowSupplementalDisclosuresTableTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalChangeInAccruedDividendsAttributableToStockBasedAwards_019e2292-df52-73fe-bc5e-8fa475def2e6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalChangeInAccruedDividendsAttributableToStockBasedAwards" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Change in accrued dividends attributable to stock-based awards</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalChangeInAccruedDividendsAttributableToStockBasedAwards_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalChangeInAccruedDividendsAttributableToStockBasedAwards" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Change In Accrued Dividends Attributable To Stock Based Awards</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalChangeInAccruedDividendsAttributableToStockBasedAwards_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalChangeInAccruedDividendsAttributableToStockBasedAwards" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Change In Accrued Dividends Attributable To Stock Based Awards</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalChangeInAccruedDividendsAttributableToStockBasedAwards" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalChangeInAccruedDividendsAttributableToStockBasedAwards"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansNotesTradeAndOtherReceivablesDisclosureTextBlock_019e2292-e083-71aa-b5f6-a1facad419b7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansNotesTradeAndOtherReceivablesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansNotesTradeAndOtherReceivablesDisclosureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansNotesTradeAndOtherReceivablesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansNotesTradeAndOtherReceivablesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LoansNotesTradeAndOtherReceivablesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardTmgMnpiDiscTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardTmgMnpiDiscTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award Timing MNPI Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardTmgMnpiDiscTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardTmgMnpiDiscTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award Timing MNPI Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AwardTmgMnpiDiscTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AwardTmgMnpiDiscTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AwardTmgMnpiDiscTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AwardTmgMnpiDiscTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_019e2292-dfef-7872-98e2-4142f30e6b3e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of vested shares</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_019e2292-e083-7a3a-835c-26f6051abfa7_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_019e2292-e082-7930-96c8-68c02b73d675_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Class of Stock [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Class of Stock [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageInterestRate_019e2292-df52-79b2-bbe5-2945e0bd83e4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Coupon ( as a percent)</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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Weighted Average Interest Rate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageInterestRate"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_019e2292-dfef-7231-968f-89be82a47f94_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net income/(loss) attributable to common stockholders - basic</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_019e2292-dfef-757f-873b-5c2fe9098a68_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherThanSecuritiesInvestmentMember_019e2292-e083-7046-86e8-8625304b6b91_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherThanSecuritiesInvestmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Portfolio Investments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherThanSecuritiesInvestmentMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherThanSecuritiesInvestmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other than Securities Investment [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanSecuritiesInvestmentMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanSecuritiesInvestmentMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_019e2292-dfef-773f-b381-6e9c5f878f51_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated amortization</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Accumulated Amortization</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_019e2292-e10d-7744-8d42-d3d25751d439_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_FairValueChangesOnSecuritizedDebt_019e2292-dfef-70a4-adf1-3c9e10b6df85_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueChangesOnSecuritizedDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net gain/(loss) on securitized debt measured at fair value through earnings</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueChangesOnSecuritizedDebt_019e2292-dfef-7302-870e-f0c8429595d6_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueChangesOnSecuritizedDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net gain/(loss) on securitized debt measured at fair value through earnings</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueChangesOnSecuritizedDebt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueChangesOnSecuritizedDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Changes On Securitized Debt</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueChangesOnSecuritizedDebt_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueChangesOnSecuritizedDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Changes On Securitized Debt</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FairValueChangesOnSecuritizedDebt" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FairValueChangesOnSecuritizedDebt"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SaleOfStockRemainingAvailableAmount_019e2292-e082-745f-85d3-55ea4212131d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SaleOfStockRemainingAvailableAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Remaining available amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SaleOfStockRemainingAvailableAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SaleOfStockRemainingAvailableAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Sale Of Stock, Remaining Available Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SaleOfStockRemainingAvailableAmount_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SaleOfStockRemainingAvailableAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Sale Of Stock, Remaining Available Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SaleOfStockRemainingAvailableAmount" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_SaleOfStockRemainingAvailableAmount"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAndResaleAgreementsPolicy_019e2292-e082-7900-849d-4784c9eea865_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAndResaleAgreementsPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAndResaleAgreementsPolicy_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAndResaleAgreementsPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase and Resale Agreements Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAndResaleAgreementsPolicy" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAndResaleAgreementsPolicy"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAndResaleAgreementsPolicy" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RepurchaseAndResaleAgreementsPolicy" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock_019e2292-e083-764c-9297-f0ea21e12b9a_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_VariableRateComponentDomain_019e2292-e082-7929-ac73-1f5c15393478_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_VariableRateComponentDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Rate Component [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_VariableRateComponentDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_VariableRateComponentDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Rate Component [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_VariableRateComponentDomain_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_VariableRateComponentDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Rate Component [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_VariableRateComponentDomain" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_VariableRateComponentDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_VariableRateComponentDomain" xlink:to="lab_mfa_VariableRateComponentDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_019e2292-e083-7af2-a28d-37c026844a36_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">New Accounting Standards and Interpretations</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_019e2292-e083-787b-860a-bd3ee03cab9e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Earnings per Common Share (&#8220;EPS&#8221;)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SeasonedReperformingAndNonPerformingLoansMember_019e2292-dfef-76e3-9c7a-1bf2a6740d9c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SeasonedReperformingAndNonPerformingLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Seasoned RPL/NPL loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SeasonedReperformingAndNonPerformingLoansMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SeasonedReperformingAndNonPerformingLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Seasoned Reperforming and Non Performing Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SeasonedReperformingAndNonPerformingLoansMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SeasonedReperformingAndNonPerformingLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Seasoned Reperforming and Non Performing Loans</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SeasonedReperformingAndNonPerformingLoansMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_SeasonedReperformingAndNonPerformingLoansMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_SeasonedReperformingAndNonPerformingLoansMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_SeasonedReperformingAndNonPerformingLoansMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue_019e2292-e083-7e28-81c3-71780cbb18f0_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Agency MBS, at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_019e2292-e083-7314-8892-1c2cc1ce89a8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_CumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember_019e2292-e083-7e07-b614-dddc4e7a6a6f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_CumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearThreeOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_019e2292-dfef-7c24-9f63-feee6d47269d_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearThreeOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">2024</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearThreeOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearThreeOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Excluding Accrued Interest, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearThreeOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearThreeOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearThreeOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearThreeOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSoldDuringPeriod_019e2292-df53-7467-9549-a51bcbfff1e5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSoldDuringPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Properties sold during period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSoldDuringPeriod_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSoldDuringPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of Real Estate Properties Sold During Period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSoldDuringPeriod_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSoldDuringPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of Real Estate Properties Sold During Period</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSoldDuringPeriod" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSoldDuringPeriod"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSoldDuringPeriod" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSoldDuringPeriod" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_019e2292-dfef-7b0c-be26-aec21386d2e8_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsExclgValRprtdInSummryCompstnTblMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsExclgValRprtdInSummryCompstnTblMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in Compensation Table</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsExclgValRprtdInSummryCompstnTblMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsExclgValRprtdInSummryCompstnTblMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in the Compensation Table [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsExclgValRprtdInSummryCompstnTblMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsExclgValRprtdInSummryCompstnTblMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsExclgValRprtdInSummryCompstnTblMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsExclgValRprtdInSummryCompstnTblMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LoansIncludingFairValueLoansCreditImpairedLoansAndOtherLoansAtCarryingValue_019e2292-df52-735b-8e66-87c818a813f9_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LoansIncludingFairValueLoansCreditImpairedLoansAndOtherLoansAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total residential whole loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LoansIncludingFairValueLoansCreditImpairedLoansAndOtherLoansAtCarryingValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LoansIncludingFairValueLoansCreditImpairedLoansAndOtherLoansAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loans, Including Fair Value Loans, Credit Impaired Loans And Other Loans At Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LoansIncludingFairValueLoansCreditImpairedLoansAndOtherLoansAtCarryingValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LoansIncludingFairValueLoansCreditImpairedLoansAndOtherLoansAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loans, Including Fair Value Loans, Credit Impaired Loans And Other Loans At Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_LoansIncludingFairValueLoansCreditImpairedLoansAndOtherLoansAtCarryingValue" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_LoansIncludingFairValueLoansCreditImpairedLoansAndOtherLoansAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_LoansIncludingFairValueLoansCreditImpairedLoansAndOtherLoansAtCarryingValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_LoansIncludingFairValueLoansCreditImpairedLoansAndOtherLoansAtCarryingValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_019e2292-df52-70b9-b445-ed391e796ca5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stockholders' Equity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_019e2292-df52-7218-983f-86f4fc111517_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Operating and Other Expense:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Costs and Expenses [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName_019e2292-dfef-7860-8872-a35fe688d946_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/dei-2026.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_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestment_019e2292-e083-7ed7-a480-a3fcc19a3f23_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of real estate properties held-for-investment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestment_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of Real Estate Properties Held For Investment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestment_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of Real Estate Properties Held For Investment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestment" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestment"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestment" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestment" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_TransitionalLoansMember_019e2292-dfef-783c-bc13-900a5c80cfa7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TransitionalLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Transitional loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_TransitionalLoansMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TransitionalLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Transitional Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_TransitionalLoansMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TransitionalLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Transitional Loans</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_TransitionalLoansMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_TransitionalLoansMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_TransitionalLoansMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_TransitionalLoansMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_019e2292-e082-706d-adf9-e24b06d2dd1e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross_019e2292-df52-7bf0-92f6-cce53fa76d47_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value / Carrying Value</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" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross"/>
    <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_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_019e2292-df53-7488-817c-c9cc61fbbc0e_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_019e2292-e083-7ec2-a760-1c516bc6a976_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Impairment on investment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Method Investment, Other-than-Temporary Impairment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn03MonthsMember_019e2292-df52-7120-8cd4-9d0482793343_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn03MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">0-3 Months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn03MonthsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn03MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unpaid Principal Balance, Maturing In 0-3 Months [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn03MonthsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn03MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unpaid Principal Balance, Maturing In 0-3 Months</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn03MonthsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn03MonthsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn03MonthsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn03MonthsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAveragePurchasePricePercentage_019e2292-df52-7c1f-8ad5-b6e55c67edae_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAveragePurchasePricePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Purchase Price (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAveragePurchasePricePercentage_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAveragePurchasePricePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Weighted Average Purchase Price, Percentage</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAveragePurchasePricePercentage_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAveragePurchasePricePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Weighted Average Purchase Price, Percentage</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAveragePurchasePricePercentage" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAveragePurchasePricePercentage"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAveragePurchasePricePercentage" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAveragePurchasePricePercentage" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_019e2292-e10d-7077-9f46-071e677e17e8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum shares authorized for grant (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_019e2292-df52-7368-a1e7-6a1913f0b80c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ecd_OutstandingRecoveryIndName_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_OutstandingRecoveryIndName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Name</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_OutstandingRecoveryIndName_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_OutstandingRecoveryIndName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Outstanding Recovery, Individual Name</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_OutstandingRecoveryIndName" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_OutstandingRecoveryIndName"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_OutstandingRecoveryIndName" xlink:to="lab_ecd_OutstandingRecoveryIndName" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardTmgHowMnpiCnsdrdTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardTmgHowMnpiCnsdrdTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award Timing, How MNPI Considered</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardTmgHowMnpiCnsdrdTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardTmgHowMnpiCnsdrdTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award Timing, How MNPI Considered [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AwardTmgHowMnpiCnsdrdTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AwardTmgHowMnpiCnsdrdTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AwardTmgHowMnpiCnsdrdTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AwardTmgHowMnpiCnsdrdTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_019e2292-df52-7d71-bc4c-4ff0542562ef_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">State</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealizedGainLossOnTerminationOfDerivatives_019e2292-e082-7c02-80df-cf7fac652f20_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealizedGainLossOnTerminationOfDerivatives" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Realized gain/(loss) on terminated Swaps</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealizedGainLossOnTerminationOfDerivatives_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealizedGainLossOnTerminationOfDerivatives" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Realized Gain (Loss) On Termination Of Derivatives</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealizedGainLossOnTerminationOfDerivatives_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealizedGainLossOnTerminationOfDerivatives" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Realized Gain (Loss) On Termination Of Derivatives</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RealizedGainLossOnTerminationOfDerivatives" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_RealizedGainLossOnTerminationOfDerivatives"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RealizedGainLossOnTerminationOfDerivatives" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RealizedGainLossOnTerminationOfDerivatives" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy_019e2292-e10d-7bba-b4c9-b6b5168d68a6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Interest Entities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_019e2292-e082-7353-aadb-a911ed1d6415_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ecd_FrValAsOfPrrYrEndOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsFldVstngCondsDrngCvrdYrMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_FrValAsOfPrrYrEndOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsFldVstngCondsDrngCvrdYrMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_FrValAsOfPrrYrEndOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsFldVstngCondsDrngCvrdYrMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_FrValAsOfPrrYrEndOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsFldVstngCondsDrngCvrdYrMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_FrValAsOfPrrYrEndOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsFldVstngCondsDrngCvrdYrMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_FrValAsOfPrrYrEndOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsFldVstngCondsDrngCvrdYrMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_FrValAsOfPrrYrEndOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsFldVstngCondsDrngCvrdYrMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_FrValAsOfPrrYrEndOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsFldVstngCondsDrngCvrdYrMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PnsnAdjsPrrSvcCstMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PnsnAdjsPrrSvcCstMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PnsnAdjsPrrSvcCstMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PnsnAdjsPrrSvcCstMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_PnsnAdjsPrrSvcCstMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_PnsnAdjsPrrSvcCstMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_PnsnAdjsPrrSvcCstMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_PnsnAdjsPrrSvcCstMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent_019e2292-dfef-7408-9e47-98c4265ffa19_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Amounts reclassified from AOCI</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod_019e2292-e10d-76fb-96a1-fcadeb055a69_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt instrument, coupon step-up period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Coupon Step-Up Period</link:label>
