Foreclosure Laws

Federal Laws That Protect Homeowners During Foreclosure

Federal laws protect homeowners when facing foreclosure.

The Statute of Limitations in Foreclosure Actions

If a lender starts a foreclosure against you after the statute of limitations has expired, you can raise this issue as a defense.

Getting a Payment Deferral After a COVID-19 Forbearance

If you’ve put off making your mortgage payments with a coronavirus-related forbearance, you might be able to delay repaying the skipped amounts.

Mortgage Rules on "Ability to Repay"

The CFPB's new ability to pay rule requires mortgage lenders to make sure a borrower can afford a mortgage before issuing the loan.

Protections for High-Cost Mortgages

The 2013 HOEPA Rule adds more protections for homeowners taking out certain mortgages with high interest rates or fees.

Reverse Mortgages: Restrictions and Requirements

The FHA recently made changes to the availability of certain types of reverse mortgages, including the popular standard fixed-rate Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM).

The Periodic Statement Rule: Monthly Mortgage Statement Requirements

The new federal periodic statement rule requires mortgage lenders and servicers to provide homeowners with prompt, regular, and accurate information about their mortgage loans.

Foreclosure Relief for Homeowners With Ocwen Mortgages

Ocwen, which is the largest non-bank mortgage servicer in the country, had to pay certain borrowers money under a national mortgage settlement.

Federal Laws Protecting Homeowners: New and Existing Mortgages

Federal laws protect homeowners who have mortgages.

Laws Prohibiting Dual Tracking in the Foreclosure Context

Dual tracking occurs when a mortgage holder continues to  foreclose

Federal Laws That Cover Force-Placed (Lender-Placed) Insurance

Federal law restricts when and how a mortgage servicer can require you to pay for expensive insurance coverage that it buys on your behalf, called force-placed insurance.

National Mortgage Settlement: Rules to Help Protect Homeowners in Foreclosure

The National Mortgage Settlement with five of the largest mortgage servicers set new standards for the servicing of loans.

Federal Laws That Protect Homeowners During Foreclosure

Federal laws protect homeowners when facing foreclosure.

FAQs on Paying Your Mortgage and Foreclosure Relief During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Read our FAQs to learn how to get mortgage payment relief and foreclosure help during the coronavirus outbreak.

Getting a Payment Deferral After a COVID-19 Forbearance

If you’ve put off making your mortgage payments with a coronavirus-related forbearance, you might be able to delay repaying the skipped amounts.

National Mortgage Settlement: Who Benefited

If you had or have a mortgage serviced by Ally/GMAC, Bank of America, Citibank, JPMorgan Chase, or Wells Fargo, you might get mortgage relief under the National Mortgage Settlement.

National Mortgage Settlement: Rules to Help Protect Homeowners in Foreclosure

Ally/GMAC, Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo must follow new requirements when servicing loans and dealing with homeowners in foreclosure.

Independent Foreclosure Review Settlement

The Independent Foreclosure Review was scrapped in favor of a settlement which provides some homeowners with cash.