    <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" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Coupon Step-Up Period</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_019e2292-e082-7efc-8546-680d5e652a9e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized mark-to-market gain/(loss)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputCurrentValueOfUnderlyingPropertiesMember_019e2292-e083-788c-8b24-1c395fd911a1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputCurrentValueOfUnderlyingPropertiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Current value of underlying properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputCurrentValueOfUnderlyingPropertiesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputCurrentValueOfUnderlyingPropertiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Input, Current Value of Underlying Properties [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputCurrentValueOfUnderlyingPropertiesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputCurrentValueOfUnderlyingPropertiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Input, Current Value of Underlying Properties</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MeasurementInputCurrentValueOfUnderlyingPropertiesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MeasurementInputCurrentValueOfUnderlyingPropertiesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MeasurementInputCurrentValueOfUnderlyingPropertiesMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MeasurementInputCurrentValueOfUnderlyingPropertiesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e2292-df52-7cdf-a2a7-049d5ccdb79b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Class [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Class [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_OutstandingRecoveryCompAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_OutstandingRecoveryCompAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_OutstandingRecoveryCompAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_OutstandingRecoveryCompAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Outstanding Recovery Compensation Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_OutstandingRecoveryCompAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_OutstandingRecoveryCompAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_OutstandingRecoveryCompAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_OutstandingRecoveryCompAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities_019e2292-dfef-711c-af33-30c4a0fc09e8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Amortized Cost Basis</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities_019e2292-dfef-7d9f-a6e5-d4ce38494d29_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing agreements</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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreements, Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.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_ecd_IndividualAxis_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_IndividualAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Individual:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_IndividualAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_IndividualAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Individual [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_IndividualAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_IndividualAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_IndividualAxis" xlink:to="lab_ecd_IndividualAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_019e2292-dfef-7ef0-95d0-b46bb2c58626_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e2292-df53-757b-8e50-6559abe66d65_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_019e2292-dfef-7ba3-a6e7-33745a89d7a0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Emerging Growth Company</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansInProcessOfForeclosureAmount_019e2292-df53-77c1-a453-dc2b300bf7af_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansInProcessOfForeclosureAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-78dc-bd4e-ce554d4ab5a4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Instruments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss_019e2292-dfef-7ebb-a1a6-72bc53192798_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Loans before allowance for credit losses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss_019e2292-dfef-7622-9f53-dddc2de695d0_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss_019e2292-dfef-7cb8-a092-75c6bce3f6de_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Excluding Accrued Interest, before Allowance for Credit Loss</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_UndrlygSecurityMktPriceChngPct_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_UndrlygSecurityMktPriceChngPct" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Underlying Security Market Price Change</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_UndrlygSecurityMktPriceChngPct_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_UndrlygSecurityMktPriceChngPct" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Underlying Security Market Price Change, Percent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_UndrlygSecurityMktPriceChngPct" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_UndrlygSecurityMktPriceChngPct"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_UndrlygSecurityMktPriceChngPct" xlink:to="lab_ecd_UndrlygSecurityMktPriceChngPct" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_019e2292-df52-7903-b9cf-1ce682758f87_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Present Value Discount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue_019e2292-e082-7385-95f0-c3713058e83a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Overnight money market funds</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash Equivalent, Money Market Fund, Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList_019e2292-e082-7a2c-a6e4-bd02cb94b8e0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember_019e2292-df52-7a31-ab6e-b0ac8915bf17_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember_019e2292-e10d-744a-b56f-6202cafe1e40_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_019e2292-e082-7ff7-9201-f668ff1b8179_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAfterTaxAndReclassificationAdjustment_019e2292-e082-7bf8-8c77-be1efa341376_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAfterTaxAndReclassificationAdjustment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Changes in fair value of financing agreements at fair value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAfterTaxAndReclassificationAdjustment_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAfterTaxAndReclassificationAdjustment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Financial Liability, Fair Value Option, after Tax and Reclassification Adjustment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAfterTaxAndReclassificationAdjustment" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAfterTaxAndReclassificationAdjustment"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAfterTaxAndReclassificationAdjustment" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAfterTaxAndReclassificationAdjustment" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e2292-e10c-7c23-a50d-3c67da2ea08e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtCarryingValue_019e2292-df52-7686-904a-e8dcd1829432_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net realized gain/(loss) on residential whole loans held at carrying value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtCarryingValue_019e2292-df52-795e-81a3-aa7ef2ebe5df_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net realized gain/(loss) on residential whole loans held at carrying value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtCarryingValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans On Real Estate, Gain (Loss) On Loans At Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtCarryingValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans On Real Estate, Gain (Loss) On Loans At Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtCarryingValue" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtCarryingValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtCarryingValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfRedeemablePreferredStock_019e2292-e082-7477-a039-0c01c9b0867f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfRedeemablePreferredStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from issuance of redeemable preferred stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfRedeemablePreferredStock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfRedeemablePreferredStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Issuance of Redeemable Preferred Stock</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfRedeemablePreferredStock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfRedeemablePreferredStock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfRedeemablePreferredStock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfRedeemablePreferredStock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_019e2292-df53-7c49-bebc-3093793f9543_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ImpactOfNetSwapCarryMember_019e2292-e10d-7553-afae-0712ff84d757_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ImpactOfNetSwapCarryMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Impact of net Swap carry</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ImpactOfNetSwapCarryMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ImpactOfNetSwapCarryMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Impact of Net Swap Carry [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ImpactOfNetSwapCarryMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ImpactOfNetSwapCarryMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Impact of Net Swap Carry</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ImpactOfNetSwapCarryMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ImpactOfNetSwapCarryMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ImpactOfNetSwapCarryMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ImpactOfNetSwapCarryMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_019e2292-dfef-7cb7-baff-cd4b6d8e27d6_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CollateralDomain_019e2292-dfef-7cca-8f49-453d46a28495_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CollateralDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Collateral Held [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CollateralDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CollateralDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Collateral Held [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollateralDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CollateralDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AllExecutiveCategoriesMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AllExecutiveCategoriesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">All Executive Categories</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AllExecutiveCategoriesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AllExecutiveCategoriesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">All Executive Categories [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AllExecutiveCategoriesMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AllExecutiveCategoriesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AllExecutiveCategoriesMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AllExecutiveCategoriesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_019e2292-e10d-7dfb-9798-32bd975b930f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Valuation Approach and Technique [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Valuation Approach and Technique [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SwapMember_019e2292-e083-77e6-9df2-f5fcf252724e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SwapMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Swap</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SwapMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SwapMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Swap [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SwapMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SwapMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SwapMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SwapMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PnsnAdjsSvcCstMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PnsnAdjsSvcCstMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Pension Adjustments Service Cost</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PnsnAdjsSvcCstMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PnsnAdjsSvcCstMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_PnsnAdjsSvcCstMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_PnsnAdjsSvcCstMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_PnsnAdjsSvcCstMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_PnsnAdjsSvcCstMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_019e2292-df52-75ec-80ca-48a484a59d16_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss):</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember_019e2292-e10d-7ca3-8d93-cb01df5d8cdd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Plans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation, Share-Based Payments [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember"/>
    <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_WithoutAssociatedCreditLossesMember_019e2292-df53-71a7-ac40-523fce942c38_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_WithoutAssociatedCreditLossesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Without associated credit losses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_WithoutAssociatedCreditLossesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_WithoutAssociatedCreditLossesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Without Associated Credit Losses [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_WithoutAssociatedCreditLossesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_WithoutAssociatedCreditLossesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Without Associated Credit Losses</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_WithoutAssociatedCreditLossesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_WithoutAssociatedCreditLossesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_WithoutAssociatedCreditLossesMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_WithoutAssociatedCreditLossesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CRTSecuritiesMember_019e2292-dfef-7d86-bc9e-d667a9043595_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CRTSecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">CRT Securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CRTSecuritiesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CRTSecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">CRT Securities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CRTSecuritiesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CRTSecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">CRT Securities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CRTSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_CRTSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CRTSecuritiesMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CRTSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameDomain_019e2292-dfef-72d3-a88f-8e63b4a43df8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Restructuring Modification Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Restructuring Modification Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_019e2292-df53-7734-8d1e-c293a7ada509_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Reconciliation of the Earnings/(Loss) and Shares used in Calculating Basic and Diluted EPS</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAttributableToParentMember_019e2292-e10d-7cef-af42-a68dd5566941_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAttributableToParentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAttributableToParentMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAttributableToParentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Gain (Loss), Financial Liability, Fair Value Option, Attributable to Parent [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAttributableToParentMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAttributableToParentMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAttributableToParentMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossFinancialLiabilityFairValueOptionAttributableToParentMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-7307-9971-1c85544f09d2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MinimumMember_019e2292-e082-7bc7-9f41-f0fd35e0ee08_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MinimumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Minimum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MinimumMember_019e2292-e082-744a-a13d-bf17e9663082_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MinimumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Minimum [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_MinimumMember" xlink:to="lab_srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossPercent_019e2292-e082-734a-8238-00f23152a7b7_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossPercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">VIE income or loss (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossPercent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossPercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, VIE Income (Loss), Percent</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossPercent_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossPercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, VIE Income (Loss), Percent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossPercent" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossPercent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossPercent" xlink:to="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossPercent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e2292-e082-7c65-9181-bec2012c0074_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_019e2292-df53-7418-874f-0720b73b61fd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_MSRRelatedAssetsMember_019e2292-dfef-7187-8c92-9ff1547ff218_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MSRRelatedAssetsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">MSR related assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MSRRelatedAssetsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MSRRelatedAssetsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">MSR Related Assets [Member]</link:label>
    <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" xml:lang="en-US">MSR Related Assets</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MSRRelatedAssetsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MSRRelatedAssetsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MSRRelatedAssetsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MSRRelatedAssetsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-7c93-87a6-71a2c3eb95de_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_NonRule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NonRule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_NonRule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NonRule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_NonRule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_NonRule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_NonRule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag" xlink:to="lab_ecd_NonRule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_EqtyAwrdsInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_EqtyAwrdsInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_EqtyAwrdsInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_019e2292-dfef-73c2-bf55-3686081ac2f4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Property, Ownership [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" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Property, Ownership [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_019e2292-e082-7609-863b-62accefb3c75_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAndREOMember_019e2292-dfef-74fe-a15e-f7a07d6cbba0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAndREOMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans and REO</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAndREOMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAndREOMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans And REO [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAndREOMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAndREOMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans And REO</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAndREOMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAndREOMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAndREOMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAndREOMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_019e2292-dfef-7803-81d3-2affddd9e407_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends declared on common stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends, Common Stock</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_019e2292-df53-7fc1-83ac-ab9fa5fc7d37_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_019e2292-df52-72eb-9cd0-47bd955ee29c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, Shares Authorized</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossAmount_019e2292-df52-7f9a-8129-28dd7bc2dbb7_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">VIE income or loss</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, VIE Income (Loss), Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossAmount_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, VIE Income (Loss), Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossAmount" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossAmount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossAmount" xlink:to="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossAmount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_019e2292-dfef-728f-bf64-9966ea0d6d4d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Expected useful life</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Useful Life</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_019e2292-dfef-7b32-b475-8791373f990a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_019e2292-df53-7fc5-908e-0d88282532e6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Shares Issued (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardExrcPrice_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardExrcPrice" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Exercise Price</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardExrcPrice_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardExrcPrice" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award Exercise Price</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AwardExrcPrice" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AwardExrcPrice"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AwardExrcPrice" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AwardExrcPrice" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_019e2292-e083-749a-9c12-896d4e76605e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Recurring basis</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Recurring [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e2292-df53-7305-aaa2-d5fce63748cb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_019e2292-df53-7891-8c4c-5f8eab1f7685_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity-Based Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity-Based Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_019e2292-e10d-737b-9fc8-6cf55829ee56_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock repurchase program, authorized amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share Repurchase Program, Authorized, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:to="lab_srt_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_019e2292-e082-77ac-9da7-81f1358b4df0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Document Quarterly Report</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Document Quarterly Report</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:to="lab_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A6.50CouponMember_019e2292-e082-7b85-bee1-228b38028d16_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A6.50CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">6.50% Coupon</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A6.50CouponMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A6.50CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">6.50% Coupon [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A6.50CouponMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A6.50CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">6.50% Coupon</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_A6.50CouponMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_A6.50CouponMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_A6.50CouponMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_A6.50CouponMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ChngInFrValOfOutsdngAndUnvstdEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ChngInFrValOfOutsdngAndUnvstdEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ChngInFrValOfOutsdngAndUnvstdEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ChngInFrValOfOutsdngAndUnvstdEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_ChngInFrValOfOutsdngAndUnvstdEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_ChngInFrValOfOutsdngAndUnvstdEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_ChngInFrValOfOutsdngAndUnvstdEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_ChngInFrValOfOutsdngAndUnvstdEqtyAwrdsGrntdInPrrYrsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_WeightedAverageFICOScores_019e2292-df53-7460-b204-a2d5e4ed56be_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_WeightedAverageFICOScores" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Original FICO</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_WeightedAverageFICOScores_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_WeightedAverageFICOScores" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average FICO Scores</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_WeightedAverageFICOScores_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_WeightedAverageFICOScores" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average FICO Scores</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_WeightedAverageFICOScores" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_WeightedAverageFICOScores"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_WeightedAverageFICOScores" xlink:to="lab_mfa_WeightedAverageFICOScores" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_019e2292-df53-73c3-977b-6dc523a5e306_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from sales of securities and other assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_019e2292-df53-7e5d-a4c8-bc70ecc1d028_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from sales of securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_019e2292-dfef-711d-a1ec-fb988c05f5fb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued interest payable</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Payable</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAggregateCarryingValueOfRealEstateOwnedPropertiesTableTextBlock_019e2292-df53-7c8a-a03d-d4a3c1011b9e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAggregateCarryingValueOfRealEstateOwnedPropertiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Aggregate Carrying Value of REO Properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAggregateCarryingValueOfRealEstateOwnedPropertiesTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAggregateCarryingValueOfRealEstateOwnedPropertiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule Of Aggregate Carrying Value Of Real Estate Owned Properties [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAggregateCarryingValueOfRealEstateOwnedPropertiesTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAggregateCarryingValueOfRealEstateOwnedPropertiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule Of Aggregate Carrying Value Of Real Estate Owned Properties</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfAggregateCarryingValueOfRealEstateOwnedPropertiesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ScheduleOfAggregateCarryingValueOfRealEstateOwnedPropertiesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfAggregateCarryingValueOfRealEstateOwnedPropertiesTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAggregateCarryingValueOfRealEstateOwnedPropertiesTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_019e2292-dfef-7b8d-a907-cf8be6b5f995_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_019e2292-dfef-75de-8987-53b76b524e91_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTableTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Table</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AwardsCloseToMnpiDiscTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis_019e2292-dfef-7415-9b9e-93bda98ace68_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lease Contractual Term [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lease Contractual Term [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_019e2292-dfef-7f20-a639-bb7db7758ac1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity method investments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Method Investments</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e2292-df52-75a6-a6fc-d90b115a0dbe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Component [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Component [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1_019e2292-e10d-74a1-81b1-11ed75faff37_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Changes in fair value recorded in Net gain/(loss) on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_019e2292-df52-7c18-b816-abd8284ac29d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure_019e2292-df53-7e53-bc5d-d942fec07e23_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loans Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_019e2292-e10c-7b11-8b4a-5f8c1e2955dc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Properties [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Properties [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TrdArrAdoptionDate_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TrdArrAdoptionDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adoption Date</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TrdArrAdoptionDate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TrdArrAdoptionDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Arrangement Adoption Date</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_TrdArrAdoptionDate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TrdArrAdoptionDate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_TrdArrAdoptionDate" xlink:to="lab_ecd_TrdArrAdoptionDate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_019e2292-e082-7f97-950a-923fec2219cd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Counterparty Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Counterparty Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="lab_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressesAddressTypeAxis_019f133e-ec02-7c1c-af3f-c2531cbb553a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressesAddressTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Addresses, Address Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressesAddressTypeAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressesAddressTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Addresses, Address Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressesAddressTypeAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressesAddressTypeAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityAddressesAddressTypeAxis" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityAddressesAddressTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TrdArrIndTitle_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TrdArrIndTitle" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Title</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TrdArrIndTitle_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TrdArrIndTitle" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Arrangement, Individual Title</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_TrdArrIndTitle" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TrdArrIndTitle"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_TrdArrIndTitle" xlink:to="lab_ecd_TrdArrIndTitle" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToDisqualificationOfTaxBenefitsAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToDisqualificationOfTaxBenefitsAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToDisqualificationOfTaxBenefitsAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToDisqualificationOfTaxBenefitsAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToDisqualificationOfTaxBenefitsAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToDisqualificationOfTaxBenefitsAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToDisqualificationOfTaxBenefitsAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryDueToDisqualificationOfTaxBenefitsAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_019e2292-e10c-75b4-9198-bccf7fdd784d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accounting Policies [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accounting Policies [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_RestatementDoesNotRequireRecoveryTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_RestatementDoesNotRequireRecoveryTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restatement does not require Recovery</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_RestatementDoesNotRequireRecoveryTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_RestatementDoesNotRequireRecoveryTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restatement Does Not Require Recovery [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_RestatementDoesNotRequireRecoveryTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_RestatementDoesNotRequireRecoveryTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_RestatementDoesNotRequireRecoveryTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_RestatementDoesNotRequireRecoveryTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsTable_019e2292-df52-7120-9404-fd0f7e1179a5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsTable_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OtherAssetsTable" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_OtherAssetsTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_OtherAssetsTable" xlink:to="lab_mfa_OtherAssetsTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_019e2292-e082-7544-b9b0-9a50cfda2d9b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lease liability</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_019e2292-e082-73fa-a047-c0496c8cfe43_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Lease Liability (Note 7)</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1_019e2292-e10c-7da0-badc-d8d62e73f528_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Average maturity term of swaps (in months)</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_OtherOperatingIncome_019e2292-df53-774c-bcc8-7c479a2beb8b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other interest-earning assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Operating Income</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcAdoptedFlag_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcAdoptedFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcAdoptedFlag_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcAdoptedFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted [Flag]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcAdoptedFlag" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcAdoptedFlag"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcAdoptedFlag" xlink:to="lab_ecd_InsiderTrdPoliciesProcAdoptedFlag" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesPercentage_019e2292-e083-750a-a7ec-552738892672_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesPercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Basis difference in contributed assets to subsidiaries (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesPercentage_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesPercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Basis Difference In Contributed Assets To Subsidiaries, Percentage</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesPercentage_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesPercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Basis Difference In Contributed Assets To Subsidiaries, Percentage</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesPercentage" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesPercentage"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesPercentage" xlink:to="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesPercentage" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember_019e2292-e10c-7936-ad92-847460411859_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by residential whole loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember_019e2292-e10c-7012-918a-3f9c3174ca54_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember_019e2292-e10c-75ee-af69-43f4601df421_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_019e2292-dfef-7323-8d5d-7a849e603ab7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repayments of debt</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repayments of Debt</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_019e2292-dfef-75fd-8838-27b8e26d31d6_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_019e2292-dfef-77c3-a6b8-d3433a21bba4_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-Mark-to-Market</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_019e2292-dfef-7eed-b130-882fe0dfbd9b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Agreements With Non-Mark-To-Market Collateral Provisions [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Agreements With Non-Mark-To-Market Collateral Provisions [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_019e2292-e082-7d6b-8eaf-df750f77b867_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination [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" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_019e2292-e082-771a-a9bf-b823406253cf_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commitments and Contingencies</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsNetIncomeTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsNetIncomeTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsNetIncomeTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsNetIncomeTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsNetIncomeTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsNetIncomeTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsNetIncomeTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsNetIncomeTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_019e2292-e082-7f23-b219-4e8ebccca208_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPurchasePremiums_019e2292-dfef-7a95-8580-ea03cbdf5817_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPurchasePremiums" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Purchase Premiums</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPurchasePremiums_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPurchasePremiums" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Available For Sale Securities, Purchase Premiums</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPurchasePremiums_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPurchasePremiums" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the amount of unamortized purchase premiums related to available-for-sale securities.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPurchasePremiums" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPurchasePremiums"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPurchasePremiums" xlink:to="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPurchasePremiums" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_019e2292-e082-7b9f-8554-77daa4c52d7d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_WeightedAverageMember_019e2292-dfef-738f-98ae-2f1e05be9407_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_WeightedAverageMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_WeightedAverageMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_WeightedAverageMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_WeightedAverageMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_WeightedAverageMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_WeightedAverageMember" xlink:to="lab_srt_WeightedAverageMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AllAdjToCompMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AllAdjToCompMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">All Adjustments to Compensation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AllAdjToCompMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AllAdjToCompMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">All Adjustments to Compensation [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AllAdjToCompMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AllAdjToCompMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AllAdjToCompMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AllAdjToCompMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_019e2292-df52-76e9-9c1c-6aa9b5381b27_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Corporate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item, Corporate Nonsegment [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_019e2292-e082-77a7-946d-858aa102884f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMortgageBackedSecuritiesTableTextBlock_019e2292-e082-7551-abff-d8a43b34b7f8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMortgageBackedSecuritiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Impact of AFS on AOCI</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMortgageBackedSecuritiesTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMortgageBackedSecuritiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Mortgage Backed Securities [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMortgageBackedSecuritiesTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMortgageBackedSecuritiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Tabular disclosure of the impact of available-for-sale securities on accumulated other comprehensive income.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMortgageBackedSecuritiesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMortgageBackedSecuritiesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMortgageBackedSecuritiesTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMortgageBackedSecuritiesTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_019e2292-e083-728a-a3e1-e15e5460fde2_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net cash provided by/(used in) 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" xml:lang="en-US">Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreferenceValue_019e2292-e10d-7c9d-aaf3-d2bc18a5b918_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreferenceValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, liquidation preference, value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreferenceValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreferenceValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreferenceValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreferenceValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreferenceValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreferenceValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsAdditions_019e2292-e10d-7414-b6e7-b15ae5c81eb7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsAdditions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Purchases and capital improvements, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsAdditions_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsAdditions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Investments, Additions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsAdditions_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsAdditions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Investments, Additions</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsAdditions" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsAdditions"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsAdditions" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsAdditions" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RatedandNonRatedCertificatesMember_019e2292-dfef-7e35-be70-4482463df4b2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RatedandNonRatedCertificatesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Support Certificates</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RatedandNonRatedCertificatesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RatedandNonRatedCertificatesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Rated and Non-Rated Certificates [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RatedandNonRatedCertificatesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RatedandNonRatedCertificatesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Rated and Non-Rated Certificates [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RatedandNonRatedCertificatesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_RatedandNonRatedCertificatesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_RatedandNonRatedCertificatesMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_RatedandNonRatedCertificatesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForward_019e2292-dfef-768f-89c5-ada17a69b490_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_DebtSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss_019e2292-dfef-7af2-a396-60580f85bf20_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Realized gain on securities sold</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Realized Gain (Loss)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeDepositsWithFinancialInstitutions_019e2292-df52-7ec1-9b5a-d1eb5b78d4ae_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeDepositsWithFinancialInstitutions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash and cash equivalent investments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeDepositsWithFinancialInstitutions_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeDepositsWithFinancialInstitutions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Income, Deposits with Financial Institutions</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeDepositsWithFinancialInstitutions" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeDepositsWithFinancialInstitutions"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeDepositsWithFinancialInstitutions" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeDepositsWithFinancialInstitutions" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_019e2292-e083-7a3e-a5a0-d4defc6280a3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_StockholdersEquityAbstract_019e2292-e10d-7968-939f-5482d8f5cf4f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stockholders&#8217; Equity:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_019e2292-df52-796e-a62b-08eb0b3c2354_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Document Transition Report</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Document Transition Report</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:to="lab_dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfOtherInvestments_019e2292-df52-790e-9640-bd88ff416c0c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfOtherInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_019e2292-dfef-7866-ba55-f363726332a4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Commitments [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Commitments [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_CityAreaCode_019e2292-e10d-775b-9d93-1beaedafdde4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">City Area Code</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_CityAreaCode_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">City Area Code</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:to="lab_dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_019e2292-df52-74fb-9ac1-fb545c06a6fc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Senior notes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialAssetGreaterThan120DaysPastDueMember_019e2292-e082-7fc8-a80d-ead7401ab728_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialAssetGreaterThan120DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">120+ days deliquent</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialAssetGreaterThan120DaysPastDueMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialAssetGreaterThan120DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Asset, Greater Than 120 Days Past Due [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancialAssetGreaterThan120DaysPastDueMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancialAssetGreaterThan120DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Asset, Greater Than 120 Days Past Due</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancialAssetGreaterThan120DaysPastDueMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancialAssetGreaterThan120DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancialAssetGreaterThan120DaysPastDueMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancialAssetGreaterThan120DaysPastDueMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SingleFamilyRentalLoansMember_019e2292-df53-7bb7-8f4b-b5edbeb878c2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SingleFamilyRentalLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Single-Family Rental Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SingleFamilyRentalLoansMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.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_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryIndName_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryIndName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Name</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryIndName_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryIndName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Forgone Recovery, Individual Name</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryIndName" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_ForgoneRecoveryIndName"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryIndName" xlink:to="lab_ecd_ForgoneRecoveryIndName" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_NonGaapMeasureDescriptionTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NonGaapMeasureDescriptionTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-GAAP Measure Description</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_NonGaapMeasureDescriptionTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NonGaapMeasureDescriptionTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_NonGaapMeasureDescriptionTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_NonGaapMeasureDescriptionTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_NonGaapMeasureDescriptionTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_NonGaapMeasureDescriptionTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MBS30Year5.5CouponMember_019e2292-df52-729f-9458-5fa51ea8ae1f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MBS30Year5.5CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">MBS 30 Year 5.5% Coupon</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MBS30Year5.5CouponMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MBS30Year5.5CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">MBS 30 Year 5.5% Coupon [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MBS30Year5.5CouponMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MBS30Year5.5CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">MBS 30 Year 5.5% Coupon</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MBS30Year5.5CouponMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MBS30Year5.5CouponMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MBS30Year5.5CouponMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MBS30Year5.5CouponMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver36MonthsTo48MonthsMember_019e2292-dfef-745c-95d2-3dd175175927_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver36MonthsTo48MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDiscountDesignatedAsCreditReserveAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_019e2292-df52-7d43-b98c-948826cea7b1_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDiscountDesignatedAsCreditReserveAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_PreferredStockSharesIssued_019e2292-e10d-7f9a-bd6f-de1be2c63abb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Shares Issued</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating_019e2292-dfef-7e58-b5c9-2ee2d967d2c4_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating_019e2292-dfef-71c5-b135-132c7f72143d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest and Dividend Income, Operating</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherRealEstateFairValue_019e2292-e082-72ff-a6b0-65f87413c787_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherRealEstateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Other Real Estate, Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OtherRealEstateFairValue" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.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_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_019e2292-dfef-735e-bd88-ee78afec84af_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_019e2292-dfef-7003-ae74-898bc7400bfe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_NonMarktoMarketFinancingFacilitiesMember_019e2292-df53-7692-b3fd-ac094478c236_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonMarktoMarketFinancingFacilitiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_mfa_A7.50SeriesBCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember_019e2292-e083-7df0-a972-efead7499e10_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A7.50SeriesBCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_019e2292-e10d-7c2d-adac-9e54ee4af779_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_NatureOfOperations_019e2292-dfef-7161-b0f4-6ddfd2f2b32b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NatureOfOperations" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_019e2292-e083-7bc2-9199-4958c8922351_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Issuance of stock, net of expenses (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_019e2292-e083-7686-b20b-0eeb5f2b8b84_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_019e2292-e083-7ded-9b86-8dd394322c23_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity-Based Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity-Based Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability_019e2292-e083-79f8-a196-32142f0c96c7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">&#160;Liability Under Deferred Plans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Recorded Liability</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDividendEquivalentRightsPayment_019e2292-dfef-75d6-9b8a-55806b17cefe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDividendEquivalentRightsPayment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equivalent rights payment</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" 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" 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-20260630.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_mfa_LitigationReserveMember_019e2292-df52-7ebf-8fdc-24fc597f6183_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LitigationReserveMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Litigation Reserve</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LitigationReserveMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LitigationReserveMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Litigation Reserve [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LitigationReserveMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LitigationReserveMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Litigation Reserve</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_LitigationReserveMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_LitigationReserveMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_LitigationReserveMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_LitigationReserveMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_019e2292-e082-7e2c-a1f7-c2b4f0e1fa17_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Allocated expense</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount_019e2292-dfef-706e-8de0-4db340587049_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Current Face</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount_019e2292-dfef-708e-9e4f-ef5cbc5b65ba_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Principal/Current Face</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment Owned, Balance, Principal Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_019e2292-e082-7ca6-b195-2bd86cf25a11_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForInvestment_019e2292-df52-785b-97d3-8a4c5a819828_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForInvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from sales of residential whole loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForInvestment_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForInvestment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Sale, Loan, Held-for-Investment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForInvestment" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForInvestment"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForInvestment" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForInvestment" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities_019e2292-e082-70a6-a999-333079cec87d_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments made for settlements and unwinds of Swaps</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments for Hedge, Financing Activities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-7823-a531-721c3d00cc2f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_CommercialPropertiesMember_019e2292-e10c-717c-92fd-515feaea0fbf_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialPropertiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialPropertiesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialPropertiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Properties [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CommercialPropertiesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CommercialPropertiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Properties</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_CommercialPropertiesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_CommercialPropertiesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_CommercialPropertiesMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_CommercialPropertiesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityPolicyTextBlock_019e2292-e10d-71b6-950f-feab36015526_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Comprehensive Income/(Loss)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityPolicyTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityPolicyTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityPolicyTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_019e2292-df52-71d9-9929-406eebe1998a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)&#160;on AFS Securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Parent [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ErrCompRecoveryTable_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ErrCompRecoveryTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ErrCompRecoveryTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ErrCompRecoveryTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_ErrCompRecoveryTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_ErrCompRecoveryTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_ErrCompRecoveryTable" xlink:to="lab_ecd_ErrCompRecoveryTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver6MonthsTo12MonthsMember_019e2292-e10d-78a0-9b40-2b7d82e74819_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver6MonthsTo12MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Over 6 months to 12 months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver6MonthsTo12MonthsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver6MonthsTo12MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Maturity over 6 Months to 12 Months [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver6MonthsTo12MonthsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver6MonthsTo12MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Period of maturity for derivative instruments which mature over 6 months and within 12 months from the reporting date.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver6MonthsTo12MonthsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver6MonthsTo12MonthsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver6MonthsTo12MonthsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver6MonthsTo12MonthsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTableTextBlock_019e2292-e10d-738e-9e15-b44847cd3bc2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Quantitative Information About Significant Unobservable Inputs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_019e2292-e082-7544-9984-c1cbbbdbf2eb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized gains/(losses) on securities available-for-sale</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_019e2292-e082-7f6c-93d9-79bf82ee1c76_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized gain/(loss) on securities available-for-sale</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">OCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), before Adjustment, after Tax</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_019e2292-df52-7527-ab23-ff7406cf20ba_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_019e2292-df53-7f99-8cfb-38eabb4f93cc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Current Reporting Status</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Current Reporting Status</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LesseeAccelerationOfLeaseExpirationNoticePeriod_019e2292-e082-7d8e-bc93-c426a0063ec9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LesseeAccelerationOfLeaseExpirationNoticePeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Acceleration of lease expiration, notice period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LesseeAccelerationOfLeaseExpirationNoticePeriod_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LesseeAccelerationOfLeaseExpirationNoticePeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Acceleration Of Lease Expiration, Notice Period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LesseeAccelerationOfLeaseExpirationNoticePeriod_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LesseeAccelerationOfLeaseExpirationNoticePeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Acceleration Of Lease Expiration, Notice Period</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_LesseeAccelerationOfLeaseExpirationNoticePeriod" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_LesseeAccelerationOfLeaseExpirationNoticePeriod"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_LesseeAccelerationOfLeaseExpirationNoticePeriod" xlink:to="lab_mfa_LesseeAccelerationOfLeaseExpirationNoticePeriod" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_019e2292-df52-7944-a0f7-4c84fb1e5c03_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TotalShareholderRtnAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TotalShareholderRtnAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Shareholder Return Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TotalShareholderRtnAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TotalShareholderRtnAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Shareholder Return Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_TotalShareholderRtnAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TotalShareholderRtnAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_TotalShareholderRtnAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_TotalShareholderRtnAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod_019e2292-e10d-77de-aab2-0e1e15b01e00_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Period during which a participant can be awarded the maximum number of shares allowable under the Plan</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Maximum Number of Shares Per Participant Period</link:label>
    <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" 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>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod"/>
    <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_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_019e2292-dfef-7c19-a542-19c498fb87b5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Decrease for Tax Withholding Obligation</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e2292-e083-7042-bc33-0a23d5ba2166_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember_019e2292-df52-74e7-9c94-c4f5023c19df_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_019e2292-e10d-72cb-8735-0d1faa08d75d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsNumberOfAdditionalDirectorsThatCanBeElected" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowancePolicy_019e2292-df52-7645-91ce-032d5585de39_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowancePolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Owned ("REO")</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowancePolicy_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowancePolicy" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Owned, Valuation Allowance, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowancePolicy" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowancePolicy"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowancePolicy" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedValuationAllowancePolicy" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_019e2292-e082-7910-9bac-95cc0ea9fc6e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by/(used in) 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" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageTermIncreaseFromModification_019e2292-df52-7ceb-9c62-0f49f5d5c4f3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageTermIncreaseFromModification" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Average increase in weighted average life</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageTermIncreaseFromModification_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageTermIncreaseFromModification" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Modified, Weighted-Average Term Increase from Modification</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageTermIncreaseFromModification" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageTermIncreaseFromModification"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageTermIncreaseFromModification" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageTermIncreaseFromModification" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_019e2292-df52-7735-8d7e-7c3f5f7401bf_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loss Contingency Nature [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loss Contingency Nature [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems_019e2292-df53-7b08-b6da-862d5925d491_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transaction [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transaction [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions_019e2292-df52-71c0-8d1a-7ceb413d1544_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments_019e2292-dfef-7591-9144-1b2344e9612b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other adjustments (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_019e2292-df52-7654-8ab0-7567466e936c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_019e2292-df52-735d-a13c-db46ff3b8fc2_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mark-to-Market</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember_019e2292-df52-725e-929f-331bbf9ac362_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_IncomeTaxPaidStateAndLocalAfterRefundReceived_019e2292-dfef-73ae-93be-85c449d0063b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPaidStateAndLocalAfterRefundReceived" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other states</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPaidStateAndLocalAfterRefundReceived_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPaidStateAndLocalAfterRefundReceived" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income Tax Paid, State and Local, after Refund Received</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPaidStateAndLocalAfterRefundReceived" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxPaidStateAndLocalAfterRefundReceived"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPaidStateAndLocalAfterRefundReceived" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPaidStateAndLocalAfterRefundReceived" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableRealizedCreditLossesNetOfRecoveries_019fa2f8-750c-79e6-ba73-86a98cf183f8_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableRealizedCreditLossesNetOfRecoveries" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Realized credit losses, net of recoveries</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableRealizedCreditLossesNetOfRecoveries_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableRealizedCreditLossesNetOfRecoveries" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Realized Credit Losses, Net Of Recoveries</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableRealizedCreditLossesNetOfRecoveries_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableRealizedCreditLossesNetOfRecoveries" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Realized Credit Losses, Net Of Recoveries</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableRealizedCreditLossesNetOfRecoveries" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingReceivableRealizedCreditLossesNetOfRecoveries"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableRealizedCreditLossesNetOfRecoveries" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableRealizedCreditLossesNetOfRecoveries" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityAxis_019e2292-e082-7316-ba0c-533e663e08db_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Categorization of derivative instruments by maturity periods.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityAxis" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DerivativeByMaturityAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityAxis" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DerivativeByMaturityAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e2292-e10c-7c40-8d99-99bb5cca273d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instruments [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instruments [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFiveOriginatedFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_019e2292-dff0-765a-aaa8-e56218ffb6d5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFiveOriginatedFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">2022</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFiveOriginatedFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFiveOriginatedFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Excluding Accrued Interest, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFiveOriginatedFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFiveOriginatedFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFiveOriginatedFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFiveOriginatedFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_019e2292-e10d-77d2-b378-e1e92b34a1c4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate value of derivatives</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Asset</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_019e2292-dfef-7224-933e-dfcf2ed5fbe3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Class [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Class [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardUndrlygSecuritiesAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardUndrlygSecuritiesAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Underlying Securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardUndrlygSecuritiesAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardUndrlygSecuritiesAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award Underlying Securities Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AwardUndrlygSecuritiesAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AwardUndrlygSecuritiesAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AwardUndrlygSecuritiesAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AwardUndrlygSecuritiesAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember_019e2292-dfef-70a9-9170-0c9741ab4b4b_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Mortgage Securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember_019e2292-dfef-785a-90a7-7a3e82f84817_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total 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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Mortgage Securities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e2292-dfef-77b0-ad6f-8910837723a7_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Held at Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e2292-dfef-712c-88cb-b1ecdbb98b39_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Estimated Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_019e2292-e082-719f-af09-f5f9f160d9fc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Issuance of stock, net of expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SecuritiesMember_019e2292-e082-738f-b4a0-a5f0242a2e34_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SecuritiesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SecuritiesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SecuritiesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_SecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_SecuritiesMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_SecuritiesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityAndInterestRateReductionMember_019e2292-dff0-78eb-9955-0c7029dc831e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityAndInterestRateReductionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Term Extension and Interest Rate Reduction</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityAndInterestRateReductionMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityAndInterestRateReductionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Extended Maturity and Interest Rate Reduction [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityAndInterestRateReductionMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityAndInterestRateReductionMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityAndInterestRateReductionMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityAndInterestRateReductionMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MultifamilyPropertyMember_019e2292-dfef-7d0d-825e-62bc71205af3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MultifamilyPropertyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Multifamily Property</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MultifamilyPropertyMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MultifamilyPropertyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Multifamily Property [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MultifamilyPropertyMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MultifamilyPropertyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Multifamily Property</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MultifamilyPropertyMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MultifamilyPropertyMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MultifamilyPropertyMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MultifamilyPropertyMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_019e2292-dfef-7ad7-b1d9-4ef8497e5de0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_019e2292-dfef-7eff-83f0-9f08fd8b7801_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other investing activities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payment for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activity</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable_019e2292-e082-7b5b-b9c9-b5100d964a72_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_AddressTypeDomain_019f133e-ec02-79ca-9f54-dd7805f261bd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_AddressTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Address Type [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_AddressTypeDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_AddressTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Address Type [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_AddressTypeDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_AddressTypeDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_AddressTypeDomain" xlink:to="lab_dei_AddressTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_019e2292-dfef-7530-bc77-2ef44f5dbe0f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_019e2292-dfef-790c-9a7d-e5b06dadf83e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Shares available for grant (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MarkToMarketFinancingAgreementsSecuredBySecuritiesAtFairValueMember_019e2292-df52-76fc-ad98-4566ab9216ff_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MarkToMarketFinancingAgreementsSecuredBySecuritiesAtFairValueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by securities at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MarkToMarketFinancingAgreementsSecuredBySecuritiesAtFairValueMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MarkToMarketFinancingAgreementsSecuredBySecuritiesAtFairValueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mark-To-Market Financing Agreements Secured By Securities At Fair Value [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MarkToMarketFinancingAgreementsSecuredBySecuritiesAtFairValueMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MarkToMarketFinancingAgreementsSecuredBySecuritiesAtFairValueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mark-To-Market Financing Agreements Secured By Securities At Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MarkToMarketFinancingAgreementsSecuredBySecuritiesAtFairValueMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MarkToMarketFinancingAgreementsSecuredBySecuritiesAtFairValueMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MarkToMarketFinancingAgreementsSecuredBySecuritiesAtFairValueMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MarkToMarketFinancingAgreementsSecuredBySecuritiesAtFairValueMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld_019e2292-df52-7987-aeaa-f45cd66dc82e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of swaps</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative, Number of Instruments Held</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_019e2292-df53-7b93-a729-353c243816ca_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Continuing Operation [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_DividendEquivalentRightsMember_019e2292-df53-7b80-9d2e-bcfae358fc40_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DividendEquivalentRightsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividend Equivalent Rights</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DividendEquivalentRightsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DividendEquivalentRightsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividend Equivalent Rights [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DividendEquivalentRightsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DividendEquivalentRightsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">A DER is a right to receive a distribution equal to dividend distributions that would be paid on a share of the company's common stock.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DividendEquivalentRightsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DividendEquivalentRightsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DividendEquivalentRightsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DividendEquivalentRightsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn612MonthsMember_019e2292-dff0-7914-b414-967d39f86296_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn612MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">6-12 Months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn612MonthsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn612MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unpaid Principal Balance, Maturing In 6-12 Months [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn612MonthsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn612MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unpaid Principal Balance, Maturing In 6-12 Months</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn612MonthsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn612MonthsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn612MonthsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn612MonthsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_019e2292-df52-78ff-9b10-4a67467e1cb6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AllTradingArrangementsMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AllTradingArrangementsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">All Trading Arrangements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AllTradingArrangementsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AllTradingArrangementsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">All Trading Arrangements [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AllTradingArrangementsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AllTradingArrangementsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AllTradingArrangementsMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AllTradingArrangementsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_019e2292-dfef-7422-b0ee-db6b85540329_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Balance at beginning of period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_019e2292-dfef-7d20-b93e-029927a72396_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Balance at end of period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_OtherPerfMeasureAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_OtherPerfMeasureAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Performance Measure, Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_OtherPerfMeasureAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_OtherPerfMeasureAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Performance Measure, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_OtherPerfMeasureAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_OtherPerfMeasureAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_OtherPerfMeasureAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_OtherPerfMeasureAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardTmgMnpiCnsdrdFlag_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardTmgMnpiCnsdrdFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award Timing MNPI Considered</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AwardTmgMnpiCnsdrdFlag_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AwardTmgMnpiCnsdrdFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Award Timing MNPI Considered [Flag]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AwardTmgMnpiCnsdrdFlag" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AwardTmgMnpiCnsdrdFlag"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AwardTmgMnpiCnsdrdFlag" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AwardTmgMnpiCnsdrdFlag" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_019e2292-e083-7b3b-bdad-0ff11b1ef197_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Current Fiscal Year End Date</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Current Fiscal Year End Date</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:to="lab_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgTotalCompAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgTotalCompAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgTotalCompAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgTotalCompAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgTotalCompAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgTotalCompAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgTotalCompAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgTotalCompAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestCreditLossExpenseReversal_019e2292-e082-72d4-8cb5-bb6a5ce2dc35_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestCreditLossExpenseReversal" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Current provision/(reversal)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestCreditLossExpenseReversal_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestCreditLossExpenseReversal" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Excluding Accrued Interest, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestCreditLossExpenseReversal" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestCreditLossExpenseReversal"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestCreditLossExpenseReversal" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestCreditLossExpenseReversal" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_019e2292-df53-78e9-9bb0-ef0f817ac946_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_OtherRealEstateHeldForSaleFairValue_019e2292-e082-77ef-b783-3ff289379437_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherRealEstateHeldForSaleFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other real estate, held for sale, fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherRealEstateHeldForSaleFairValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherRealEstateHeldForSaleFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Real Estate, Held For Sale, Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherRealEstateHeldForSaleFairValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherRealEstateHeldForSaleFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Real Estate, Held For Sale, Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OtherRealEstateHeldForSaleFairValue" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_OtherRealEstateHeldForSaleFairValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_OtherRealEstateHeldForSaleFairValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_OtherRealEstateHeldForSaleFairValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares_019e2292-e082-78c0-b0c0-7c9a9ca6c0d0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Shares repurchased (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount_019e2292-df52-7ce8-a5a2-2286b38c109f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Expected future annual rental expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ChngInFrValAsOfVstngDtOfPrrYrEqtyAwrdsVstdInCvrdYrMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ChngInFrValAsOfVstngDtOfPrrYrEqtyAwrdsVstdInCvrdYrMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ChngInFrValAsOfVstngDtOfPrrYrEqtyAwrdsVstdInCvrdYrMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ChngInFrValAsOfVstngDtOfPrrYrEqtyAwrdsVstdInCvrdYrMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_ChngInFrValAsOfVstngDtOfPrrYrEqtyAwrdsVstdInCvrdYrMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_ChngInFrValAsOfVstngDtOfPrrYrEqtyAwrdsVstdInCvrdYrMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_ChngInFrValAsOfVstngDtOfPrrYrEqtyAwrdsVstdInCvrdYrMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_ChngInFrValAsOfVstngDtOfPrrYrEqtyAwrdsVstdInCvrdYrMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherAdvances_019e2292-e083-776c-be09-433e36954bb5_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PrincipalPaymentsOnSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherAdvances" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_019e2292-e083-7644-836a-a101b551df62_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividend&#160;declared per&#160;share, common stock (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_019e2292-e083-7938-8263-3384db264507_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividend Per Share (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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_dei_EntityFileNumber_019e2292-dfef-78cf-a1b5-e8e4e493d413_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity File Number</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityFileNumber_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity File Number</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax_019e2292-dfef-70c3-a93a-f14cf7f36106_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized gain on AFS securities at beginning of period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax_019e2292-dfef-7eee-a4e1-41d28e37a691_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Balance at end of period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">AOCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Adjustment, after Tax</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMember_019e2292-e083-7d22-a7c9-723cd889e84c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Guarantee Obligations</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Guarantee Obligations [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_RecoveryOfErrCompDisclosureLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_RecoveryOfErrCompDisclosureLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation Disclosure [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_RecoveryOfErrCompDisclosureLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_RecoveryOfErrCompDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_RecoveryOfErrCompDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="lab_ecd_RecoveryOfErrCompDisclosureLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_019e2292-df52-7e2f-8431-d87cf72339b5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, cash dividends declared (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_019e2292-df52-776d-9f9d-83dc9f0d86f6_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividend Per Share (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_MeasureAxis_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_MeasureAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measure:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_MeasureAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_MeasureAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measure [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_MeasureAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_MeasureAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_MeasureAxis" xlink:to="lab_ecd_MeasureAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver72MonthsMember_019e2292-e10d-793d-bb33-ef8ec7f3a225_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver72MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Over 72 months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver72MonthsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver72MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Maturity, Over 72 Months [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver72MonthsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver72MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Maturity, Over 72 Months</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver72MonthsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver72MonthsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver72MonthsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver72MonthsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesGainsOnSecuritiesAndOtherInvestments_019e2292-e082-79de-b134-ad8a91bff228_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesGainsOnSecuritiesAndOtherInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Impairment and other net gain/(loss) on securities and other portfolio investments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesGainsOnSecuritiesAndOtherInvestments_019e2292-e082-7fc2-a556-e569aaee242b_negatedTotalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesGainsOnSecuritiesAndOtherInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Impairment and other net gain/(loss) on securities and other portfolio investments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesGainsOnSecuritiesAndOtherInvestments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesGainsOnSecuritiesAndOtherInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Impairment and Other Losses (Gains) On Securities And Other Investments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesGainsOnSecuritiesAndOtherInvestments_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesGainsOnSecuritiesAndOtherInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Impairment and Other Losses (Gains) On Securities And Other Investments</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesGainsOnSecuritiesAndOtherInvestments" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesGainsOnSecuritiesAndOtherInvestments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesGainsOnSecuritiesAndOtherInvestments" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesGainsOnSecuritiesAndOtherInvestments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate_019e2292-dfef-7fde-bfce-5073d47fae27_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of debt with variable rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Long-Term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember_019e2292-df52-7d8a-b272-d7c969bb1c93_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Purchased Performing Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.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_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_019e2292-dff0-7006-b1f1-cce986b06a5c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Components [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Components [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_019e2292-df53-7234-961a-d67a8bead424_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loan servicing, financing and other related costs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_019e2292-df53-77f4-ab9c-89aa68579c71_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense_019e2292-dfef-73b5-a2fb-f60dae9de209_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred plans expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_019e2292-e10c-7441-b6de-d8a100b3abce_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total cash taxes paid (refunded)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income Tax Paid, after Refund Received</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity_019e2292-dfef-79d5-a9e4-4fcc8d92296f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Threshold of stockholders' equity at risk with single counterparty to financing 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_019e2292-df52-7466-b70f-3df5f34252d0_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_019e2292-e083-7f5c-a0f6-4b72f5e2180b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Interactive Data Current</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Interactive Data Current</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageLoanToValueRatio_019e2292-df52-7731-b0a7-767fdb13afc1_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageLoanToValueRatio" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">LTV ratio (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageLoanToValueRatio_019e2292-df52-72dd-9b90-98138a053747_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageLoanToValueRatio" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average LTV Ratio (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageLoanToValueRatio_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageLoanToValueRatio" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Weighted Average Loan-To-Value Ratio</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageLoanToValueRatio_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageLoanToValueRatio" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" 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_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageLoanToValueRatio" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageLoanToValueRatio"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageLoanToValueRatio" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageLoanToValueRatio" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax_019e2292-dfef-7c73-835e-c832373deff8_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reclassification adjustment for securities sales included in net income/(loss)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_019e2292-dfef-75c7-91d1-1ac52720d1f5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Small Business</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Small Business</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_019e2292-df52-7b6f-b104-3f642b4c5695_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Comprehensive Income/(Loss) before preferred stock dividends</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_019e2292-df52-7e30-b470-c7f5cfa7d271_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Shares paid for tax withholding for share based compensation (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Shares Withheld for Tax Withholding Obligation</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLineItems_019e2292-dfef-7b07-9a04-b11af9ddbd86_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_019e2292-df52-7222-a304-208c9e6d126c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Acquired, Weighted-Average Amortization Period</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_019e2292-dfef-7a37-a75a-7b2af0e74716_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_TBADollarRollIncome_019f7084-a6b5-7369-a263-9585efe45190_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TBADollarRollIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">TBA dollar roll income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_TBADollarRollIncome_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TBADollarRollIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">TBA Dollar Roll Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_TBADollarRollIncome_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_TBADollarRollIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">TBA Dollar Roll Income</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_TBADollarRollIncome" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_TBADollarRollIncome"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_TBADollarRollIncome" xlink:to="lab_mfa_TBADollarRollIncome" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_GainLossOnTBALongPositionsNet_019f707a-18ac-77d0-8d65-215662986b8d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_GainLossOnTBALongPositionsNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net gain/(loss) on TBA long positions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_GainLossOnTBALongPositionsNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_GainLossOnTBALongPositionsNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) On TBA Long Positions, Net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_GainLossOnTBALongPositionsNet_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_GainLossOnTBALongPositionsNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) On TBA Long Positions, Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_GainLossOnTBALongPositionsNet" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_GainLossOnTBALongPositionsNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_GainLossOnTBALongPositionsNet" xlink:to="lab_mfa_GainLossOnTBALongPositionsNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_019e2292-df52-775e-81d2-e652ddef99c7_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payment of principal</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstate_019e2292-e10c-762a-81fb-a833c9163f26_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from sale of real estate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_019e2292-df52-73d6-b2a9-087fbbff014f_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Income (Expense), Operating</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ecd_MnpiDiscTimedForCompValFlag_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_MnpiDiscTimedForCompValFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_MnpiDiscTimedForCompValFlag_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_MnpiDiscTimedForCompValFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value [Flag]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_MnpiDiscTimedForCompValFlag" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_MnpiDiscTimedForCompValFlag"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_MnpiDiscTimedForCompValFlag" xlink:to="lab_ecd_MnpiDiscTimedForCompValFlag" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementExtensionPeriod_019e2292-df52-7825-8266-095357f6f20b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementExtensionPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Extension period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementExtensionPeriod_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementExtensionPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreement, Extension Period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementExtensionPeriod_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementExtensionPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreement, Extension Period</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementExtensionPeriod" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingAgreementExtensionPeriod"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementExtensionPeriod" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementExtensionPeriod" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_019e2292-e082-7041-a34e-7c7774b7a722_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash Flows From Financing Activities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Continuing Operation [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentType_019e2292-df53-7c20-be92-b9b7116bffa2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentType" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Document Type</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentType_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentType" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Document Type</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentType"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentType" xlink:to="lab_dei_DocumentType" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_019e2292-e10c-72a2-834b-4ede18a72ba8_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Components of financial instruments carried at fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_019e2292-e10c-7008-9a8c-559265a8e028_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant_019e2292-e10d-7a66-8dcf-8fbe73a52255_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-7e5a-9fb4-c069cf01e2bd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_019e2292-e082-75f7-a744-41ffe1fe97ca_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_019e2292-e082-7511-b16c-735b1d2aeb15_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:to="lab_dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalToEstimatedValueOfLoanRatio_019e2292-df52-7bee-9862-075ccfea769f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalToEstimatedValueOfLoanRatio" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">LTV (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalToEstimatedValueOfLoanRatio_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalToEstimatedValueOfLoanRatio" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unpaid Principal to Estimated Value of Loan Ratio</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalToEstimatedValueOfLoanRatio_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalToEstimatedValueOfLoanRatio" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unpaid Principal to Estimated Value of Loan Ratio</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalToEstimatedValueOfLoanRatio" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_UnpaidPrincipalToEstimatedValueOfLoanRatio"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalToEstimatedValueOfLoanRatio" xlink:to="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalToEstimatedValueOfLoanRatio" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingFairValueDisclosure_019e2292-df52-7616-8e1b-84e8d3fd0c84_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other secured financing</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingFairValueDisclosure_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Secured Financing, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingFairValueDisclosure_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Secured Financing, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingFairValueDisclosure" xlink:to="lab_mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_019e2292-e082-7b3e-8349-16588b3c1e78_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income/(loss) before income taxes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_019e2292-e082-779d-bece-3e224a54c7eb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income/(loss) before income taxes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PledgedStatusDomain_019e2292-e083-7abf-8985-0e2a1a352102_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PledgedStatusDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueOfCollateral_019e2292-df53-70b7-be85-df1600ab975d_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueOfCollateral" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair value of securities pledged as collateral under financing agreements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueOfCollateral_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueOfCollateral" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Fair Value of Collateral</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueOfCollateral" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueOfCollateral"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueOfCollateral" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueOfCollateral" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_019e2292-dff0-7a01-80e5-0638eed5e41c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_019e2292-dfef-7182-a612-13049dd79d89_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ChangedPeerGroupFnTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ChangedPeerGroupFnTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Changed Peer Group, Footnote</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ChangedPeerGroupFnTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ChangedPeerGroupFnTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Changed Peer Group, Footnote [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_ChangedPeerGroupFnTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_ChangedPeerGroupFnTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_ChangedPeerGroupFnTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_ChangedPeerGroupFnTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_019e2292-dfef-7996-90a8-b4ce0fb03802_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ExecutiveCategoryAxis_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ExecutiveCategoryAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Executive Category:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_ExecutiveCategoryAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_ExecutiveCategoryAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Executive Category [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_ExecutiveCategoryAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_ExecutiveCategoryAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_ExecutiveCategoryAxis" xlink:to="lab_ecd_ExecutiveCategoryAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A600CouponMember_019e2292-e083-76ab-8809-9b7a4d37ae42_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A600CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">6.00% Coupon</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A600CouponMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A600CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">6.00% Coupon [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A600CouponMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A600CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">6.00% Coupon</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_A600CouponMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_A600CouponMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_A600CouponMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_A600CouponMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableGrossCouponRate_019e2292-dfef-737a-9ff0-e376a7c6f08d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableGrossCouponRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gross coupon rate (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableGrossCouponRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableGrossCouponRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Gross Coupon Rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableGrossCouponRate_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableGrossCouponRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Gross Coupon Rate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableGrossCouponRate" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingReceivableGrossCouponRate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableGrossCouponRate" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableGrossCouponRate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_019e2292-dfef-772a-a366-a803af75a607_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Receivable Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Receivable Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_019e2292-dfef-76c2-b235-6a374bd0defa_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="lab_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_019e2292-df52-7b09-91ae-80eefdcc9b9b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesPercent_019e2292-dfef-739e-84cd-6ab1264eefe5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesPercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">TRS permanent differences (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesPercent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesPercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, TRS Permanent Differences, Percent</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesPercent_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesPercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, TRS Permanent Differences, Percent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesPercent" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesPercent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesPercent" xlink:to="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesPercent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgCompActuallyPaidAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgCompActuallyPaidAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgCompActuallyPaidAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgCompActuallyPaidAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgCompActuallyPaidAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgCompActuallyPaidAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgCompActuallyPaidAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgCompActuallyPaidAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfLoansNet_019e2292-df53-7398-8dbd-34927a550738_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfLoansNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (loss) from sale of loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfLoansNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfLoansNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfLoansNet" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfLoansNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfLoansNet" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfLoansNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_019e2292-df52-780a-82ae-701daa4f3c17_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Interest Entity [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Interest Entity [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentGross_019e2292-e082-72e8-8b0f-8b8a7c256bd3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_019e2292-df52-7d77-b0f4-af1e6cca339d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermtoMaturity_019e2292-dfef-7e00-903a-0ef71358cd7a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermtoMaturity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Term to Maturity (Months)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermtoMaturity_019e2292-dfef-7667-be52-5d5330cd0023_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermtoMaturity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted average contractual maturity of Senior Bonds</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermtoMaturity_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermtoMaturity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Weighted Average Term to Maturity</link:label>
    <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" 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-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermtoMaturity"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermtoMaturity" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermtoMaturity" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue_019e2292-dfef-7f09-8a4f-941feda7a2bb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing agreements ($5,812,397 and $5,956,057 held at fair value, respectively)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue_019e2292-dfef-704c-9e82-297e721c761a_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value / Carrying Value</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" 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" 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-20260630.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_ecd_PeoName_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PeoName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">PEO Name</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PeoName_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PeoName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">PEO Name</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_PeoName" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_PeoName"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_PeoName" xlink:to="lab_ecd_PeoName" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSeniorBondsSoldWithStepUpFeature_019e2292-e10c-7435-9a3d-0699130a1bea_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSeniorBondsSoldWithStepUpFeature" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities_019e2292-df52-72fa-a6f0-5cd0438211a4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities_019e2292-df52-7d45-bee6-503a7fe2b43c_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Other Liabilities</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_MBS30Year5.0CouponMember_019e2292-e082-7454-9624-6d5a74f97467_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MBS30Year5.0CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">MBS 30 Year 5% coupon</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MBS30Year5.0CouponMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MBS30Year5.0CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">MBS 30 Year 5.0% Coupon [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MBS30Year5.0CouponMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MBS30Year5.0CouponMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">MBS 30 Year 5.0% Coupon</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MBS30Year5.0CouponMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MBS30Year5.0CouponMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MBS30Year5.0CouponMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MBS30Year5.0CouponMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_019e2292-e10d-7e7f-b334-130973109f45_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_PrincipalReceivableAdvancesSuspenseAccountsAndOther_019e2292-e10d-7765-abe4-39f6d919542c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PrincipalReceivableAdvancesSuspenseAccountsAndOther" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_RealEstateInvestments_019e2292-e083-7232-bea5-26d6b9ae8463_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">REO</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments_019e2292-e083-7b7f-8f17-f282dce25bf0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments_019e2292-e083-72c0-aeff-2568547d312b_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Balance at beginning of period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments_019e2292-e083-77a1-ad6a-c0d94db47428_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_019e2292-e10d-7c38-afae-edfb118af9e3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Long-Lived Asset, Class [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Long-Lived Asset, Class [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_StkPrcOrTsrEstimationMethodTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_StkPrcOrTsrEstimationMethodTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_StkPrcOrTsrEstimationMethodTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_StkPrcOrTsrEstimationMethodTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_StkPrcOrTsrEstimationMethodTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_StkPrcOrTsrEstimationMethodTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_StkPrcOrTsrEstimationMethodTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_StkPrcOrTsrEstimationMethodTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_019e2292-e10c-7aa2-90cb-db4e0f934add_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Tax Identification Number</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Tax Identification Number</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PastDueFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-76dc-a6ac-e808eff063b2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PastDueFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Financing Receivable, Past Due</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PastDueFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PastDueFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PastDueFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PastDueFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PastDueFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PastDueFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets_019e2292-dfef-74dc-98c8-261baa62022e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_A9.00SeniorNotesDue2029Member_019e2292-dfef-7dc2-993a-1f73853a236c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A9.00SeniorNotesDue2029Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">9.00% Senior Notes due 2029</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A9.00SeniorNotesDue2029Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A9.00SeniorNotesDue2029Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">9.00% Senior Notes Due 2029 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_A9.00SeniorNotesDue2029Member_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_A9.00SeniorNotesDue2029Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">9.000% Senior Notes Due 2029</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_A9.00SeniorNotesDue2029Member" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_A9.00SeniorNotesDue2029Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_A9.00SeniorNotesDue2029Member" xlink:to="lab_mfa_A9.00SeniorNotesDue2029Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsComponentsAbstract_019e2292-e082-75dd-9a38-61337b43db88_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsComponentsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred tax assets (DTAs):</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsComponentsAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsComponentsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Components [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsComponentsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsComponentsAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsComponentsAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsComponentsAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgencyMBSMember_019e2292-df52-711e-aafc-265b023011a9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgencyMBSMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Agency MBS</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgencyMBSMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgencyMBSMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Agency MBS [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AgencyMBSMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AgencyMBSMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Agency MBS</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_AgencyMBSMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_AgencyMBSMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_AgencyMBSMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_AgencyMBSMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_019e2292-df52-7378-830d-d6754eeacfc4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Commitments [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Commitments [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_CouponInterestSecuritiesMortgageBacked_019e2292-dfef-7acd-a4ff-9a7a081af6e3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_CouponInterestSecuritiesMortgageBacked" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact_019e2292-e083-7672-9b9e-de7443e1de36_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Less Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact_019e2292-e083-7551-a75f-289d75aa187b_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dividends required on preferred stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact_019e2292-e083-7d04-be0e-46e548de0df7_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Less Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecurities_019e2292-df52-788b-9a51-98ccd6615b55_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">CRT securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecurities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecurities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurities" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecurities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_019e2292-dfef-7f43-9fa2-e9ef4c686c8e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/dei-2026.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_ecd_AggtErrCompNotYetDeterminedTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AggtErrCompNotYetDeterminedTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AggtErrCompNotYetDeterminedTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AggtErrCompNotYetDeterminedTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AggtErrCompNotYetDeterminedTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AggtErrCompNotYetDeterminedTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AggtErrCompNotYetDeterminedTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AggtErrCompNotYetDeterminedTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties_019e2292-dfef-72ab-99b6-07eb16b2c9f5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_ecd_MtrlTermsOfTrdArrTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_MtrlTermsOfTrdArrTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Material Terms of Trading Arrangement</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_MtrlTermsOfTrdArrTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_MtrlTermsOfTrdArrTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Material Terms of Trading Arrangement [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_MtrlTermsOfTrdArrTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_MtrlTermsOfTrdArrTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_ecd_VstngDtFrValOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdAndVstdInCvrdYrMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_VstngDtFrValOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdAndVstdInCvrdYrMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_VstngDtFrValOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdAndVstdInCvrdYrMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_VstngDtFrValOfEqtyAwrdsGrntdAndVstdInCvrdYrMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_019e2292-e082-7948-a7e6-b3e3adb9953c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseLiabilityFromLeaseModification_019e2292-dfef-7628-9af5-e5b5b9f3623e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseLiabilityFromLeaseModification" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Increase/(decrease) in lease liability from lease modification</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseLiabilityFromLeaseModification_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseLiabilityFromLeaseModification" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) In Lease Liability From Lease Modification</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseLiabilityFromLeaseModification_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseLiabilityFromLeaseModification" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) In Lease Liability From Lease Modification</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseLiabilityFromLeaseModification" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseLiabilityFromLeaseModification"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseLiabilityFromLeaseModification" xlink:to="lab_mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseLiabilityFromLeaseModification" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_019e2292-dfef-7b6c-9a07-8cf0ab2be95b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Frequency [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Frequency [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_019e2292-e083-707a-83f8-b922589c5c19_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_019e2292-df53-7f03-a98e-5df7b95b6597_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Expense, Operating and Nonoperating [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_LaborAndRelatedExpense_019e2292-dfef-78ec-8503-8fb3393e7185_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation and benefits</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_019e2292-dfef-7564-9cbf-8e68e8756dea_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation and benefits</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Labor and Related Expense</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LeaseCost_019e2292-dfef-7748-a71b-d1823b3e25b1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lease cost</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LeaseCost_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lease, Cost</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCost"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAdditionalSpreadAdjustmentRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAdditionalSpreadAdjustmentRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Additional Spread Adjustment Rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAdditionalSpreadAdjustmentRate_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAdditionalSpreadAdjustmentRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Additional Spread Adjustment Rate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_PreferredStockAdditionalSpreadAdjustmentRate" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_PreferredStockAdditionalSpreadAdjustmentRate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_PreferredStockAdditionalSpreadAdjustmentRate" xlink:to="lab_mfa_PreferredStockAdditionalSpreadAdjustmentRate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_019e2292-e083-7830-a203-f900c5648a6c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Basic Earnings/(Loss) per Common Share (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_019e2292-e083-79ce-abc9-b5c693fa42df_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Basic Earnings/(Loss) per Share (in dollars per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Earnings Per Share, Basic</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_019e2292-df53-76b8-a14b-4323be01f25b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestExpenseAssetBackedAndCollateralizedFinancingAgreements_019e2292-e082-7a11-94f0-dd2da82006cd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestExpenseAssetBackedAndCollateralizedFinancingAgreements" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Expense, asset-backed and collateralized financing agreements</link:label>
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    <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_ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:to="lab_ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetCollectionOfPrincipal_019e2292-e082-7af7-be81-edb601451458_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetCollectionOfPrincipal" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repayments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetCollectionOfPrincipal_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetCollectionOfPrincipal" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Collection Of Principal</link:label>
    <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" 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-20260630.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_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_019e2292-e083-7fac-87e9-dea59404c27c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Changes in valuation allowances (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesAmount_019e2292-df52-7dc4-a0f3-fe53804cb646_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Basis difference in contributed assets to subsidiaries</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesAmount_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Basis Difference In Contributed Assets To Subsidiaries, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesAmount" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesAmount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesAmount" xlink:to="lab_mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesAmount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingAndFairValueTableTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-7d21-a401-fe0c907f2cb0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingAndFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Residential Whole Loans, at Carrying and Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingAndFairValueTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingAndFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans, At Carrying And Fair Value [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingAndFairValueTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingAndFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loans, at Carrying Value [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingAndFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingAndFairValueTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingAndFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingAndFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_019e2292-dfef-756f-a843-114108ebd4f0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Change in unrealized gains on securities, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-Sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccretablePurchaseDiscounts_019e2292-dfef-7af9-852f-bbf9de35d41e_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccretablePurchaseDiscounts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_ecd_AggtChngPnsnValInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AggtChngPnsnValInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_AggtChngPnsnValInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_AggtChngPnsnValInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_AggtChngPnsnValInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AggtChngPnsnValInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_AggtChngPnsnValInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_AggtChngPnsnValInSummryCompstnTblForAplblYrMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_019e2292-dfef-7974-b993-7aa56bba46e4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis" xlink:to="lab_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithoutRightMember_019e2292-e082-7333-84ff-12a731103823_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetPledgedAsCollateralWithoutRightMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_019e2292-dfef-771a-94cd-e368bcf7ad76_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Measurement [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Measurement [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_FormerAddressMember_019f133f-1835-7118-9ecc-bdebfad94438_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_FormerAddressMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Former Address</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_FormerAddressMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_FormerAddressMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Former Address [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_FormerAddressMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_FormerAddressMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_FormerAddressMember" xlink:to="lab_dei_FormerAddressMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_WellsFargoMember_019e2292-e082-79a5-9d8e-fa27d5824107_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_WellsFargoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the counterparty, Wells Fargo.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_WellsFargoMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.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_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsCoSelectedMeasureTextBlock_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsCoSelectedMeasureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsCoSelectedMeasureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsCoSelectedMeasureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsCoSelectedMeasureTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsCoSelectedMeasureTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsCoSelectedMeasureTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsCoSelectedMeasureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_CoverAbstract_019e2292-df52-75e9-bcde-ac9a10177633_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/dei-2026.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_FinancingReceivables1To29DaysPastDueMember_019e2292-e082-717f-9a9e-1c7d0ff8414c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables1To29DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Current</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables1To29DaysPastDueMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables1To29DaysPastDueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Asset, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables1To29DaysPastDueMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables1To29DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables1To29DaysPastDueMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables1To29DaysPastDueMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions_019e2292-e082-718e-ae91-f73b165ff32c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" 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-20260630.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_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsMember_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Awards Adjustments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Awards Adjustments [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsMember" xlink:to="lab_ecd_EqtyAwrdsAdjsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementMember_019e2292-e083-7e06-a9ae-09e8a253fc79_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Agreement</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingAgreementMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingAgreementMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingAgreementMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMember_019e2292-dfef-78d1-9978-49882682e1e3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableThresholdBalance_019e2292-df53-7e7a-ba86-7d204cd8e75a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableThresholdBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Threshold balance (below)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableThresholdBalance_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableThresholdBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Threshold Balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableThresholdBalance_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableThresholdBalance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Threshold Balance</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableThresholdBalance" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FinancingReceivableThresholdBalance"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FinancingReceivableThresholdBalance" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FinancingReceivableThresholdBalance" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_019e2292-e083-718f-a938-fe2ecad9c8b3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_019e2292-e082-70aa-acfa-c7b32f37e625_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net of expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_019e2292-dfef-7622-896b-2d9525f243ae_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_019e2292-df52-7fac-a753-77873e658492_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Plan Name [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Plan Name [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_LeaseRenewalSecondExtensionMember_019e2292-e082-7b23-905c-901e1519a63c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LeaseRenewalSecondExtensionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lease Renewal, Second Extension</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LeaseRenewalSecondExtensionMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LeaseRenewalSecondExtensionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lease Renewal, Second Extension [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LeaseRenewalSecondExtensionMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LeaseRenewalSecondExtensionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lease Renewal, Second Extension</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_LeaseRenewalSecondExtensionMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_LeaseRenewalSecondExtensionMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_LeaseRenewalSecondExtensionMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_LeaseRenewalSecondExtensionMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-79fb-8c5c-c120896c5a6c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Expenses Related to Equity-Based Compensation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Cost by Plan [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoanMember_019e2292-df53-7b4a-9a7f-b87d941334df_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoanMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoanMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoanMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loan [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoanMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoanMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential Whole Loan</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoanMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ResidentialWholeLoanMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoanMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ResidentialWholeLoanMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxExemptIncome_019e2292-df53-7f32-9cf1-be9f9023f8ec_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxExemptIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">REIT GAAP income or loss not subject to federal income tax (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxExemptIncome_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxExemptIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Exempt Income, Percent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxExemptIncome" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxExemptIncome"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxExemptIncome" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxExemptIncome" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfSpecialPurposeEntity_019e2292-df52-7f92-a592-16eaff9d770c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfSpecialPurposeEntity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of SPE liquidated</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfSpecialPurposeEntity_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfSpecialPurposeEntity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of Special Purpose Entity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NumberOfSpecialPurposeEntity_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NumberOfSpecialPurposeEntity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of Special Purpose Entity</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NumberOfSpecialPurposeEntity" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_NumberOfSpecialPurposeEntity"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NumberOfSpecialPurposeEntity" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NumberOfSpecialPurposeEntity" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOriginationsAndDraws_019e2292-df52-7d54-bc86-fc0e12744893_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOriginationsAndDraws" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Draws</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOriginationsAndDraws_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOriginationsAndDraws" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Originations And Draws</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOriginationsAndDraws_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOriginationsAndDraws" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Originations And Draws</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOriginationsAndDraws" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOriginationsAndDraws"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOriginationsAndDraws" xlink:to="lab_mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOriginationsAndDraws" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments_019e2292-e083-74ae-9b32-ada96e814d46_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Purchases of securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to Acquire Investments</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss_019e2292-e082-7139-8e7c-bbec3a8e7e80_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net gain/(loss) on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss_019e2292-e082-7afc-b899-1e7782256a3f_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss_019e2292-e082-75b7-ba2e-ad91882a49ff_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net gain/(loss) on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans On Real Estate, Gain (Loss) On Loans Measured At Fair Value, Net Of Credit Loss</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans On Real Estate, Gain (Loss) On Loans Measured At Fair Value, Net Of Credit Loss</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_019e2292-e083-70b6-ba0b-2d9b8c35a1b4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Forfeitures (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_GainLossRecordedOnTransferFromResidentialWholeLoansToRealEstateOwned_019e2292-e082-7abd-9f0f-57b0edbf1fa6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_GainLossRecordedOnTransferFromResidentialWholeLoansToRealEstateOwned" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_GainLossRecordedOnTransferFromResidentialWholeLoansToRealEstateOwned" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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-20260630.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_019e2292-dfef-7341-8cbf-f69707285c96_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Investments, Disposals</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.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_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_019e2292-df52-71e1-9c47-cf086382db68_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialAssetsPolicyTextBlock_019e2292-df52-76fa-bfec-765fa8b35bef_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage servicing rights (&#8220;MSRs&#8221;)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialAssetsPolicyTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialAssetsPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleWeightedAverageYield_019e2292-dfef-7f49-b434-1e2c12c319f3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleWeightedAverageYield" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">CPR (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleWeightedAverageYield_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleWeightedAverageYield" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Weighted Average Yield</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleWeightedAverageYield" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleWeightedAverageYield"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleWeightedAverageYield" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleWeightedAverageYield" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LeaseRenewalFirstExtensionMember_019e2292-df52-7b2c-ac75-71088764fad0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LeaseRenewalFirstExtensionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lease Renewal, First Extension</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LeaseRenewalFirstExtensionMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LeaseRenewalFirstExtensionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lease Renewal, First Extension [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_LeaseRenewalFirstExtensionMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_LeaseRenewalFirstExtensionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lease Renewal, First Extension</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_LeaseRenewalFirstExtensionMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_LeaseRenewalFirstExtensionMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_LeaseRenewalFirstExtensionMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_LeaseRenewalFirstExtensionMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationValue_019e2292-df52-78f2-8247-16de624ab9f9_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase of shares of common stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Repurchased During Period, Including Shares Withheld For Tax Withholding Obligation, Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Repurchased During Period, Including Shares Withheld For Tax Withholding Obligation, Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationValue" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn36MonthsMember_019e2292-df53-7e3c-aace-120bba21fec9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn36MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">3-6 Months</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn36MonthsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn36MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unpaid Principal Balance, Maturing In 3-6 Months [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn36MonthsMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn36MonthsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unpaid Principal Balance, Maturing In 3-6 Months</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn36MonthsMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn36MonthsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn36MonthsMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn36MonthsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ImpairmentOfSecurities_019e2292-dfef-7983-89d5-0aab7f2df607_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ImpairmentOfSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Impairment of securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ImpairmentOfSecurities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ImpairmentOfSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Impairment Of Securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_ImpairmentOfSecurities_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_ImpairmentOfSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Impairment Of Securities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_ImpairmentOfSecurities" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_ImpairmentOfSecurities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_ImpairmentOfSecurities" xlink:to="lab_mfa_ImpairmentOfSecurities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_019e2292-df53-795b-8b80-f791c82406fc_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_019e2292-df53-7088-aa03-f8c70ffa33d1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of real estate owned properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of Real Estate Properties</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_019e2292-e083-770f-95a3-c8ce9264196c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Hedging Designation [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Hedging Designation [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <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_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePercentPastDue1_019e2292-df52-723d-a62c-0b6c8901b4f0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePercentPastDue1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">60+ Days Past Due %</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePercentPastDue1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePercentPastDue1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Percent Past Due</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePercentPastDue1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePercentPastDue1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePercentPastDue1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePercentPastDue1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e2292-e082-7466-9834-5f100f60af4f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Class of Stock [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonMarkToMarketFinancingSecuredByRealEstateOwnedMember_019e2292-dfef-791d-b3ca-2b07e0e7f0e3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonMarkToMarketFinancingSecuredByRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" xml:lang="en-US">Non-Mark to Market Financing Secured by Real Estate Owned [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_NonMarkToMarketFinancingSecuredByRealEstateOwnedMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_NonMarkToMarketFinancingSecuredByRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-Mark to Market Financing Secured by Real Estate Owned</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_NonMarkToMarketFinancingSecuredByRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_NonMarkToMarketFinancingSecuredByRealEstateOwnedMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_NonMarkToMarketFinancingSecuredByRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_NonMarkToMarketFinancingSecuredByRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_019e2292-e10d-755e-bae0-19538dd4a0c6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitment_019e2292-e083-7f12-b066-99e1e76d864c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCommitment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_OtherRealEstateRollForwardTableTextBlock_019e2292-e082-7611-9880-79c5aa905d5a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForwardTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Activity for Real Estate Owned</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForwardTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForwardTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Real Estate, Roll Forward [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForwardTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForwardTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForwardTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRollForwardTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TrdArrSecuritiesAggAvailAmt_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TrdArrSecuritiesAggAvailAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate Available</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_TrdArrSecuritiesAggAvailAmt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_TrdArrSecuritiesAggAvailAmt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Arrangement, Securities Aggregate Available Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_TrdArrSecuritiesAggAvailAmt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TrdArrSecuritiesAggAvailAmt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_TrdArrSecuritiesAggAvailAmt" xlink:to="lab_ecd_TrdArrSecuritiesAggAvailAmt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SecuritizedDebt_019e2292-dfef-7dd1-bd82-0793a804a68e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SecuritizedDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securitized debt</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SecuritizedDebt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SecuritizedDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securitized Debt</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SecuritizedDebt_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SecuritizedDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securitized Debt</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SecuritizedDebt" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_SecuritizedDebt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_SecuritizedDebt" xlink:to="lab_mfa_SecuritizedDebt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseInterestRate_019e2292-e082-7b48-a1b1-9295294e329a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Interest Rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseInterestRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Interest Rate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseInterestRate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseInterestRate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseInterestRate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseInterestRate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-7005-a838-8b624974d8fa_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income Taxes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure_019e2292-df52-7753-9619-7522d130ab5e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residential whole loans acquired through foreclosure ordered in lieu</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageBankingIncome_019e2292-dfef-7b43-a178-136290c22fe0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageBankingIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lima One mortgage banking income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageBankingIncome_019e2292-dfef-7922-97b4-86873cb1658a_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageBankingIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lima One mortgage banking income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageBankingIncome_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageBankingIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Banking Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageBankingIncome_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageBankingIncome" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Banking Income</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MortgageBankingIncome" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MortgageBankingIncome"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MortgageBankingIncome" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MortgageBankingIncome" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PvpTable_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PvpTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Pay vs Performance Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_ecd_PvpTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_ecd_PvpTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ecd_PvpTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_PvpTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_ecd_PvpTable" xlink:to="lab_ecd_PvpTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives_019e2292-e10d-7586-8804-cc4291d0f02d_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net (gain)/loss on derivatives</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) on Sale of Derivatives</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationShares_019e2292-df52-77f9-bd01-956b0e73215f_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase of shares of common stock (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationShares_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Repurchased During Period, Including Shares Withheld For Tax Withholding Obligation, Shares</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationShares_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationShares" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Repurchased During Period, Including Shares Withheld For Tax Withholding Obligation, Shares</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationShares" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationShares"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationShares" xlink:to="lab_mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationShares" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityFilerCategory_019e2292-e082-7627-aad9-ddc49635ab34_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Filer Category</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityFilerCategory_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Filer Category</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_DirectorMember_019e2292-e10d-728a-961c-e4ca6271a6b5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_DirectorMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-employee directors</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_DirectorMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_DirectorMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Director [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_DirectorMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_DirectorMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_DirectorMember" xlink:to="lab_srt_DirectorMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherLoansMember_019e2292-e082-7afd-a803-6924a436b408_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherLoansMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Loans [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_OtherLoansMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_OtherLoansMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Loans</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_OtherLoansMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_OtherLoansMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_OtherLoansMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_OtherLoansMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_VariableRateOption2Member_019e2292-df52-77a2-b085-77f3095ba576_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_VariableRateOption2Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Rate, Option 2</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_VariableRateOption2Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_VariableRateOption2Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Rate, Option 2 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_VariableRateOption2Member_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_VariableRateOption2Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Rate, Option 2</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_VariableRateOption2Member" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_VariableRateOption2Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_VariableRateOption2Member" xlink:to="lab_mfa_VariableRateOption2Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MultifamilyPropertiesMember_019e2292-dff0-74fb-9cb5-e667dfc11e21_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MultifamilyPropertiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Multifamily Properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MultifamilyPropertiesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MultifamilyPropertiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Multifamily Properties [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MultifamilyPropertiesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MultifamilyPropertiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Multifamily Properties</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MultifamilyPropertiesMember" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MultifamilyPropertiesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MultifamilyPropertiesMember" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MultifamilyPropertiesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateRealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnLoansAtFairValue_019f82f2-3e7a-7ad7-8bbc-cc3d2f49b253_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateRealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnLoansAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair value realized and unrealized gain/(loss)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateRealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnLoansAtFairValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateRealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnLoansAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans On Real Estate, Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Loans, At Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateRealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnLoansAtFairValue_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateRealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnLoansAtFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans On Real Estate, Fair Value Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Loans</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateRealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnLoansAtFairValue" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateRealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnLoansAtFairValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateRealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnLoansAtFairValue" xlink:to="lab_mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateRealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnLoansAtFairValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_019e2292-df52-7090-a22b-c283a8d378b8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net gain/(loss) on derivatives</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_019fb5e0-adba-7487-a6dc-1a75471e26ca_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Net gain/(loss) on derivatives</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_019e2292-df53-77c4-9e23-6aee1d22cea3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_019e2292-dfef-7572-91fb-5ee7eca94823_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_GainLossOnInvestmentsTextBlock_019e2292-dfef-7d37-80eb-10233121d8aa_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Impairment and Other Net Gain /(Loss) on Securities and Other Portfolio Investments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_VariableRateOption1Member_019e2292-df52-7ea3-9c53-ad0a1cd0ad84_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_VariableRateOption1Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Rate, Option 1</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_VariableRateOption1Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_VariableRateOption1Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Rate, Option 1 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_VariableRateOption1Member_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_VariableRateOption1Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Rate, Option 1</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_VariableRateOption1Member" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_VariableRateOption1Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_VariableRateOption1Member" xlink:to="lab_mfa_VariableRateOption1Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate_019e2292-df52-75a0-a13d-becc9bb8d395_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_019e2292-e082-7949-af47-06474abf0264_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock, Class of Stock [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" xml:lang="en-US">Stock, Class of Stock [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_mfa_AccretionAndAmortizationOfPurchaseDiscounts_019e2292-e10d-7fc2-abc3-81b9cff6d8f5_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AccretionAndAmortizationOfPurchaseDiscounts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accretion of purchase discounts and amortization of purchase premiums on residential whole loans and securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AccretionAndAmortizationOfPurchaseDiscounts_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AccretionAndAmortizationOfPurchaseDiscounts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accretion and Amortization of Purchase Discounts</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_AccretionAndAmortizationOfPurchaseDiscounts_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_AccretionAndAmortizationOfPurchaseDiscounts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" 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_AccretionAndAmortizationOfPurchaseDiscounts" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_AccretionAndAmortizationOfPurchaseDiscounts"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_AccretionAndAmortizationOfPurchaseDiscounts" xlink:to="lab_mfa_AccretionAndAmortizationOfPurchaseDiscounts" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestAndFeeIncomeFinancingReceivableNet_019fba21-f2b5-7014-9e01-c015625e65a2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestAndFeeIncomeFinancingReceivableNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestAndFeeIncomeFinancingReceivableNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestAndFeeIncomeFinancingReceivableNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest And Fee Income, Financing Receivable, Net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_InterestAndFeeIncomeFinancingReceivableNet_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_InterestAndFeeIncomeFinancingReceivableNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest And Fee Income, Financing Receivable, Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_InterestAndFeeIncomeFinancingReceivableNet" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_InterestAndFeeIncomeFinancingReceivableNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_InterestAndFeeIncomeFinancingReceivableNet" xlink:to="lab_mfa_InterestAndFeeIncomeFinancingReceivableNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_019e2292-df52-7a89-b256-f54926a405b5_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Senior notes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_019e2292-df52-758b-8e23-a523a0997941_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Notes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_019e2292-df52-7461-be87-121d4a60f242_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Senior Bonds</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansCommercialAndResidentialRealEstate_019e2292-e082-7025-9e39-1d4de9ba9b8b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansCommercialAndResidentialRealEstate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.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_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_019e2292-df52-7b10-894a-2eda87542c71_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" 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" 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/2026/dei-2026.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_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_019e2292-df52-7781-b8b3-3b30232a8b9a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Provision for/(benefit from) income taxes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_019e2292-df52-7ffc-9458-46b8cd49005a_negatedTotalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total provision/(benefit)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_019e2292-df52-7915-8761-0b4cc8243753_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total provision/(benefit)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_019e2292-df52-7ca4-b353-e5720edd4e00_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Provision for/(benefit from) income taxes</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" 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/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_019e2292-e083-72a3-875d-df15151c55f0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_019e2292-e10d-76d2-b526-89db3283a807_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Basis of Presentation and Consolidation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff_019e2292-e10d-7e0c-9aca-aa773c2d2762_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gross write-offs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Excluding Accrued Interest, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_019e2292-e10c-741f-a064-1da1f0059ed3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">VIEs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_019e2292-e10d-757e-b74f-b3016a8c0ba0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">AOCI from AFS securities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_019e2292-e10d-7eda-a5e9-70f98a0896dd_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_019e2292-df52-73d3-b6cd-68d9d9f8c0c7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Restructuring Modification [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loan Restructuring Modification [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDiscountedCashFlowMember_019e2292-dfef-7168-a80b-93c116810699_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDiscountedCashFlowMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Discounted cash flow</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDiscountedCashFlowMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDiscountedCashFlowMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDiscountedCashFlowMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDiscountedCashFlowMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDiscountedCashFlowMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDiscountedCashFlowMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementTable_019e2292-e083-7c05-bc6d-32752c6f2716_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Statement [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Statement [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SecuritiesAtFairValuePolicyPolicyTextBlock_019e2292-df53-7b1c-90b8-27a9cf7107f7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SecuritiesAtFairValuePolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securities, at Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SecuritiesAtFairValuePolicyPolicyTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SecuritiesAtFairValuePolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securities At Fair Value, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_SecuritiesAtFairValuePolicyPolicyTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_SecuritiesAtFairValuePolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securities At Fair Value, Policy</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_SecuritiesAtFairValuePolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_SecuritiesAtFairValuePolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_SecuritiesAtFairValuePolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_mfa_SecuritiesAtFairValuePolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_VariableRateComponentAxis_019e2292-e10c-7594-b5f9-99edb00c7be2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_VariableRateComponentAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Rate Component [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_VariableRateComponentAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_VariableRateComponentAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Rate Component [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_mfa_VariableRateComponentAxis_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_mfa_VariableRateComponentAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Rate Component</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_mfa_VariableRateComponentAxis" xlink:href="mfa-20260630.xsd#mfa_VariableRateComponentAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_mfa_VariableRateComponentAxis" xlink:to="lab_mfa_VariableRateComponentAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearTwoOriginatedFiscalYearBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_019e2292-dfef-74f8-861f-8b59a85ff1d1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearTwoOriginatedFiscalYearBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">2025</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearTwoOriginatedFiscalYearBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearTwoOriginatedFiscalYearBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Financing Receivable, Excluding Accrued Interest, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearTwoOriginatedFiscalYearBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearTwoOriginatedFiscalYearBeforeCurrentFiscalYear"/>
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